Setting up Active Directory (AD) on Windows Server 2025 involves several post-installation configurations to ensure security, efficiency, and seamless hybrid integration. Below are key steps and best practices for configuring AD on the latest Microsoft Server.
Post-Installation Configuration Checklist
1. Domain Controller Promotion
After installing Windows Server 2025, promote it to a Domain Controller using PowerShell:
Install-WindowsFeature AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools Import-Module ADDSDeployment Install-ADDSForest -DomainName "yourdomain.com" -DomainMode "7" -ForestMode "7" -InstallDNS
2. Enabling Security Defaults
Windows Server 2025 enhances security defaults. Enable essential audit policies via PowerShell:
Auditpol /set /category:"Account Management" /success:enable /failure:enable Auditpol /set /category:"Logon/Logoff" /success:enable /failure:enable
3. Configuring Replication
Optimize AD replication with:
Repadmin /syncall /APed
4. Hybrid Azure AD Integration
For hybrid environments, sync with Azure AD Connect:
Start-ADSyncSyncCycle -PolicyType Delta
5. Streamlining Management with RSAT
Install Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT):
Get-WindowsCapability -Name RSAT -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -Online
You Should Know: Essential AD Commands & Troubleshooting
User & Group Management
- Create a new user:
New-ADUser -Name "John Doe" -SamAccountName "jdoe" -UserPrincipalName "[email protected]" -Enabled $true
- Reset password:
Set-ADAccountPassword -Identity "jdoe" -Reset -NewPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString "P@ssw0rd123" -AsPlainText -Force)
AD Health Check
- Verify replication status:
repadmin /showrepl
- Check AD database integrity:
dcdiag /test:advertising /test:fsmocheck
Security Hardening
- Disable legacy protocols (NTLM, SMBv1):
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "SMB1Protocol" Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa" -Name "LmCompatibilityLevel" -Value 5
What Undercode Say
Windows Server 2025 brings enhanced security, better replication, and hybrid cloud readiness. Key takeaways:
✔ Always enforce strong password policies (`Set-ADDefaultDomainPasswordPolicy`).
✔ Monitor AD logs (`Get-EventLog -LogName Security`).
✔ Automate backups (`wbadmin start systemstatebackup`).
✔ Disable outdated protocols for security hardening.
For advanced auditing, consider Alejandro Leon’s AD Audit Policy Tool (Reference: LinkedIn Post).
Expected Output
A fully configured Active Directory on Windows Server 2025 with:
✅ Secure authentication
✅ Efficient replication
✅ Hybrid cloud readiness
✅ Automated management
Prediction: Microsoft will likely introduce more AI-driven AD management tools in future updates, reducing manual configurations.
References:
Reported By: Shamseer Siddiqui – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
