How to Install Windows Server 2022 Core on a Hyper-V virtual machine

This is a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows Server 2022 Core on a Hyper-V virtual machine:

Step 1: Download the Windows Server 2022 ISO

  • Visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center
  • Download the Windows Server 2022 ISO image

Step 2: Install Hyper-V on Your Host Machine

  • Open Server Manager
  • Click on Add Roles and Features
  • Follow the wizard to install the Hyper-V role

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in Hyper-V

  • Open Hyper-V Manager
  • Click on New > Virtual Machine
  • Follow the wizard to set up the virtual machine. You’ll need to specify the name, generation (Generation 1 or 2), memory, network, and hard disk settings

Step 4: Connect the ISO Image to the Virtual Machine

  • In the Hyper-V Manager, select the virtual machine you created
  • Click on Settings
  • Under SCSI Controller, click DVD Drive and then Add
  • Browse and select the Windows Server 2022 ISO image

Step 5: Boot from the ISO Image

  • Start the virtual machine
  • The virtual machine should boot from the ISO image
  • Follow the Windows Setup wizard to install Windows Server 2022

Step 6: Install Windows Server 2022 Core

  • During the installation, choose the Server Core option
  • Follow the prompts to complete the installation

Step 7: Configure the Server

  • After installation, restart the virtual machine
  • Log in to the server using the Administrator account
  • Configure the server as needed using PowerShell or remote management tools

Step 8: Install Hyper-V on the Server Core

  • Open PowerShell as an Administrator
  • Run the following command to install Hyper-V:

Install-WindowsFeature -Name Hyper-V -IncludeManagementTools

  • Restart the server to complete the installation

Step 9: Verify Installation

  • Open Hyper-V Manager on the server
  • Verify that the Hyper-V role is installed and that you can create and manage virtual machines25

And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed Windows Server 2022 Core on a Hyper-V virtual machine. You can also watch my YouTube video below for the visual guidance.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Adding Active Directory RSAT Tools on Windows 10

Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) are a set of tools that IT administrators can use to manage Windows Server from a remote computer. For Windows 10 users, adding RSAT is a straightforward process that enhances their administrative capabilities, especially when managing Active Directory (AD) environments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding Active Directory RSAT Tools on Windows 10:

  • Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select ‘Settings’.
  • Access Optional Features: Navigate to ‘Apps’ and then click on ‘Optional features’.
  • Add a Feature: Click on ‘Add a feature’ at the top of the page.
  • Search for RSAT: In the search box, type ‘RSAT’ to find all the available RSAT tools.
  • Select Your Tools: Choose the specific RSAT tools you need. For Active Directory management, you might select ‘RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools’.
  • Install: Click ‘Install’ to add the selected tools to your system.

Once installed, you can access the RSAT tools from the Start menu, under ‘Windows Administrative Tools’. It’s important to note that RSAT tools are only supported on Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education editions.

For those who prefer using PowerShell, RSAT tools can also be installed via command line. Here’s an example PowerShell command to install all RSAT tools:

Get-WindowsCapability -Name RSAT* -Online | Add-WindowsCapability –Online

And to install a specific RSAT tool, such as Active Directory Domain Services tools, you would use:

Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools

By adding RSAT tools to your Windows 10 system, you enhance your ability to manage and maintain your AD environment efficiently, without the need for direct access to your servers. This not only streamlines administrative tasks but also provides a level of convenience and flexibility for IT professionals.

For more detailed instructions, kindly watch my YouTube Video below.

 

 

Enabling Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS) on Windows Server 2022

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.

 

Create and Manage Exchange Groups

Creating Active Directory Groups:

Active Directory (AD) groups are a fundamental aspect of managing and maintaining order within a network environment. They provide a way to collect user accounts, computer accounts, and other groups into manageable units, simplifying network maintenance and administration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating Active Directory groups, which can be particularly useful for IT professionals.

Step 1: Open Active Directory Users and Computers Console

Begin by launching the Active Directory Users and Computers console. This can be done by going to the “Start” menu, selecting “Administrative Tools,” and then choosing “Active Directory Users and Computers.”

Step 2: Select the Container

Once the console is open, navigate to the container where you wish to create the new group. This could be an organizational unit (OU) or the domain root, depending on your organizational structure and needs.

Step 3: Create the Group

Right-click on the container, select “New,” and then choose “Group.” A dialog box will appear prompting you to enter the group’s details.

Step 4: Enter Group Details

In the dialog box, you’ll need to provide a name for the group and, optionally, a description that outlines the group’s purpose. You’ll also need to choose the group scope (such as domain local, global, or universal) and the group type (security or distribution).

Step 5: Assign Members

After creating the group, you can assign members to it. This is done by opening the group’s properties, navigating to the “Members” tab, and using the “Add” button to include users, computers, or other groups.

Step 6: Set Permissions

If you’re creating a security group, you’ll need to assign the appropriate permissions to it. This involves setting user rights and permissions for accessing shared network resources.

Step 7: Review and Confirm

Before finalizing the group creation, review all the details to ensure accuracy. Once confirmed, click “OK” to create the group.

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Creating an Exchange Distribution Group using PowerShell

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create an Exchange Distribution Group using PowerShell:

Step 1: Open PowerShell with Administrative Privileges

To start, you need to run PowerShell with administrative privileges. This can be done by searching for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting ‘Run as administrator’.

Step 2: Load Exchange Management Shell

If you’re running Exchange on-premises, you’ll need to load the Exchange Management Shell by typing `Add-PSSnapin Microsoft.Exchange.Management.PowerShell.SnapIn` in the PowerShell window.

Step 3: Use the New-DistributionGroup Cmdlet

The cmdlet to create a new distribution group is `New-DistributionGroup`. You’ll need to provide a name for the group and can also specify other parameters such as alias, members, and restrictions.

For example, to create a basic distribution group with members, you can use the following command:

New-DistributionGroup -Name “IT Department” -Members “Member1″,”Member2″,”Member3” -OrganizationalUnit <OU Path> 

Step 4: Verify the Group Creation

To ensure that the group has been created successfully, you can use the `Get-DistributionGroup` cmdlet to list all distribution groups and verify that your new group is listed.

Step 5: Set Additional Properties (Optional)

You can set additional properties for the group using the `Set-DistributionGroup` cmdlet. This can include settings like who can send emails to the group, moderation settings, and more.

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How To Create OU’s and Nested OU’s in Active Directory

Adding Organizational Units (OUs) in Active Directory using PowerShell is a streamlined process that can save administrators a lot of time, especially when dealing with large environments. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the Active Directory module for Windows PowerShell installed. You can install it via the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) if it’s not already available.

Step-by-Step Guide

  • “Open PowerShell as Administrator”:
    • Right-click on the PowerShell icon and select “Run as Administrator”.
  • “Import the Active Directory Module”:
    • Run the following command to import the Active Directory module:

Import-Module ActiveDirectory

  • “Create a New Organizational Unit”:
    • Use the `New-ADOrganizationalUnit` cmdlet to create a new OU. Here’s a basic example:
New-ADOrganizationalUnit -Name “UserAccounts” -Path “DC=YourDomain,DC=com”

 

    • This command creates an OU named “UserAccounts” in the specified domain path.
  • “Add Additional Attributes”:
    • You can add more attributes to the OU, such as description or protection from accidental deletion:

 

New-ADOrganizationalUnit -Name “UserAccounts” -Path “DC=YourDomain,DC=com” -Description “OU for user accounts” -ProtectedFromAccidentalDeletion $True

 

  • “Creating Nested OUs”:
    • To create nested OUs, specify the path of the parent OU:

 

New-ADOrganizationalUnit -Name “Admins” -Path “OU=UserAccounts,DC=YourDomain,DC=com”

 

  • “Using a Script for Bulk Creation”:
    • For creating multiple OUs, you can use a PowerShell script. Here’s a simple example:
$OUs = @(
@{Name=”HR”; Path=”DC=YourDomain,DC=com”},
@{Name=”IT”; Path=”DC=YourDomain,DC=com”},
@{Name=”Finance”; Path=”DC=YourDomain,DC=com”}
)
foreach ($OU in $OUs) {
New-ADOrganizationalUnit -Name $OU.Name -Path $OU.Path
}

Using PowerShell to manage Active Directory OUs can significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy. By automating these tasks, administrators can focus on more strategic activities, ensuring a well-organized and secure directory structure.

You can also watch the below YouTube video to learn on Adding Bulk Users in Windows Server 2022
 

 

The Excel Sheets and PowerShell scripts discussed on this video can be downloaded from here

Feel free to ask if you need further assistance or have any questions!

 

How to Add Users in Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is an essential tool for managing users, computers, and other resources within a network. Adding users to Active Directory is a fundamental task for IT administrators. Here’s how you can do it:

Prerequisites

  • Ensure you have administrative privileges to add users to Active Directory.
  • Make sure the Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) tool is installed on your system.

Steps to Add Users

  • “Open Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)”
    • Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type `dsa.msc` and press Enter. This will open the ADUC console.
  • “Navigate to the Desired Organizational Unit (OU)”
    • In the ADUC console, expand the domain and navigate to the Organizational Unit (OU) where you want to add the new user.
  • “Create a New User”
    • Right-click on the OU, select `New`, and then click on `User`.
    • This will open the New Object – User wizard.
  • “Enter User Information”
    • In the wizard, enter the following details:
      • “First Name”: The user’s first name.
      • “Last Name”: The user’s last name.
      • “User Logon Name”: The username the user will use to log in.
      • Click `Next` to proceed.
  • “Set the User Password”
    • Enter and confirm the password for the new user.
    • You can also set options such as requiring the user to change the password at the next logon, or preventing the user from changing the password.
    • Click `Next` to continue.
  • “Complete the User Creation”
    • Review the information you have entered.
    • Click `Finish` to create the new user.
  • “Verify the User Account”
    • The new user should now appear in the selected OU.
    • You can double-click the user account to view and edit additional properties if needed.

 

Additional Tips

“Group Membership”: After creating the user, you may want to add them to specific groups to grant appropriate permissions.
“Profile Settings”: Configure user profile settings such as home directory and profile path if required.
“Account Options”: Set account options like expiration dates or logon hours if needed.

By following these steps, you can efficiently add new users to your Active Directory, ensuring they have the necessary access and permissions to perform their tasks.

You can also watch the below YouTube video to learn on Adding Bulk Users in Windows Server 2022
 

 

 

Below is the cmdlet to create an account from this sheet.

New-ADUser -Enabled $True -PasswordNeverExpires $True -SamAccountName “Alexis.David” -UserPrincipalName “Alexis.David@PS.Local” -Name “Alexis David” -GivenName “Alexis” -Surname “David” -DisplayName “Alexis David” -Path “OU=Users,OU=Human Resources,OU=PS,DC=PS,DC=local” -City Bengaluru -PostalCode 560079 -Country ‘IN’ -Company PS -State Karnataka -MobilePhone “080-2345 6789” -OfficePhone “080-2345 6789” -Division “Human Resources” -Title “HR administrator” -Department “Human Resources” -AccountPassword (ConvertTo-secureString “Welcome!”  -AsPlainText -Force) -ChangePasswordAtLogon $False
The Excel Sheets and PowerShell scripts discussed on this video can be downloaded from here

Feel free to ask if you need further assistance or have any questions!

How to Enable Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on Windows Server 2022

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is a crucial component for managing and organizing network resources in a Windows Server environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enable AD DS on Windows Server 2022.

Step 1: Open Server Manager

  • Press the “Windows” key and type “Server Manager” to open the application.
  • Once Server Manager is open, click on “Add roles and features”.

 

Step 2: Add Roles and Features Wizard

  • In the “Before You Begin” screen, click “Next”.
  • Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next”.

 

Step 3: Select Destination Server

  • Choose the server you want to install AD DS on from the server pool and click “Next”.

 

Step 4: Select Server Roles

  • In the “Select server roles” screen, check the box for “Active Directory Domain Services”.
  • A pop-up window will appear to add required features. Click “Add Features” and then “Next”.

 

Step 5: Add Features

  • In the “Select features” screen, you can add additional features if needed, but for AD DS, just click “Next”.

 

Step 6: AD DS Overview

  • Read the information about AD DS and click “Next”.

 

Step 7: Confirm Installation Selections

  • Review your selections and click “Install”. The installation process will begin.

 

Step 8: Promote the Server to a Domain Controller

  • Once the installation is complete, click on the “Promote this server to a domain controller” link.
  • In the “Deployment Configuration” screen, select “Add a new forest” and enter your “Root domain name”. Click “Next”.
  • Choose the “Forest functional level” and “Domain functional level”. Set a “Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password” and click “Next”.
  • Continue through the wizard, accepting the default settings or making changes as needed. Click “Next” until you reach the “Prerequisites Check” screen.
  • After the check completes successfully, click “Install”.

 

Step 9: Complete the Installation

  • The server will restart automatically to complete the installation.
  • After the restart, log in with your domain credentials.
  • Open “Server Manager” and verify that AD DS and DNS are installed and configured correctly.

 

Step 10: Verify AD DS Installation

  • Open “Active Directory Users and Computers” from the “Tools” menu in Server Manager.
  • Ensure that your domain and organizational units (OUs) are correctly displayed.

By following these steps, you will have successfully enabled Active Directory Domain Services on your Windows Server 2022. This setup allows you to manage users, computers, and other resources within your network efficiently.

 

You can also watch the below YouTube video to learn on How to Enable Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on Windows Server 2022

 

Feel free to ask if you need further assistance or have any questions!

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Configure Windows 10 for Best Performance and Privacy Settings

This article will explore several Windows-based operating system settings that can enhance your system’s performance. Additionally, we will learn how to configure Privacy settings.
The following settings will be discussed in this article, with detailed steps provided in the accompanying YouTube video.
  • Personalization Settings
      • Setup Taskbar View
      • Desktop Settings
      • Connect Internet
      • Start Menu Settings
      • Time & Language Settings
      • Ease of Access Settings
      • Personalization Settings
      • Taskbar Settings
  • Activate Windows
  • System Settings
  • Device Settings
  • Application Settings
  • Gaming Settings
  • Search Settings
  • Privacy Settings
  • Remove Recycle Bin from Desktop
The settings mentioned above are demonstrated in the YouTube video linked below.

Installing Windows Server 2022 on Hyper-V


This article will provide a step-by-step guide on installing Windows Server 2022 on a Hyper-V virtual machine.

Hyper-V is a virtualization platform created by Microsoft and available on most of the Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. 
To Learn on how to Enable Hyper-V on Windows 11, Read This.

Step 1: Download Windows Server 2022 Evaluation edition here (more…)

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