Enabling Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS)

Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS) is a critical component in a Windows Server environment, providing public key infrastructure (PKI) functionality to authenticate and secure information. If you’re looking to enable ADCS on Windows Server 2022, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Step 1: Pre-Installation Requirements

Before installing ADCS, ensure that your server has a static IP address, is named appropriately, and is joined to the domain. You’ll need to have membership in both the Enterprise Admins and the root domain’s Domain Admins group, which is the minimum requirement to complete the installation process.

Step 2: Installing ADCS via Server Manager

• Log in as a member of both the Enterprise Admins group and the root domain’s Domain Admins group.
• Open Server Manager, click ‘Manage’, and then select ‘Add Roles and Features’.
• Proceed through the wizard until you reach ‘Select Server Roles’.
• In ‘Roles’, select ‘Active Directory Certificate Services’. When prompted, add the required features.
• Continue through the wizard, reading the provided information carefully, and then confirm your installation selections.

Step 3: Configuring ADCS

After the installation, you’ll need to configure ADCS on the destination server. This involves specifying the type of CA, such as Enterprise Root CA, and setting up role services like Certification Authority.

Step 4: Using PowerShell for Installation

For those who prefer using PowerShell, the following commands can be used to install and configure ADCS:

Add-WindowsFeature Adcs-Cert-Authority -IncludeManagementTools

Install-AdcsCertificationAuthority -CAType EnterpriseRootCA

After running these commands, you’ll have successfully installed the ADCS role on your Windows Server 2022.

Conclusion

Setting up ADCS is a straightforward process that can be accomplished either through the Server Manager or PowerShell. It’s an essential step in managing certificates within your network, ensuring secure communication and authentication across your organization’s IT infrastructure.

For more detailed instructions and additional configurations, you can refer to my YouTube Video Below.

AboutPraveen Kumar

A part-time blogger and full-time techie based in India. I began my IT career in 2010. Over the past 14 years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with great leaders and various companies. Currently, I work as a Senior Technical Specialist for Microsoft Cloud Technologies. With expertise in Microsoft Azure, Endpoint Manager, Exchange Online, and Teams Online, I assist colleagues worldwide with day-to-day tasks, administration, automation, and troubleshooting IT support issues.