Azure-Based Windows Server Active Directory Lab

Project Overview

This repository serves as a detailed walkthrough for constructing a Windows Server and Active Directory lab in Microsoft Azure. It covers virtual machine provisioning, domain controller promotion, and core administration tasks to mirror real-world enterprise operations.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: Initial Server Setup & Configuration
• Part 2: Promoting to a Domain Controller
• Part 3: Managing Active Directory Users & Groups
• Part 4: Joining a Client PC to the Domain
• Summary
• Tools, Skills, and Concepts Demonstrated

Part 1: Initial Server Setup & Configuration

Deploy a Windows Server 2022 virtual machine in Microsoft Azure, connect via Azure Bastion, configure a static private IP, and install the Active Directory Domain Services, DNS, and DHCP roles to prepare the environment for promotion.

Part 2: Promoting to a Domain Controller

Promote the server to a Domain Controller, create a new Active Directory forest, and build the foundational Organizational Unit (OU) structure used to manage future users, groups, and delegated administration.

Part 3: Managing Active Directory Users & Groups

Create and manage user accounts and security groups, demonstrate password resets, and move objects between OUs to reinforce day-to-day identity administration workflows.

Part 4: Joining a Client PC to the Domain

Provision a second Azure VM, configure DNS to locate the domain, and join the device to Active Directory to validate end-to-end connectivity and domain trust.

Summary

• Built a complete Windows Server 2022 environment from the ground up within Microsoft Azure, configuring AD DS, DNS, and DHCP.
• Established a functional domain, promoted a server to a Domain Controller, and managed users, groups, OUs, and GPOs.

Tools, Skills, and Concepts Demonstrated

Cloud & Virtualization

• Microsoft Azure for provisioning and managing cloud resources through the Azure portal.
• Azure Virtual Machines for deploying and configuring Windows Server 2022 workloads.
• Cloud cost management concepts, including deallocating and deleting resources when lab work is complete.

Windows Server & Active Directory

• Windows Server 2022 installation, configuration, and role management.
• Active Directory Domain Services promotion and forest creation.
• Active Directory Users and Computers for managing users, groups, and OUs.
• User and group lifecycle tasks including password resets, account states, and security groups.
• Designing OU structures and applying Group Policy Objects.

Networking & Security

• Azure virtual networking fundamentals, including VNets and network interfaces.
• Static IP configuration for domain-critical infrastructure.
• Azure Bastion for secure remote access without public RDP exposure.
• DNS and DHCP role configuration inside a Windows Server domain.