How to create an Active Directory Domain

Active Directory is the directory service developed by Microsoft for its Windows operating systems.

It’s a very powerful tool that allows to manage access permissions, domains, shared folders, shared printes, proxy servers and much more in a centralized way.

We are going to show you how to create an Active Directory Domain on a Windows Server 2012 R2.

First of all, you need to install the Active Directory Domain Services role. Open the Server Manager and follow these steps:

Finally.. Active Directory Domain Services are installed on the server.. a lot of steps for such a simple installation. After the completion reboot your system:

It’s time to configure Active Directory Domain Services:

To create a new domain select Add a new forest and specify a name. Use .local after the domain name:

Select the domain features and specify a restore password:

Skip the DNS delegation configuration:

Verify the NETBIOS domain name to be sure it’s all ok:

You can modify Active Directory Domain Services file paths.. but you don’t need to:

The configuration is finished. Complete the procedure and enjoy your new Active Directory Domain: