Windows Active Directory Lab

Enterprise-style Active Directory environment built using Windows Server, DNS, Group Policy, and centralized user management.

Project Overview

This project demonstrates the deployment and administration of a Windows Server Active Directory environment designed to simulate a small business network. The lab includes domain services, DNS, organizational units, user management, and Group Policy administration.

Lab Architecture

Windows 11 Client
        |
        |
   Domain Join
        |
        v
+-------------------+
| Windows Server    |
| Domain Controller |
+-------------------+
        |
        +---- Active Directory
        |
        +---- DNS
        |
        +---- Group Policy

Windows Server Deployment

Installed Windows Server and configured static networking to provide centralized identity and infrastructure services.

Installed Windows Server on VM
Configured static IPv4 addressing
Configured server hostname
Applied Windows Updates
Verified network connectivity

Windows — Windows Server Deployment

Active Directory Configuration

Promoted the server to a Domain Controller and configured Active Directory Domain Services.

Installed Active Directory Domain Services role
Configured domain naming structure
Verified domain controller functionality
Validated replication services

AD Config — Active Directory

User & Group Management

Created users, security groups, and organizational units to simulate a business environment.

Created Organizational Units (OUs)
Created user accounts
Configured security groups
Assigned group memberships
Implemented role-based access management

User/Group Management — Users Group and OU

User/Group Management — Users Group and OU

Group Policy Configuration

Implemented Group Policy Objects to standardize workstation configuration and security settings.

Password complexity policies
Password expiration policies
Desktop restrictions
Control Panel restrictions
Security hardening settings

Group Policy Config — Group Policy Configurations

Group Policy Config — Group Policy Configurations

DNS Services

Configured and managed DNS services required for Active Directory authentication and domain functionality.

Installed DNS Server role during Active Directory deployment
Configured DNS zones for Active Directory
Verified domain name resolution
Troubleshot DNS-related authentication and domain join issues
Validated client communication with the domain controller

Windows DNS

Security Configuration

Enforced password policies
Restricted administrative privileges
Applied Group Policy security settings

Skills Demonstrated

Windows Server Administration
Active Directory Administration
DNS Management
Group Policy Administration
User & Access Management
Network Troubleshooting
Security Policy Implementation