Setup and Secure an Active Directory Domain Controller (in Azure)
In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to deploy an Active Directory Domain Controller on Windows Server 2019 as fast as possible. We’ll cover everything from spinning up a VM in Azure to configuring Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), setting up a secure .local domain, and creating new groups.
To top it off, I’ll also run a server hardening script (aligned to STIG best practices) to make sure your Domain Controller is as secure as possible—perfect for both a homelab or enterprise environment.
By the end of this video, you’ll have a fully functional, secure AD setup that you can expand on with Group Policy and additional servers in future labs.
👉 Drop a comment if you have any questions or run into issues—I’ll do my best to help.
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Thanks for watching!
⌚ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:14 - Microsoft Azure VM Setup
03:25 - Connecting to the Server
04:22 - Add the AD Role
05:43 - Promote Server to Domain Controller
08:24 - Reboot and Reconnect
09:27 - Active Directory Users and Computers
10:00 - Group Policy Management
10:27 - Hardening the Server - Automation
14:25 - Cleaning up Azure
15:32 - Outro
📚 RESOURCES
Download the STIG hardening script: https://github.com/simeononsecurity/S...
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