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Windows Server 2012 Domain Controllers

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The most recent edition of Microsoft’s server OS has introduced some changes on how common tasks have been performed until now. While on Windows Server 2000 and later editions, the dcpromo command was used to promote or demote a domain controller, in Windows Server 2012 dcpromo has been discontinued and it is no longer available. Instead of it, the role-installation based procedure should be used to add Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS) role and run the configuration wizard once role installation is completed. The following image illustrates that.

So, in case you need to build a domain controller for a new domain or to add it to your existing one, you will need to consider the following points before proceeding:

  • Windows Server 2012 requires a minimum of Windows Server 2003 forest functional level.
  • The Windows Server 2012 forest functional level does not provide any new features.
  • The Windows Server 2012 domain functional level does not provide any new other features beside support for Dynamic Access Control and Kerberos armoring.
  • After you set the forest and domain functional level to a certain value, you cannot roll back or lower the forest functional level, but there are some exceptions. Read Understanding AD DS Functional Levels.
  • A domain controller that runs Windows Server 2012 can be used for virtual domain controller cloning. Read Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Virtualization.

To build your domain controller you can use PowerShell, the Server Manager console or a combination of both (i.e. installing the role with Server Manager and creating your domain with PowerShell). A good thing of Microsoft’s professional community is that every time a new version is released, tons of good documentation are shared on Internet, and I don’t need to go through the entire Step-By-Step. Check the following Microsoft links for that:

Remember that Windows Server 2012 and Microsoft’s eBook Introducing Windows Server® 2012, are both available for free, check Free Windows Server 2012 Resources Available.