Setting Up Active Directory Home Lab

Aug 21, 2024

Active Directory Home Lab Setup

Introduction

  • Presenter: Jim
  • Topic: Setting up an Active Directory Home Lab using VMware Workstation
  • Purpose: Learn about Active Directory (AD) and improve IT skills

Prerequisites

  • Virtual Environment: VMware Workstation
  • Operating Systems: Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11
  • Hardware Requirements:
    • Minimum: 16 GB RAM (recommended: 32 GB)
    • CPU: At least 8 cores
    • Storage: 100 GB SSD space

Setting up Virtual Machines

Creating Windows Server 2022 VM

  1. Create a new virtual machine in VMware Workstation.
  2. Choose the option "I will install the operating system later".
  3. Select "Microsoft Windows Server 2019" (closest option).
  4. Name the VM (e.g., infost-adc).
  5. Set disk space to 60 GB and customize settings as needed.
  • RAM: 8-16 GB recommended
  • Processors: 4 cores total
  1. Attach Windows Server 2022 ISO.
  2. Power on the VM and boot from the ISO.
  3. Follow installation prompts, selecting "Desktop Experience" and accepting terms.

Creating Windows 11 VM

  1. Create a new virtual machine for Windows 11.
  2. Choose "I will install the operating system later" and select Windows 10 and later as the OS type.
  3. Name the VM (e.g., infost-pc1).
  4. Customize settings similar to the server VM.
  5. Add a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for Windows 11.
  6. Attach Windows 11 ISO and boot from it.
  7. Follow installation prompts, ensuring to select Windows 11 Pro or higher for domain join capability.

Configuring Windows Server 2022

  1. Install VMware Tools for improved VM performance.
  2. Change computer name to match VM name.
  3. Configure a static IP address and set DNS to point to itself (127.0.0.1) and a public DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8).
  4. Reboot the VM after configurations.

Setting Up Active Directory Domain Services

  1. Open Server Manager and select "Add Roles and Features".
  2. Choose "Active Directory Domain Services".
  3. Follow the prompts to install AD DS.
  4. After installation, promote the server to a domain controller creating a new forest, e.g., infost.local.
  5. Set a secure password for the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM).

Configuring Windows 11 for Domain Join

  1. Log into Windows 11 and ensure DNS settings point to the domain controller.
  2. Join the Windows 11 VM to the infost.local domain.
  3. Restart the Windows 11 VM after joining the domain.

Active Directory Management

  • Use Active Directory Users and Computers, DNS, and Group Policy tools.
  • Create user accounts (e.g., for Claire) and manage policies through these tools.

Conclusion

  • Importance of understanding and utilizing Active Directory in professional IT environments.
  • Future videos may cover Active Directory management and Group Policy in depth.