Active Directory Basics – Full Lab

Overview

In this lab, you’ll spin up a Windows Server virtual machine in Azure. The environment is intentionally small and inexpensive (roughly $2–$4). You’ll promote the server to a domain controller, build a basic Active Directory structure, create users and groups, and test authentication using both the GUI and PowerShell.

Note: This is not an Azure learning lab. Azure is used only as cheap, accessible infrastructure.

What You’ll Learn

• Deploy a Windows Server VM in Azure with minimal cost
• Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• Promote a server to a domain controller
• Design a simple, logical OU structure
• Create and manage users and security groups
• Understand how group membership controls access
• Authenticate users from a Windows client
• Perform common AD tasks via GUI and PowerShell
• Troubleshoot basic Active Directory issues

Requirements

• Internet access
• An Azure account and active subscription

Time & Cost

• Estimated time: 60–90 minutes
• Estimated cost: $2–$4 (delete resources after completion)

Downloadable Files

• Full PDF (coming soon)
• PowerShell scripts