Install Active Directory Domain Services — by Microsoft Learn

advancedpageLink only (©)

Shows how to add the AD DS role and then run the configuration wizard that promotes a server to a domain controller, via Server Manager or PowerShell. It lists the credentials needed for a new forest versus an extra domain controller and warns not to put the AD database, logs or SYSVOL on a ReFS volume.

Quick steps

Add the Active Directory Domain Services role with Add Roles and Features
Choose Promote this server to a domain controller
Pick the deployment type (new forest, new domain, or add a controller), set the DSRM password and paths, then install
The server restarts automatically when promotion finishes

Paraphrased from the source. Menus can differ by version, so check the original for full details.

Read the full article on learn.microsoft.com

Source: Install Active Directory Domain Services by Microsoft Learn. Licence: Link only (©).

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

active directorydomain controllerwindows server

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