Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Active Directory Users and Computers on Your Network

How to Install AD Users and Computers

Installing Active Directory (AD) users and computers is a crucial step in setting up a Windows domain environment. Active Directory is Microsoft’s directory service that allows for centralized management of network resources. This article will guide you through the process of installing AD users and computers step by step.

Step 1: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Before you can install AD users and computers, you need to install the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role on a server. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Server Manager on your Windows Server.
2. Click on “Add roles and features” from the Manage menu.
3. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click “Next” to proceed.
4. Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”
5. Choose your server from the server pool and click “Next.”
6. Expand “Active Directory Domain Services” and select it.
7. Click “Next” and then “Install” to begin the installation process.

Step 2: Promote the Server to a Domain Controller

Once AD DS is installed, you need to promote the server to a domain controller. This will create the first domain in your network. Follow these steps:

1. Open Server Manager and click on “Tools” in the left-hand pane.
2. Select “Active Directory Domain Services Configuration.”
3. In the console tree, click on “Domains” and then click “New Domain.”
4. Choose “Create a new forest” and enter the root domain name (e.g., contoso.com).
5. Set the forest functional level and domain functional level according to your requirements.
6. Click “Next” and specify the directory services restore mode (DSRM) password.
7. Click “Next” and then “Next” again to review your settings.
8. Click “Next” to begin the promotion process.

Step 3: Install the AD Users and Computers Tool

After promoting the server to a domain controller, you need to install the AD Users and Computers tool to manage users and computers. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Server Manager and click on “Add roles and features” from the Manage menu.
2. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click “Next” to proceed.
3. Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”
4. Choose your server from the server pool and click “Next.”
5. Expand “Active Directory Domain Services” and select “AD Users and Computers.”
6. Click “Next” and then “Install” to begin the installation process.

Step 4: Add Users and Computers to the Domain

Now that you have installed AD DS and the AD Users and Computers tool, you can add users and computers to the domain. To add a user, follow these steps:

1. Open the AD Users and Computers tool.
2. Right-click on the “Users” container in the domain tree and select “New.”
3. Enter the user’s information, such as name, username, and password.
4. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to create the user account.

To add a computer, follow these steps:

1. Open the AD Users and Computers tool.
2. Right-click on the “Computers” container in the domain tree and select “New.”
3. Enter the computer’s name and domain name.
4. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to add the computer to the domain.

Conclusion

Installing AD users and computers is a fundamental step in setting up a Windows domain environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully install AD DS, promote the server to a domain controller, and manage users and computers in your domain. Remember to keep your domain structure organized and regularly review and update user and computer accounts to ensure a smooth operation of your network.