User Guide: Windows Server 2025 Role and Feature Configuration

Windows Server 2025 is Microsoft’s latest server operating system, designed to address the growing demands of modern IT environments. With a focus on enhanced security, improved performance, and streamlined management, this version introduces several significant updates.

According to a 2023 survey by Gartner, 67% of enterprises plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 within its first year of release, highlighting the industry’s rapid adoption rate. The new features, such as advanced threat protection and hybrid cloud capabilities, make it an attractive choice for businesses aiming to bolster their IT infrastructure.

Additionally, Microsoft has focused on making server management more intuitive, with tools like the updated Windows Admin Center. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to configuring the various roles and features in Windows Server 2025, ensuring you can leverage its full potential for your organizational needs.

Step 1: Installing Roles and Features via Server Manager

Installing roles and features in Windows Server 2025 can be done efficiently using the Server Manager. This tool simplifies the process, allowing administrators to configure necessary components quickly.

Accessing Server Manager

• Open Server Manager from the Start menu or using the shortcut Win + X.
• Server Manager opens automatically upon logging into Windows Server 2025.

Adding Roles and Features

• Click on “Manage” in the top-right corner of Server Manager.
• Select “Add Roles and Features” from the drop-down menu.
• Follow the “Add Roles and Features Wizard,” starting with the “Before you begin” page.

Role-based or Feature-based Installation

• Choose the “Role-based or feature-based installation” option and click “Next”.
• Select the destination server from the server pool and click “Next”.

Step 2: Using PowerShell for Role and Feature Configuration

PowerShell offers a powerful command-line interface for managing Windows Server 2025 roles and features. This method is particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks.

Launching PowerShell

• Open PowerShell as an administrator from the Start menu.
• Use the command Get-WindowsFeature to list all available roles and features.

Installing Roles and Features

• To install a role, use the command ‘Install-WindowsFeature -Name <role_name>.
• For example, to install the DNS Server role, type Install-WindowsFeature -Name DNS.

Step 3: Configuring Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is essential for managing user and resource access in a networked environment. Configuring AD DS involves installing the role and promoting the server to a domain controller.

Installing AD DS

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell to install the AD DS role.
• For PowerShell, type Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services.

Promoting the Server to a Domain Controller

• After installation, open Server Manager, click on the notification flag, and select “Promote this server to a domain controller”.
• Follow the “Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard” to complete the process.

Step 4: Setting up DNS Server Role

The DNS Server role is crucial for resolving domain names to IP addresses and ensuring accessible network resources. Setting up DNS involves installing the role and configuring DNS zones.

Installing DNS Server

• Use Server Manager to add the DNS Server role.
• In PowerShell, type Install-WindowsFeature -Name DNS.

Configuring DNS Zones

• Open the DNS Manager from the Server Manager.
• Right-click on “Forward Lookup Zones” and select “New Zone” to create a new DNS zone.

Step 5: Configuring DHCP Server Role

The DHCP Server role dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network, simplifying network management. Configuring DHCP involves installing the role and setting up DHCP scopes.

Installing DHCP Server

• Add the DHCP Server role using Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name DHCP).

Setting up DHCP Scopes

• Open the DHCP Manager from Server Manager.
• Right-click on “IPv4” and select “New Scope” to configure a new DHCP scope.

Step 6: Managing File and Storage Services

File and Storage Services in Windows Server 2025 allow administrators to manage file shares and storage resources effectively. This section covers the installation and configuration of these services.

Installing File and Storage Services

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name FS-FileServer) to install the role.

Creating and Managing File Shares

• Open Server Manager, go to “File and Storage Services”.
• Right-click on “Shares” and select “New Share” to create a file share.

Step 7: Configuring Hyper-V Role

Hyper-V provides robust virtualization capabilities, enabling the creation and management of virtual machines. Configuring Hyper-V involves installing the role and setting up virtual machines.

Installing Hyper-V

• Add the Hyper-V role via Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name Hyper-V).

Creating Virtual Machines

• Open Hyper-V Manager from Server Manager.
• Right-click on your server, select “New”, then “Virtual Machine” to create a new VM.

Step 8: Setting up Web Server (IIS)

The Web Server (IIS) role is essential for hosting web applications and services. This section explains how to install IIS and configure websites.

Installing IIS

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server) to install IIS.

Configuring Websites

• Open the IIS Manager from Server Manager.
• Right-click on “Sites” and select “Add Website” to configure a new website.

Step 9: Configuring Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) enable remote access to the server and applications. This section guides you through installing and setting up RDS.

Installing RDS

• Use Server Manager to add the RDS role.
• For PowerShell, type Install-WindowsFeature -Name RDS-RD-Server.

Setting Up Remote Desktop Session Host

• Open Server Manager, go to “Remote Desktop Services”.
• Follow the wizard to configure the session host and collections.

Step 10: Configuring Network Policy and Access Services (NPAS)

Network Policy and Access Services (NPAS) help manage network policies and access control. This section details the installation and configuration of NPAS.

Installing NPAS

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name NPAS) to install the role.

Configuring Network Policies

• Open the Network Policy Server (NPS) console.
• Create and manage network policies under “Policies” in the NPS console.

Step 11: Setting up Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

WSUS allows administrators to manage the distribution of updates released by Microsoft. This section explains how to install and configure WSUS.

Installing WSUS

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name UpdateServices) to install WSUS.

Configuring WSUS

• Open the WSUS console from Server Manager.
• Follow the wizard to configure WSUS and synchronize updates.

Step 12: Configuring Failover Clustering

Failover Clustering provides high availability and scalability for applications and services. This section covers the installation and setup of failover clusters.

Installing Failover Clustering

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name Failover-Clustering) to install the feature.

Setting Up a Failover Cluster

• Open the Failover Cluster Manager from Server Manager.
• Follow the wizard to create and configure a new cluster.

Step 13: Setting up Print and Document Services

Print and Document Services manage print servers and queues, enhancing print resource management. This section guides you through the installation and configuration.

Installing Print and Document Services

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name Print-Services) to install the role.

Managing Printers and Print Queues

• Open the Print Management console from Server Manager.
• Add and manage printers and print queues under “Print Servers”.

Step 14: Configuring Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) enable network-based installation of Windows operating systems. This section explains the installation and configuration of WDS.

Installing WDS

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name WDS) to install the role.

Setting Up WDS

• Open the Windows Deployment Services console from Server Manager.
• Follow the wizard to configure WDS and add installation images.

Step 15: Managing Group Policy

Group Policy Management is crucial for administering policies across the network. This section covers the installation and management of Group Policy.

Installing Group Policy Management

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name GPMC) to install the feature.

Configuring Group Policies

• Open the Group Policy Management console from Server Manager.
• Create and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) under “Group Policy Objects”.

Step 16: Configuring Windows Defender Antivirus

Windows Defender Antivirus provides built-in security for Windows Server 2025. This section covers enabling and managing antivirus settings.

Enabling Windows Defender Antivirus

• Windows Defender Antivirus is enabled by default in Windows Server 2025.

Managing Antivirus Settings

• Open the Windows Security app from the Start menu.
• Configure antivirus settings under “Virus & threat protection”.

Step 17: Setting Up Distributed File System (DFS)

The Distributed File System (DFS) provides a unified namespace and replication for file shares. This section guides you through the installation and configuration of DFS.

Installing DFS

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name FS-DFS-Namespace) to install DFS.

Configuring DFS Namespaces

• Open the DFS Management console from Server Manager.
• Create and manage DFS namespaces and replication groups.

Step 18: Configuring Network Load Balancing (NLB)

Network Load Balancing (NLB) distributes traffic across multiple servers to ensure high availability. This section explains the installation and configuration of NLB.

Installing NLB

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name NLB) to install the feature.

Setting Up NLB Clusters

• Open the Network Load Balancing Manager from Server Manager.
• Follow the wizard to create and configure NLB clusters.

Step 19: Configuring BranchCache

BranchCache optimizes content delivery by caching content from central servers at branch offices. This section details the installation and setup of BranchCache.

Installing BranchCache

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name BranchCache) to install the feature.

Setting Up BranchCache

• Open the Group Policy Management console.
• Configure BranchCache settings under “Computer Configuration” > “Policies” > “Administrative Templates” > “Network” > “Offline Files”.

Step 20: Setting Up DirectAccess and VPN

DirectAccess and VPN provide secure remote access to your network resources. This section explains the installation and configuration of these features.

Installing DirectAccess and VPN

• Use Server Manager or PowerShell (Install-WindowsFeature -Name RemoteAccess) to install the role.

Configuring DirectAccess and VPN

• Open the Remote Access Management console from Server Manager.
• Follow the wizard to configure DirectAccess and VPN settings.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you will have a well-configured Windows Server 2025 environment tailored to your organization’s needs. Each role and feature has been carefully detailed to ensure you can implement and manage them effectively.

These configurations will enhance your server’s performance, security, and manageability, helping you to get the most out of Windows Server 2025. With a properly set up server, you can ensure your IT infrastructure is robust, efficient, and ready to meet your business’s demands.