In this Windows Server course you learn to configure server roles, manage directory services and keep operations stable. It is aimed at system administrators and IT managers who look after or take over Windows Server environments. You work with Active Directory Domain Services, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, file servers, Hyper-V, PowerShell and Windows Admin Center. Updates, backup, monitoring and security measures are included, so the server runs predictably over the long term.
What you’ll take away.
- Install server roles and features and manage them with Server Manager, Windows Admin Center and PowerShell
- Build an Active Directory domain with domain controllers, organisational units, users and groups
- Set up DNS and DHCP and narrow down typical name resolution problems
- Design and link Group Policy and verify it with resultant set of policy
- Plan file services, permissions, updates and backups so that operations stay traceable
Your training in detail
- Who is it for?
- System administrators, IT managers in small and mid-sized companies and support staff who look after Windows Server environments.
- Prerequisites
- Experience with Windows clients and networking basics such as IP addresses and subnets. PowerShell knowledge is helpful.
- Format & planning
- Suggested format: 4 to 5 days live online or on site. Scope depends on prior knowledge.
Agenda: from understanding to application
Our independently developed agenda proposal. Focus areas, lab environment and scope are agreed before booking.
Basics: editions, installation options Desktop Experience and Server Core, roles and features, Windows Admin Center and PowerShell remoting.
Active Directory: forest, domain, domain controllers, replication, organisational units, users, groups and service accounts.
Network services: DNS zones and forwarders, DHCP scopes and failover, IPAM in overview and troubleshooting with nslookup.
Group Policy: structure, processing order, security filtering, Preferences and troubleshooting with gpresult.
File services and virtualisation: shares, NTFS permissions, quotas, data deduplication, DFS namespaces and Hyper-V basics.
Security and operations: Microsoft Defender, hardening, update strategy, Windows Server Backup, Event Viewer, performance monitoring and pointers to Azure Arc.
Suggested exercise: In a virtual test environment you build a domain with two domain controllers, deploy a drive mapping through Group Policy and verify the result with gpresult.
Exams, licences & credentials
The related Microsoft exam is AZ-802 (Windows Server Administrator Associate). Exam fees are only included if confirmed in the offer. Attending alone does not award a vendor certification.
Vendor references & review date
Sources checked on 2026-11-03. These sources describe the technology or external exam requirements. They do not imply a partnership with NextNowa.
Your learning content
These objectives describe the training topic. The specific syllabus, duration, dates, trainer and price are agreed before booking.
Frequently asked questions
What does Active Directory Domain Services do?
AD DS stores information about users, computers and resources in a directory and handles sign-in and access. Users sign in to the network with one account, and administrators control permissions centrally. Domain controllers replicate the directory so it stays available if one fails.
Server Core or Desktop Experience: which is better?
Server Core has no graphical interface, uses fewer resources, offers a smaller attack surface and needs fewer updates. It is managed through PowerShell, Windows Admin Center or remote tools. Desktop Experience suits cases where applications require a GUI or the team prefers the console.
What prior knowledge do I need for Windows Server?
You should be comfortable with Windows clients and understand networking basics such as IP addresses, subnets and DNS. A few PowerShell commands help. You learn Active Directory and Group Policy from scratch in the course, so newcomers to server administration can follow well.
Does Windows Server include a certificate?
The related Microsoft exam is AZ-802 (Windows Server Administrator Associate). Exam fees are only included if confirmed in the offer. Attending alone does not award a vendor certification.