Managing Identity with Active Directory in Windows Server

Participants should have:

• Some exposure to and experience with AD DS concepts and technologies in Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 or 2025
• Experience working with and configuring Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 or 2025
• Experience and an understanding of core networking technologies such as IP addressing, name resolution, and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
• Experience working with and an understanding of Microsoft Hyper-V and basic server virtualization concepts.
• An awareness of basic security best practices.
• Hands-on working experience with Windows client operating systems such as Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Target Audience

This course is primarily intended for existing IT professionals who have some AD DS knowledge and experience and who aim to develop knowledge about identity and access technologies in Windows Server.

This would typically include: AD DS administrators who are looking to train in identity and access technologies with Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 or 2016 or System or infrastructure administrators with general AD DS experience and knowledge who are looking to cross-train in core and advanced identity and access technologies in Windows.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Install and configure domain controllers.
• Manage objects in AD DS by using graphical tools and Windows PowerShell.
• Implement AD DS in complex environments.
• Implement AD DS sites and configure and manage replication.
• Implement and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
• Manage user settings by using GPOs.
• Secure AD DS and user accounts.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and establish business continuity for AD DS services
• Implement a Hybrid Active Directory solution with Microsoft Entra ID
• Manage a Hybrid Active Directory environment

Module 1 Understanding ADDS and installing domain controllers

This module comprehensively covers all components of AD DS, different methods for installation and considerations for deploying DCs. The new features for Server 2025 Active Directory are addressed and experienced in the hands-on environment.

Module 2 Managing ADDS Objects

This module addresses all the different objects an administrator is likely to create and manage, covers the tools that will be used either GUI based, command line and advanced tools. The module concentrates on user objects, group objects and computer objects together with why those objects are necessary.

Module 3 Multiple Domain Management

This module covers the scenarios for and issues relating to multiple domains, and multiple forests together with creation and management of the trust relationships both within and between forests.

Module 4 Understanding ADDS replication and sites

To address situations where an organisation has multiple locations, this module covers how replication works in AD DS by default and what can be done to control it together with tools that can be used for monitoring AD DS replication.

Module 5 Group Policy

This module describes in detail the components of group policy, how group policy works and how to implement a group policy structure. It also describes how to configure settings, preferences and use additional administrative templates.

Module 6 Active Directory Domain Services Security

In this module, you will learn what options exist to secure domain controllers and the accounts that are authenticated. This includes account security, password security, Group Managed Service Accounts. It also explains the concept of the Read Only Domain Controller as a secure DC installation for a branch office.

Module 7 Managing, monitoring and recovery in ADDS

This module describes how to monitor, manage and maintain AD DS to ensure a highly available solution, or a solution that can be recovered if necessary. It addresses the tools that can be used, explains AD Snapshots, database management and the recycle bin

Module 8 Understanding and configuring a Hybrid Active Directory with Microsoft Entra ID

Planning and configuring directory synchronisation for a hybrid active directory is addressed in this module. It describes configuration of Entra Connect and the possible authentication options for organisations when they have an on-premises AD DS and an Entra ID.

Module 9 Managing a Hybrid Active Directory

This unique module addresses how the hybrid environment can be managed. How Self-Service Password Reset works, understand and implement Entra Password Protection in a hybrid environment and experience Conditional Access for users and devices that exist in both locations. LAPS in Entra will also be reviewed and time will be spent comparing Group Policy with Intune for managing devices.

Exams and Assessments

There are no formal exams included in this course. Participants will complete interactive labs and knowledge checks to reinforce learning outcomes.

Hands-On Learning

This course includes:

• Hands-on labs to apply key concepts in a real-world environment.

• Guided exercises demonstrating and reinforcing configuration, setup and administration.

• Instructor-led discussions and scenarios to develop skills and understanding.