How to enable ADUC in Windows Server 2022?

Efficient management of network resources is pivotal for any organization’s success. Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) in Windows Server 2022 is a powerful tool that facilitates this by allowing administrators to manage users, computers, and other domain resources seamlessly. This guide aims to walk you through the process of enabling ADUC on your server, ensuring you’re equipped to manage your network’s needs effectively.

Preparing for ADUC

Before diving into the activation process, ensure that your system meets the necessary prerequisites. You should have Windows Server 2022 installed and be logged in with an account that has administrative privileges.

Step 1: Installing the Active Directory Domain Services Role

The first step to accessing ADUC is to install the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role. This role is crucial for creating your domain and managing its resources.

1. Open the ‘Server Manager’ dashboard.
   
2. Click on ‘Add roles and features’.
   
3. Follow the wizard until you reach the ‘Roles’ section. Check the box next to ‘Active Directory Domain Services’ and click ‘Next’ through the rest of the screens.

   

   Click Add Features

   
   

4. Confirm your selections and click ‘Install’.
   

Step 2: Promoting Your Server to a Domain Controller

After installing AD DS, the next step is to promote your server to a domain controller. This is essential for managing your domain’s security policies and storing user account information.

1. After installing AD DS, click the notification flag in Server Manager and choose ‘Promote this server to a domain controller’.
   
2. Choose ‘Add a new forest’ and type in your desired domain name.
   
3. Follow the prompts to configure your domain controller options, set a DSRM (Directory Services Restore Mode) password, and complete the wizard.
   

Click on Install to promote to a Domain Controller

Step 3: Accessing Active Directory Users and Computers

With the AD DS role installed and your server promoted to a domain controller, you’re now ready to access ADUC.

1. In the ‘Server Manager’, navigate to ‘Tools’ in the top-right corner.
2. Select ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ from the dropdown menu.
   

You should now see the ADUC console, where you can begin managing your domain’s users and computers.

Navigating ADUC

The ADUC interface is divided into sections representing different parts of your domain, such as organizational units (OUs), users, and groups. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the layout and the types of objects you can manage.

Creating Users and Computers

Creating user and computer accounts is a fundamental aspect of managing your AD domain. Here’s a quick overview:

• To add a user: Right-click on the appropriate OU, select ‘New’, and then ‘User’. Fill in the required details and click ‘OK’.
• To add a computer: The process is similar; right-click on the OU, select ‘New’, and then ‘Computer’. Enter the computer’s name and any other pertinent information.

Best Practices for Using ADUC

• Regularly Update Password Policies: Ensure that your domain’s security is maintained by enforcing strong password policies.
• Organize Resources Using OUs: Use organizational units to categorize your users and computers, making them easier to manage.
• Backup Your AD Data: Regular backups can help you recover quickly from data loss or corruption.

Enabling Advanced Features

To leverage ADUC’s full capabilities, consider enabling advanced features by clicking on ‘View’ in the menu bar and selecting ‘Advanced Features’. This will allow you to access additional properties and security settings for objects in your domain.