Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Step 1: Configure Networking
3. Step 2: Navigate Server Manager
4. Step 3: Add Roles and Features
5. Step 4: Set Up DHCP for IP Management
6. Step 5: Configure DNS for Name Resolution
7. Step 6: Manage Users with Active Directory
8. Step 7: Apply Group Policy
9. Step 8: Monitor with Event Viewer
10. Step 9: Explore Learning Resources
11. What’s New in Windows Server 2025
12. Conclusion
13. References
Introduction
Welcome to Crash Course: Master Windows Server 2022 in Just 1
Hour! This eBook is designed for IT professionals, system
administrators, and beginners aiming to quickly master the essentials
of Windows Server 2022. In just one hour, you’ll learn to set up,
deploy, and manage a Windows Server environment with confidence.
This guide also highlights key updates from Windows Server 2025 to
prepare you for the future. Whether you’re preparing for the AZ-800
certification or enhancing your IT skills, this concise guide combines
practical steps with the latest best practices. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Configure Networking
A robust network setup is the foundation of any Windows Server
environment.
• Access Network Settings: Open Control Panel > Network and
Sharing Center > Change Adapter Options.
• Configure IPv4 Settings:
o Set a static IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10 for training
purposes).
o Define the default gateway (e.g., your router at
192.168.1.1).
o Specify DNS server addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or a
public DNS like 8.8.8.8).
• Best Practice: Use private IP ranges (e.g., 192.168.x.x) for lab
environments to avoid conflicts. Verify connectivity with ping
commands.
• 2025 Update: Windows Server 2025 enhances networking with
Accelerated Networking (AccelNet), simplifying single root I/O
virtualization (SR-IOV) for virtual machines, improving
performance for hybrid setups.
Step 2: Navigate Server Manager
Server Manager is your central hub for managing Windows Server
2022.
Overview: Upon login, Server Manager launches automatically,
displaying details like computer name, domain status, and system
health.
• Rename the Server: Update the computer name via Local
Server settings (requires a reboot).
• Join a Domain: Move from a workgroup to a domain for
centralized management (also requires a reboot). 🖧
• Pro Tip: Regularly check the Local Server dashboard for quick
insights into server status. Use Windows Admin Center for a
modern, browser-based management interface, enhanced in
2025 for streamlined dashboards.
Step 3: Add Roles and Features
Roles and features define your server’s functionality.
• Access: In Server Manager, go to Manage > Add Roles and
Features.
• Key Roles:
o Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS): Manages
users and resources.
o DHCP Server: Automates IP assignments.
o DNS Server: Resolves domain names, now supporting
DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) for encrypted queries in
Windows Server 2022.
o Other Roles: Consider Remote Desktop Services or File
and Storage Services based on your needs.
• Features: Add tools like BitLocker for encryption or Failover
Clustering for high availability.
• Installation: Follow the wizard to install and configure
roles/features. Restart if prompted.
• 2025 Update: Windows Server 2025 improves role deployment
with advanced customization options and Azure Arc integration
for hybrid management.
Step 4: Set Up DHCP for IP Management
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) simplifies IP address
allocation.
• Install DHCP Role: In Server Manager, add the DHCP Server role
and authorize it.
• Create a Scope:
o Define an IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.10–192.168.1.100).
o Set the subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0) and default
gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
o Configure DNS settings (e.g., sea-dc1.contoso.com) and
lease duration (e.g., 8 days).
• Exclusions: Reserve IPs for static devices like printers.
• Activate Scope: Enable the scope to assign IPs dynamically.
• Monitor: Use Address Pool and Address Leases to track IP
assignments.
• Best Practice: Regularly review DHCP logs to prevent IP
conflicts. Use Windows Admin Center for easier DHCP
management.
Step 5: Configure DNS for Name Resolution
The Domain Name System (DNS) is critical for name resolution and
Active Directory.
• Install DNS Role: Add the DNS Server role via Server Manager.
• Create a Forward Lookup Zone:
o Set up a primary zone (e.g., bobsboots.com).
o Enable secure dynamic updates to prevent
unauthorized changes.
• DNS Workflow:
o A client queries a domain (e.g., host1.bobsboots.com).
o The DNS server resolves it via root name servers and
authoritative servers, returning the IP address.
• 2025 Update: Windows Server 2025 introduces LDAP client
support (via KB5029250) and channel binding audit events
(3074/3075) for enhanced DNS security.
• Pro Tip: Host your domain internally for full control or use a
provider like GoDaddy for external hosting. Test DNS resolution
with nslookup.
Step 6: Manage Users with Active Directory
Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft’s directory service for user and
resource management.
• Access AD: Go to Tools > Active Directory Users and
Computers.
• Organize with OUs:
o Create Organizational Units (e.g., Oslo > IT, Sales) to
structure users by department or role.
o Move users from the default Users container to relevant
OUs.
• Create a User:
o Add a user (e.g., James Kirk, kirkj@contoso.com).
o Set a password and options like “User must change
password at next logon” or “Password never expires” for
service accounts.
o Configure logon hours, computer restrictions, or
account expiry for temps.
• Create Groups:
o Create a security group (e.g., Oslo IT Support, domain
local).
o Add users (e.g., Jane, Kirk, Bruno) to the group.
• Assign Permissions:
o Create a folder (e.g., “Data”), right-click > Properties >
Security, and grant the group (e.g., Oslo IT Support)
permissions like full control.
• 2025 Update: Windows Server 2025 introduces Delegated
Managed Service Accounts (dMSAs), automating password
management for service accounts.
Step 7: Apply Group Policy
Group Policy centralizes user and computer configuration
management.
• Access: In Server Manager, go to Tools > Group Policy
Management.
• Create a GPO:
o Right-click an OU (e.g., IT) and create a GPO (e.g., IT
GPO).
o Edit settings under Computer Configuration or User
Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates.
o Example: Disable Control Panel access or restrict display
settings.
• Apply GPO: Link the GPO to an OU to enforce settings.
2025 Update: Windows Server 2025 enhances Group Policy
with better Azure integration, allowing policies to be applied
across hybrid environments via Azure Arc.
• Pro Tip: Use Group Policy to streamline configurations stored in
the registry (e.g., HKEY_CURRENT_USER). Test policies in a lab
before deployment.
Step 8: Monitor with Event Viewer
The Event Viewer helps you monitor and troubleshoot server activity.
• Access: Go to Tools > Event Viewer in Server Manager.
• Key Logs:
o Security Log: Monitor failed logins to detect potential
security threats.
o Application Log: Review errors (e.g., app crashes) and
search event IDs online for solutions.
o System Log: Track system issues or forwarded events
from other servers.
• 2025 Update: Windows Server 2025 improves event logging
with SMB hardening features, including protections against
brute force and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Pro Tip: Set up alerts for critical events and use Microsoft’s support
pages to resolve error codes.
Step 9: Explore Learning Resources
To deepen your Windows Server expertise:
• Microsoft Azure: Spin up a free trial to practice, but shut down
servers to avoid charges.
• Download Windows Server: Get a trial of Windows Server
2022 from the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Windows Server
2025 is available via the Windows Server Insider Program.
• Documentation: Visit learn.microsoft.com for tutorials on
installation, configuration, and AZ-800 certification prep.
• Books: Explore titles like Windows Server 2025 Administration
Fundamentals or Mastering Windows Server 2022 on Amazon
for in-depth learning.
• Pro Tip: Combine on-premises skills with Azure expertise to
excel in hybrid environments.
What’s New in Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025, released November 1, 2024, builds on Windows
Server 2022 with significant enhancements:
• Performance: Up to 60% more storage IOPS with NVMe
compared to 2022.
• Security:
o SMB over QUIC for secure file sharing over the internet.
o Hardened firewall defaults and protections against brute
force, relay, and spoofing attacks.
• Hybrid Cloud: Improved Azure Arc integration for seamless
multi-cloud and on-premises management.
• Scalability: Enhanced support for scaling up (more resources
per server) and scaling out (more servers).
• Known Issues: Be cautious of automatic upgrades to 2025
(KB5044284) in environments using third-party patch
management tools. Use Group Policy to control upgrades.
• Recommendation: Test Windows Server 2025 in a lab before
upgrading, as some OEM/retail licenses may not activate post-
upgrade.
Conclusion
Mastering Windows Server 2022 equips you with essential skills for
managing modern IT infrastructures. From configuring networking and
roles to leveraging Active Directory, Group Policy, and Event Viewer,
this crash course covers the core competencies needed to excel. With
Windows Server 2025 now available, staying updated ensures you’re
ready for hybrid, secure, and high-performance environments. Practice
these steps in a lab, explore Microsoft’s resources, and take your IT
career to the next level!
References
• Microsoft Learn: Windows Server 2025 and 2022
Documentation
• Windows Server 2025 Administration Fundamentals, Amazon
• Windows Server 2025 Free eBook, TradePub
• Windows Server 2022 Installation Guide, SoftwareKeep
• Windows Server 2025 vs. 2022, Vmorecloud
• Windows Server 2025 Blog, Microsoft
• Windows Server 2025 Upgrade Issues, PatchMyPC
• Windows Server 2025 New Features, BleepingComputer
• Windows Server Insider Program
