Ibrahim Bio Abubakar

Posted on Jul 10

How to Deploy a Windows Server 2022 Domain Controller with VirtualBox Manager

#windowsserver #networking #infosec #devops

Introduction

In this lab exercise, we will use VirtualBox Manager as our virtualization tool. It is one of the many available virtualization platforms.

A Windows Server Domain Controller is a server that runs a Windows Server operating system and is responsible for managing security and access to resources within a Windows domain.

Key functions of a Domain Controller include:

Authentication: Validates users’ usernames and passwords when they log in.
Authorization: Controls what users can access (files, folders, applications).
Centralized Management: Enables administrators to manage users, computers, and policies in one place.
Active Directory (AD): Stores and organizes information about network resources (users, groups, computers, etc.).
Group Policy Management: Enforces settings and restrictions across users and computers in the domain.

Prerequisites

Ensure the following before starting:

Your computer (Windows or macOS) has at least 16 GB of RAM.
VirtualBox is downloaded and installed.
The ISO for Windows Server 2022 is downloaded.

Step 1: Launch and Mount Windows Server 2022 in VirtualBox Manager

Click New to create and configure your virtual machine (VM).

Enter a unique name for your Windows Server. I used “Server” for this lab.
For the ISO image, browse your computer and select the downloaded Windows Server 2022 ISO file: SERVER_EVAL_x64FRE_en-us.iso.
Select Skip Unattended Installation to manually configure the VM’s settings, including hardware specifications and OS installation details.

Expand the Hardware dropdown, increase the Base Memory to at least 4096 MB, and set the Processor to 2 CPUs.

Leave the Hard Disk at the default size of 50 GB. Then select Finish to add the VM to the VirtualBox Manager.

The newly created VM ("Server") should now appear in the VirtualBox interface.

Step 2: Launch and Configure the Windows Server 2022 Virtual Machine

Ensure the Server VM is selected, then click Start in VirtualBox Manager.

Select Next.

Click Install now.

Choose Windows Server 2022 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience).
Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms and click Next.

Select Custom: Install Microsoft Server Operating System.

Click Next to install.

The installation will begin. Wait until it completes.

Create a password for the Administrator account and click Finish.

Well done! Windows Server 2022 is now successfully installed and ready for use.

Rename the PC (Recommended)

Right-click the Windows Menu and select Settings.

Click Rename this PC.

Enter the same name you used earlier in VirtualBox (e.g., Server), then click Next.

Click Restart now to apply the changes.

Step 3: Create a Domain Controller Using Server Manager

When the VM starts, Server Manager should open automatically.

If not, click the Windows Menu, search for "Server Manager," and launch it.

In Server Manager, select Manage > Add Roles and Features.

On the Before You Begin page, click Next.

On the Installation Type page, select Role-based or feature-based installation, then click Next.

On the Destination Server page, ensure your server is selected, then click Next.

On the Server Roles page, check Active Directory Domain Services. A pop-up will appear.

Click Add Features, then Next through the next few steps.

On the Confirmation page, click Install. Installation may take a few minutes.

Once completed, click the notification flag icon in Server Manager and select Promote this server to a domain controller.

On the Deployment Configuration page, choose Add a new forest, and enter a root domain name (e.g., koraconsult.com), then click Next.

On the Domain Controller Options page, accept the defaults and set a DSRM password (used for recovery). Click Next.

Proceed through the DNS Options, Additional Options, Paths, and Review Options pages by clicking Next.
On the Prerequisites Check page, click Install. This process may take several minutes and the VM will restart when done.

After restarting, log in using your domain credentials, e.g., KORACONSULT\Administrator.

Conclusion

You've successfully configured a Windows Server 2022 virtual machine and promoted it to a Domain Controller using VirtualBox—all from scratch. This hands-on lab not only strengthens your virtualization skills but also lays the foundation for deeper exploration into Active Directory, Group Policies, and enterprise IT environments.

Keep experimenting—and remember to snapshot your VM before making major changes. Happy virtualizing!