Windows Server 2019 is a robust server operating system designed to support a wide range of enterprise applications and services. With enhancements in security, performance, and usability, IT professionals need to understand how to set up this environment effectively and manage its configurations through Group Policy. This article provides a comprehensive guide on installing Windows Server 2019, configuring it for your organization's needs, and managing Group Policies to enforce settings and security across the network.

System Requirements for Windows Server 2019

Minimum and Recommended Hardware Requirements

Before installing Windows Server 2019, ensure that your hardware meets the following requirements:

• Processor:
  • Minimum: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
  • Recommended: 2.0 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores
• RAM:
  • Minimum: 512 MB
  • Recommended: 2 GB or more (8 GB for GUI)
• Disk Space:
  • Minimum: 32 GB (more space may be required based on server roles and applications)
• Network Interface:
  • 1 Gbps or faster network adapter is recommended.

Supported Installation Options

Windows Server 2019 offers several installation options:

• Standard Edition: Suitable for physical or minimally virtualized environments.
• Datacenter Edition: Ideal for highly virtualized environments with unlimited virtualization rights.
• Server Core: A minimal installation option with no GUI, providing a more secure and resource-efficient environment.
• Nano Server: A lightweight installation option for cloud applications and containers, requiring remote management.

Preparing for Installation

Downloading Windows Server 2019

You can download Windows Server 2019 from the official Microsoft website or through a Volume Licensing Service Center if you have a corporate license. Always verify the integrity of the downloaded ISO file using checksums provided by Microsoft.

 Creating Bootable Media

To create a bootable USB drive:

1. Use tools like Rufus or the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
2. Select the downloaded ISO file.
3. Choose your USB device and start the creation process.

Planning Server Roles and Features

Before installation, decide which roles and features your server will require. Common roles include:

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• DNS Server
• DHCP Server
• File and Storage Services

Installing Windows Server 2019

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Boot from the Installation Media: Insert the bootable USB and restart your computer. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order if necessary.
2. Select Language and Preferences: Choose your preferred language, time format, and keyboard layout.
3. Click on Install Now: Proceed to the installation wizard.
4. Enter the Product Key: Enter your Windows Server 2019 product key or select I don’t have a product key to continue with the trial version.
5. Select the Installation Type: Choose between Windows Server 2019 Standard or Datacenter and either Desktop Experience (with GUI) or Server Core.
6. Accept License Terms: Review and accept the license agreement.
7. Choose Installation Type: Opt for Custom: Install Windows only for a clean installation.
8. Select Destination Drive: Choose the drive where you want to install the operating system and proceed.

Post-Installation Configuration

After installation, complete the following configurations:

• Set Up Administrator Account: Create a strong password for the local administrator account.
• Configure Networking: Assign a static IP address to your server. Navigate to Network Connections to set the IP.
• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security to check for and install the latest updates.
• Install Drivers: Ensure all necessary drivers for network, storage, and peripherals are installed.

Understanding Active Directory

Overview of Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that facilitates the management of user accounts, computers, and other resources within a network. Key components include:

• Domain Controllers: Servers that host Active Directory and manage user authentication.
• Organizational Units (OUs): Containers used to organize users and computers logically.

Installing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

To install AD DS:

1. Open Server Manager: Click on the Windows icon and select Server Manager.
2. Add Roles and Features: Click on Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Role-based Installation: Select Role-based or feature-based installation.
4. Select Server: Choose the server from the server pool.
5. Select Server Roles: Check the box for Active Directory Domain Services.
6. Complete the Wizard: Follow the prompts and click Install.
7. Promote to Domain Controller: After installation, a notification will appear to promote the server to a domain controller. Click on it, follow the wizard, and create a new domain.

Group Policy

What is Group Policy?

Group Policy is a feature that allows IT administrators to define and control the working environment of user accounts and computer accounts within Active Directory. Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are used to apply settings and enforce security measures across the network.

Overview of Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)

The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is the primary tool for managing GPOs. To access it:

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click on Tools and select Group Policy Management.

Configuring Group Policy

Creating and Linking GPOs

To create and link a new GPO:

1. In GPMC, right-click on the domain or OU where you want to create the GPO.
2. Select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here.
3. Name the GPO appropriately and click OK.

Configuring Group Policy Settings

To configure settings within the GPO:

1. Right-click the newly created GPO and select Edit.
2. Navigate through User Configuration or Computer Configuration to set policies (e.g., password policies, software installations).
3. Close the editor to save changes.

Advanced Group Policy Management

Group Policy Inheritance and Precedence

Group Policies are applied based on a hierarchy. The order of precedence is:

1. Local Group Policy
2. Site-Level Group Policy
3. Domain-Level Group Policy
4. OU-Level Group Policy (child OUs have higher precedence than parent OUs)

Filtering and Security Settings

You can apply filters to GPOs to target specific users or computers:

• Security Filtering: Allow or deny specific groups from applying a GPO.
• WMI Filtering: Use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) queries to apply GPOs based on system properties.

Group Policy Modeling and Results

GPMC includes tools for modeling and checking results:

• Group Policy Modeling: Simulates the effect of GPOs on specific users or computers.
• Group Policy Results: Displays the resultant set of policies applied to a user or computer.

Best Practices for Group Policy Management

Organizing OUs and GPOs

For effective management, organize your OUs based on departments or roles. Limit the number of GPOs linked to each OU to avoid complexity.

Documentation and Change Management

Document all GPO settings and changes to maintain a clear history and facilitate troubleshooting.

Regular Audits and Reviews

Conduct regular audits of GPOs to ensure compliance with security policies and organizational standards. Utilize tools to check for unauthorized changes.

Troubleshooting Common Group Policy Issues

Common Problems and Their Solutions

• GPO Not Applying: Check for permissions, link status, and whether the GPO is enabled.
• Policy Conflicts: Review the precedence of GPOs and make necessary adjustments.

Tools for Troubleshooting

Utilize the following tools to diagnose issues:

• GPResult: Command-line tool that shows the Resultant Set of Policy.
• Event Viewer: Check logs related to the Group Policy application.

Setting up Windows Server 2019 and managing Group Policies effectively is critical for ensuring a secure and well-organized IT environment. By following best practices and understanding the intricacies of both installation and Group Policy management, organizations can optimize their server infrastructure for efficiency and security.