Windows Server 2019 Core - Installing AD Domain Services and Promote as Domain Controller (DC)

Recently I have blogged about Installing Windows Server 2019 Core and performing post installation tasks. In this blog I am going to install AD Domain Services Role and promote the server as a Domain Controller (DC).

First step is to install Active Directory (AD) Domain Services (DS) Role. Run the below cmdlet and wait for the role to be installed.

Install-WindowsFeature AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools

Then import the ADDSDeployment module by running the below cmdlet.

Import-Module ADDSDeployment

We are now ready to promote the server as a DC, run the below cmdlet

Install-ADDSForest -DomainName "abdulka.com" -InstallDNS -CreateDnsDelegation:$false -DatabasePath "C:\Windows\NTDS" -DomainMode Win2008R2 -DomainNetbiosName "ABDULKA"-ForestMode Win2008R2 -LogPath "C:\Windows\NTDS" -SysvolPath "C:\Windows\SYSVOL" -NoDnsOnNetwork -NoRebootOnCompletion

You will be prompted to enter and confirm Safe Mode Administrator Password. As you can see from the above cmdlet I have requested not to restart the server. I will restart it manually.

After the server has restarted, it's ready to login as domain administrator.

Run net share command to verify NETLOGON and SYSVOL are shared - if yes, the DC should be working correctly.

Now we have a Forest and Domain up and running, my plan is to install on premises Exchange server and set up Office 365 Hybrid.

#WindowServer2019 #WindowsServer #DomainController