Step 3 — Promote the Server to a Domain Controller

1. Start the Promotion Wizard

• Open Server Manager
• Select the notification flag at the top of the window
• Click Promote this server to a domain controller

2. Deployment Configuration

You are creating a brand-new Active Directory environment.

• Select Add a new forest
• Root domain name: Choose a private internal domain

This lab uses a private internal domain. In real environments, domain naming requires more planning — we’ll keep it simple here.

3. Domain Controller Options

• Forest functional level: Leave default
• Domain functional level: Leave default
• DNS server: Checked (default)
• Global Catalog (GC): Checked (default)

Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)

Set a DSRM password and save it. This password is required for recovery scenarios when Active Directory cannot start normally.

You will almost never use this password day-to-day, but it is critical for disaster recovery.

4. DNS Options

• You may see a warning about DNS delegation
• This is expected in a lab environment
• Select Next

5. Additional Options

• NetBIOS domain name: Accept the default

6. Paths

• Leave database, log files, and SYSVOL paths at their defaults

7. Review Options

• Review the configuration summary
• Select Next

8. Prerequisites Check

• Allow all prerequisite checks to complete
• Warnings are acceptable in a lab
• Select Install

9. Reboot and Log In

The server will automatically reboot after promotion completes.

After reboot, log in using your domain administrator account (for example: LAB\Administrator).