How to setup and install Active Directory 2019 in Azure

Question

I am looking to set up Active Directory 2019 in Azure and run Domain Controller VMs. Can someone provide steps or resources to help me achieve this?

Answer 1

Hi @Lex,Ky Business Office Manager , you’ll need to create the virtual machines that will serve as your domain controllers. You can do this using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or PowerShell. For simplicity, let’s use the Azure portal:

1. Create Virtual Machines:
   • Go to the Azure portal and navigate to "Virtual machines".
   • Click on "Add" to create a new VM.
   • Fill in the necessary details such as the resource group, VM name, region, and image (select Windows Server 2019).
   • Choose a size for your VM based on your requirements.
   • Configure the network settings, ensuring that you have a virtual network and subnet in place.
   • Under the "Management" tab, make sure to enable boot diagnostics and monitoring.
   • Review and create the VM.
2. Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS):
   • Once your VM is up and running, connect to it via Remote Desktop.
   • Open the Server Manager and select "Add roles and features".
   • Follow the wizard to install the Active Directory Domain Services role.
   • After the installation, promote the server to a domain controller by selecting "Promote this server to a domain controller" in the Server Manager.
   • Configure the domain controller settings, including the domain name, forest functional level, and DNS settings.
   • Complete the wizard and restart the server.
3. Configure DNS Settings:
   • After the server restarts, open the DNS Manager and configure your DNS settings.
   • Ensure that your DNS zones are correctly set up and that the domain controller is listed as a DNS server.
4. Verify Installation:
   • Open the Active Directory Users and Computers console to verify that your domain is set up correctly.
   • Check the DNS Manager to ensure that your DNS zones are functioning properly.
   • Create a reverse lookup zone and update the pointer record for the domain controller.

This video also details this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDMQ68OmQIQ

Please let me know if you have any questions and I can help you further.

If this answer helps you please mark "Accept Answer" so other users can reference it.

Thank you,

James