Build an Active Directory Lab in Microsoft Azure in 1 Hour

Deploy a virtual network in Azure to host the domain controllers for an active directory forest. Create a resource group and vnet on Prem in East US with 10.0.0.0/16 and 10.0.1.0/24.

Deploy two Windows Server 2019 domain controller VMs in an Azure availability set, each with a 10 gig standard data disk and caching off, for a resilient Active Directory lab.

Configure DC01 in Azure by preparing and formatting the data disk, installing Active Directory Domain Services, and promoting the server to the first domain controller in the forest.

Promote DC01 to a new forest domain controller, configure DNS and global catalog, set a forest name, and assign a static Azure private IP to ensure reliable AD DS operation.

Configure a custom dns server on the Azure virtual network using DCO1’s ip, restart Decota, then install active directory domain services and promote it to a domain controller.

Promote DC02 to an additional domain controller for Red Widget Corp forest, configure a static IP and DNS for the virtual network, and install AD DS with replication from DCO1.

Configure active directory sites and services to manage authentication and replication. Rename the default site to on prem and verify replication by creating a test user on DC1.

Wrap up your Azure active directory lab by confirming two domain controllers and replication, then minimize costs by stopping the VMs in the Azure portal or deleting the resource group.