Windows Server Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Configuration

Introduction

Windows Server forms the backbone of enterprise IT infrastructure. Many critical services — from file sharing to Active Directory, and from DNS to DHCP — run on Windows Server. In this guide, we walk through the installation and basic configuration of Windows Server 2022 step by step.

Prerequisites

Prepare the following before starting the installation:

• Hardware: Minimum 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 512 MB RAM (2 GB for GUI), 32 GB disk
• License: Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter license
• Installation media: ISO file or USB
• Network plan: Static IP, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS the server will use

Installation Steps

1. Booting from ISO

Change the boot order to USB/DVD in your BIOS/UEFI settings. When the Windows Setup screen appears:

• Language: Select your preferred language
• Edition: Choose Standard (Desktop Experience) — management is easier with the GUI
• Installation type: Select Custom to perform a clean installation

2. Disk Partitioning

Recommended disk layout for enterprise environments:

• C:\ — Operating system (minimum 100 GB)
• D:\ — Data and shares
• E:\ — Backup (optional)

If there is only a single disk, create at least 2 partitions; separate system from data.

3. Basic Settings After First Boot

Server Manager opens automatically when installation is complete. Proceed in the following order:

Rename the computer:

Navigate to Server Manager → Local Server → Computer Name → Change. Choose a meaningful name: SRV-DC01, SRV-FILE01, and so on.

Assign a static IP:

Go to Network Adapter → Properties → IPv4 and enter the following values:

• IP: 192.168.1.10
• Subnet: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 192.168.1.1
• DNS: 127.0.0.1 (after the DC is set up)

Run Windows Update:

Install all updates after installation; then restart.

4. Installing Active Directory Domain Services

Adding the role:

Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features, then install Active Directory Domain Services along with the automatically suggested DNS Server role.

Domain setup:

After the role is installed, click the yellow warning icon and follow these steps:

• Click Promote this server to a domain controller
• Select Add a new forest
• Enter yourcompany.local as the Root domain name
• Select Windows Server 2016 for the Forest/Domain functional level
• Set the DSRM password

After restarting, the server will begin operating as a domain controller.

5. Basic Group Policy Configuration

Password policy:

Navigate to Group Policy Management → Default Domain Policy → Edit, then go to Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Account Policies → Password Policy and set the following values:

• Minimum length: 8
• Complexity: Enabled
• Max age: 90 days

Account lockout:

Under the same section, in Account Lockout Policy, enter the following values:

• Lockout threshold: 5 attempts
• Lockout duration: 30 minutes

Common Errors and Solutions

Conclusion

When Windows Server is installed and configured correctly, it forms the secure and manageable infrastructure of the corporate network. As NRC Sistem, we support your organization through Windows Server installation, Active Directory design, and subsequent maintenance processes.