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This project demonstrates the setup and configuration of a Windows Active Directory (AD) Lab in a virtualized environment. The goal of this lab is to replicate a real-world enterprise environment for practicing identity management, authentication, group policy, and security monitoring
Domain Controller (Windows Server) – Configured with Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS).
Windows 10/11 Clients – Joined to the domain for centralized management.
Active Directory Users & Groups – Created to simulate a corporate environment.
Group Policy Objects (GPOs) – Used to enforce security policies, drive mapping, and desktop restrictions.
DNS & DHCP Services – Configured for name resolution and IP address assignment.
VirtualBox / VMware / Hyper-V (for virtualization)
Windows Server 2019/2022
Windows 10/11
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
Install and configure Windows Server as a Domain Controller.
Configure DNS and DHCP.
Create Organizational Units (OUs) to reflect a company structure.
Add users and groups into AD.
Join client machines to the domain.
Apply Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce rules (password policies, desktop restrictions, drive mapping).
Test authentication and permissions across different accounts.
By completing this lab, I:
Developed a strong foundation in Active Directory administration.
Practiced user/group management, authentication, and policy enforcement.
Built a reusable test environment for future security and SOC labs