Table of Contents

Welcome to the Windows Server documentation. This comprehensive guide covers everything from initial setup to advanced configuration, security hardening, and automation.

Getting Started

New to Windows Server? Start here for installation, initial configuration, and essential concepts.

Getting Started Guide

Learn about Windows Server editions, installation options, and initial configuration. Covers:

  • Windows Server editions (Standard vs. Datacenter)
  • Server Core vs. Desktop Experience
  • Installation and post-installation setup
  • Domain joining and activation
  • Management tools (Windows Admin Center, RSAT, PowerShell Remoting)

⏱️ Time to complete: 30-60 minutes

Server Roles

Configure specific server functionality with Windows Server roles.

Server Roles Overview

Explore available server roles and learn how to install and configure them:

  • Active Directory Domain Services - Identity and access management
  • DNS Server - Name resolution services
  • DHCP Server - Automatic IP address assignment
  • File and Storage Services - File sharing and storage management
  • Web Server (IIS) - Web application hosting
  • Hyper-V - Virtualization platform

Popular roles: AD DS, DNS, File Services, Hyper-V

Configuration Management

Automate and standardize your Windows Server environment.

Configuration Overview

Quick-start guide for essential Windows Server configuration tasks.

Configuration Management

Comprehensive guide covering:

  • PowerShell automation and remoting
  • Desired State Configuration (DSC)
  • Group Policy management
  • Package management with winget
  • Extensive troubleshooting section

⏱️ Time to read: 45-60 minutes

Security

Protect your Windows Server infrastructure with proven security practices.

Security Quick Start

Harden your server in 15-30 minutes with these essential security configurations:

  • 5 quick wins for immediate security improvements
  • Role-based security checklists
  • CIS Benchmark compliance check
  • Comprehensive troubleshooting

Perfect for new deployments or rapid security improvements.

Security (Advanced)

Comprehensive enterprise security documentation covering:

  • Domain controller hardening
  • Privileged access management
  • Compliance frameworks (CIS, NIST, STIG)
  • Advanced threat protection
  • Security monitoring and auditing

⏱️ Time to read: 90-120 minutes

Deployment Scenarios

Follow step-by-step guides for common real-world deployments.

End-to-End Scenarios

Complete deployment guides with architecture diagrams, prerequisites, and troubleshooting:

  • Secure File Server - FSRM, SMB encryption, DFS, quotas
  • IIS Web Application - SSL/TLS, app pools, security headers, URL rewrite
  • Privileged Access Workstation (PAW) - BitLocker, AppLocker, network restrictions

Each scenario includes:

  • Architecture diagrams
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Validation procedures
  • Troubleshooting guidance

⏱️ Time per scenario: 30-90 minutes

Quick Reference

Common Tasks

# Join domain
Add-Computer -DomainName "contoso.local" -Credential (Get-Credential) -Restart

# Install server role
Install-WindowsFeature -Name RoleName -IncludeManagementTools

# Configure networking
New-NetIPAddress -IPAddress 192.168.1.10 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses 192.168.1.1

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

# Windows Update
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate -Force
Get-WindowsUpdate -Install -AcceptAll
Category Link
Official Docs Microsoft Windows Server Documentation
PowerShell PowerShell Documentation
Security Windows Security Baselines
Admin Center Windows Admin Center
Community Windows Server Subreddit

Documentation Structure

This documentation is organized into logical sections:

windows/
├── getting-started/     # Installation and initial setup
├── server-roles/        # AD DS, DNS, DHCP, File Services, IIS, Hyper-V
├── configuration/       # PowerShell, DSC, Group Policy, automation
├── security/            # Security hardening and compliance
└── scenarios/           # Real-world deployment guides

Support and Contributing

Get Help

Report Issues

Found an error or have a suggestion? Report it through your organization's documentation feedback channels.

Last Updated: December 30, 2024
Feedback: Use your organization's documentation feedback process to suggest improvements.

Edit this page