Getting Started with Windows Server

Introduction

Welcome to the foundational guide for Windows Server. This documentation will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for setting up and beginning your journey with Windows Server, a powerful and flexible platform for modern businesses.

Whether you're new to server administration or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide provides a clear path to understanding the core concepts, installation procedures, and initial configuration required for a successful deployment.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

A compatible hardware system meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements for your chosen Windows Server version.
A valid Windows Server license or installation media.
Basic understanding of networking concepts (IP addressing, DNS, DHCP).
Administrator privileges on the machine where you plan to install Windows Server.

Note: Always refer to the official Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date hardware and software requirements.

Installation Options

Windows Server offers different installation options, each with its own advantages:

Server Core

This is a minimal installation option that includes only the essential components for running server roles. It has no graphical user interface (GUI) by default, requiring management via command line or remote tools. Server Core is ideal for reducing the attack surface, minimizing resource usage, and simplifying patching.

Server with Desktop Experience

This option provides a full graphical user interface, similar to a desktop operating system. It's suitable for environments where a GUI is preferred for administration or for running applications that require a desktop environment. This is often referred to as the "Standard" or "Desktop Experience" installation.

Tip: For most new deployments focused on core server roles like Active Directory, DNS, or file servers, Server Core is recommended for its security and efficiency benefits.

Initial Configuration

Once Windows Server is installed, several initial configuration steps are crucial:

Computer Name

Assigning a meaningful and unique name to your server is vital for identification and management within your network.

You can change the computer name via:

Server Manager: Local Server > Computer Name.
System Properties: Right-click This PC > Properties > Change settings > Computer Name tab.

PowerShell:

Rename-Computer -NewName "YourNewServerName" -Restart

Network Settings

Proper network configuration is essential for connectivity and communication.

Configure a static IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.
Ensure these settings align with your network's infrastructure.

You can configure network settings via:

Server Manager: Local Server > Ethernet (or your network adapter name).

PowerShell:

New-NetIPAddress -IPAddress 192.168.1.10 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses "8.8.8.8", "8.8.4.4"

Windows Update

Keeping your server updated is critical for security and stability.

Run Windows Update to install the latest security patches and feature updates.
Consider configuring Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) for centralized update management in larger environments.

You can access Windows Update via:

Server Manager: Local Server > Windows Update.
Settings App (if Desktop Experience is installed).

Remote Desktop

Enable Remote Desktop to allow secure remote access to your server's desktop (if using Desktop Experience) or command line.

Enable Remote Desktop via:

Server Manager: Local Server > Remote Desktop.
System Properties: Right-click This PC > Properties > Remote settings.

PowerShell:

Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server' -Name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 0
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

Key Roles and Features

Windows Server is designed to host various roles and features that provide essential network services. Some of the most common include:

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): For managing users, computers, and security policies.
DNS Server: For name resolution.
DHCP Server: For automatic IP address assignment.
File and Storage Services: For sharing files and managing storage.
Web Server (IIS): For hosting websites and web applications.
Remote Access: For VPN and DirectAccess services.

You can install roles and features using Server Manager or PowerShell.

Best Practices

Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and services only the permissions they need.
Regular Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy.
Security Hardening: Disable unnecessary services, configure firewalls, and keep systems patched.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor server performance, event logs, and resource utilization.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of your server configurations.

Next Steps

After completing the initial setup, you'll want to explore:

Installing and configuring specific server roles based on your needs.
Securing your server environment.
Implementing monitoring and management solutions.
Exploring advanced features like Hyper-V, Failover Clustering, and PowerShell scripting.

Refer to the detailed documentation for each role and feature for in-depth guidance.