How to Create an Active Directory Domain With Windows Server 2022

Introduction:

In this guide, we’ll outline the key steps to integrate a
Windows Server 2022 into a domain. From the initial installation to configuring
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), we’ll cover crucial aspects like
network adapter setup, DNS configuration, and server promotion. Whether you’re
an IT pro or a novice, following these steps will help establish a secure
domain controller for efficient network management and authentication.

Let’s dive into the essential steps to seamlessly integrate
Windows Server 2022 into your domain.

Preparing the Network Adapter and Setting the Server
Name:

Before diving into the integration process, it’s crucial to
set up the network adapter and assign a meaningful name to your server. For
detailed instructions on changing the server name, refer to our guide here.

Now, let’s focus on configuring the network adapter for your
Windows Server 2022 domain controller. This step involves ensuring proper
TCP/IPv4 and DNS settings. Follow these guidelines to guarantee a smooth and
secure network setup:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Change the View by setting to “Large icons.”
3. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”

4. Navigate to “Change adapter settings.”

5. Right-click on the relevant network card and select “Properties.”

6. In the Properties window, locate and select “Internet Protocol Version 4
   (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button.

7. Choose the “Use the following IP address” option.
8. Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

When setting up the default gateway, enter the IP address to
which the system routes external networks, typically that of your router. For
DNS, input the IP address of the server responsible for translating names to IP
addresses; it’s preferable to use an internal DNS server for the proper
functioning of Active Directory.

9. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Creating a Domain Controller:

1. Open Server Manager:
• Launch
  Server Manager on your Windows Server 2022.
2. Navigate to Add Roles and Features:
• In Server Manager, go to “Manage” and click on “Add Roles and
  Features.”
• Proceed by clicking “Next” on the “Before You Begin” screen.

3. Select Installation Type:
• Keep the default settings for “Installation Type” and click
  “Next.”
4. Choose
   Server:
• In the “Server Selection” section, choose the appropriate server
  and click “Next.”
5. Select
   Active Directory Domain Services:
• Under “Server Roles,” select “Active Directory Domain
  Services.”
• Click on “Add Features” and then proceed by clicking
  “Next.”

6. Confirm Features and AD DS:
• Click “Next” for the “Features” section.
• Again, click “Next” for the “Active Directory Domain Services” section.
  
  
7. Initiate Installation:
• Click “Install” to begin the installation process.

Initiating Domain Controller Promotion:

8. Promote Server to Domain Controller:
• Once the installation is complete, click on “Promote this server to a domain controller.”

9. Configure Domain Settings:
• Select “Add a new forest” for a new domain.
• In “Root domain name,” input the desired name for your domain.
• Click “Next” to proceed.

10. Set Domain Controller Options:
• In “Domain Controller Options,” enter a password and click “Next.”

11. Configure DNS Options:
• Continue by clicking “Next” for the default DNS options.
12. Additional Options:
• For “Additional options,” you can keep the default settings.
• Click “Next” to proceed.
  
  

13. Define Paths:
• Navigate through “Paths” by clicking “Next.”
14. Review and Confirm:
• In “Review Options,” confirm your choices and click “Next.”
15. Prerequisites Check and Installation:
• After the Prerequisites check, click “Install” to initiate the process.

16. Restart the Server:
• Restart the server promptly after completing the installation to apply domain
  controller configurations.
17. Verify Domain Integration:
• After the restart, open Server Manager to confirm the server’s is a domain controller.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on successfully integrating your Windows
Server 2022 into the domain! By following these comprehensive steps, from
network adapter configuration to setting up Active Directory Domain Services
and promoting the server to a domain controller, you’ve laid a robust
foundation for efficient network management and secure authentication.

For any additional guidance or specific details, refer to
our guide on changing the server name here.

Thank you for choosing our guide, and best of luck with your
Windows Server 2022 domain setup!