Step-by-Step Guide- How to Install Active Directory on Windows 10 for a Secure and Centralized Network Management

How to Install Active Directory on Windows 10

Installing Active Directory on Windows 10 is a crucial step for anyone looking to set up a domain environment for their network. Active Directory is a directory service that allows administrators to manage and organize large numbers of users, computers, and other resources in a network. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Active Directory on Windows 10, ensuring that you have a solid foundation for your network infrastructure.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation process, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet:

1. A Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise edition: Active Directory is only available in these editions.
2. A system with at least 2GB of RAM and 300MB of disk space.
3. A static IP address for the server.
4. A network with a DNS server configured.
5. Administrative privileges on the server.

Step 1: Preparing the Server

1. Open Server Manager by clicking on the Start button and typing “Server Manager” in the search box.
2. In Server Manager, click on “Add roles and features” to start the Add Roles and Features Wizard.
3. Click “Next” to proceed through the wizard.
4. Choose “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”
5. Select the server from the list of servers and click “Next.”

Step 2: Adding Active Directory Domain Services

1. In the “Select server roles” section, scroll down and select “Active Directory Domain Services.”
2. Click “Next” to proceed.
3. Review the information provided in the “Before you begin” section and click “Next.”
4. In the “Select features” section, ensure that “DNS Server” is checked, as it is required for Active Directory to function correctly.
5. Click “Next” to proceed.
6. Review the information in the “AD DS” section and click “Next.”
7. In the “Select an installation type” section, choose “Add a new forest” and click “Next.”
8. Enter the root domain name for your network, for example, “example.com,” and click “Next.”
9. Set the forest functional level to the appropriate level for your network requirements and click “Next.”
10. Set the domain functional level to the appropriate level for your network requirements and click “Next.”
11. Choose the location for the directory database, log files, and SYSVOL, and click “Next.”
12. Set the password for the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) and click “Next.”
13. Review the information in the “Review summary” section and click “Install.”

Step 3: Completing the Installation

1. Once the installation is complete, click “Close” to exit the Add Roles and Features Wizard.
2. Restart the server to apply the changes.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Active Directory on Windows 10. You can now begin configuring your domain environment and managing users, computers, and resources within your network.