From Server to Domain Controller, Promoting to a Domain Controller on Windows Server 2022

Promoting a Windows Server 2022 to a domain controller in an existing domain is a crucial task in managing a Windows Server environment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Ensure you have administrative privileges on the network and the server before proceeding.
Prerequisites
Windows Server 2022 Installation: Make sure Windows Server 2022 is installed on the server you intend to promote.
Network Configuration: Configure a static IP address on the server to avoid IP changes, which can cause issues with domain services.
Active Directory Domain Services Role: The server must be a member of the domain in which you're promoting it to a domain controller.
Steps to Promote Windows Server 2022 to a Domain Controller
Step 1: Add the Server to the Domain
If the server isn't already a member of the domain, add it by:
Opening the Server Manager.
Clicking on Local Server.
Clicking on Workgroup - Change - Domain, and entering the domain name. You'll need domain admin credentials to join the domain.
Step 2: Install Active Directory Domain Services Role
Open Server Manager.
Click on Manage - Add Roles and Features.
Click Next until you reach the Server Roles section.
Select Active Directory Domain Services. When prompted, add features that are required for Active Directory Domain Services.
Click Next and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 3: Promote the Server to a Domain Controller
After installing the AD DS role, a notification appears in Server Manager prompting you to promote the server to a domain controller.
Click on the notification flag, then click Promote this server to a domain controller.
Choose Add a domain controller to an existing domain.
Enter the domain information and provide credentials with the necessary privileges.
Choose the Domain Controller Options, such as the Forest and Domain functional level, and specify the Directory Services Restore Mode password.
Follow through the wizard, configuring additional options like DNS and GC as required.
Verify the options on the Prerequisites Check page. It will run checks to ensure your server meets all requirements for promotion.
Click Install to begin the promotion process.
Step 4: Verification
After installation, the server will reboot. You can verify the promotion by:
Logging in with a domain account.
Using tools like Active Directory Users and Computers or Active Directory Administrative Center to ensure the server is listed as a domain controller.
Post-Installation Tasks
Review the Event Logs: Check for any warnings or errors that might have occurred during the promotion.
Backup Strategy: Ensure you have a backup strategy for your new domain controller, including system state and Active Directory data.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during the promotion, the event logs and the results of the prerequisites check provide valuable information for troubleshooting.
This guide outlines the process for promoting a server to a domain controller within an existing domain. Always ensure your server and network configurations meet all prerequisites for a smooth and successful promotion.

[@iralagirireddy7122]

Easy to understand. Thanks for the video

[@mwcloud]

Thank you for taking the time to comment😊

[@garrettbishop9813]

Great explanations. Just a heads up, it looks like the video begins skipping at about 9:45 or so and then eventually just freezes up until the end. Not sure if it's just me. I tried a different browser as well.

[@mwcloud]

That’s weird, same for me. I’ll re-up when I get back to my computer. Thanks for the comment

[@shaftry]

thank you