Introduction

One of the first actions to take when building an on-premise Windows network is setting up a Domain Controller running Active Directory Domain Services AD DS on Windows Server 2012 R2. In the case of an enterprise network that will be exclusively using Windows. The process may seem heavy and complicated, but it doesn't matter if you are doing this the first time or revisiting your infrastructure. With this guide, you will be able to do it step by step, using both GUI and PowerShell methods. This guide will help you understand How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2, and also you will see how to do the auditing afterward using a third-party AD tool.

Part 1: GUI Based Setup of a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2

Step 1: Launch Server Manager → Add Roles and Features

1. Sign in to your Windows Server 2012 R2 machine with an administrative account.
   
2. Launch the Server Manager from the Start menu or the taskbar.
   
3. From the ribbon menu in Server Manager, click on Manage → Add Roles and Features to initiate the Add Roles and Features Wizard as part of learning How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2.
   

Step 2: Ensure Prerequisites Are Met

• The server must have a static IP address and proper network settings configured. This is important to prevent DNS or domain functionality problems.
• Make sure your server OS is current with the latest patches or security updates before moving forward.
• Use a strong admin password.
• After requirements are fulfilled, hit the Next button to proceed with How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2.

Step 3: Installation Type Selection

On the page showing the installation type, the Role based or feature based installation option must be clicked and then Next.

Step 4: Choose the Server for Installation

The server normally the local one for AD DS installation should be chosen on the Select the destination server screen. Then hit the Next button.

Step 5: Select Server Roles Active Directory Domain Services

On the Select server roles page, the Active Directory Domain Services role is to be checked. After that a window will appear asking to add the recommended features, click the Add Features button and then the Next button.

On the Features page, usually no other selections are needed. Click Next.

Step 6: Confirm and Install

On the summary and confirmation page, you can optionally set up to allow automatic restart if required. Hit the install button to start the AD DS installation, which is one of the key steps in How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2.

After the installation is complete, dismiss the wizard.

In Server Manager, click the bell-shaped icon for notifications, then select Promote this server to a domain controller from the options. This will activate the Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard.

Part 2: AD DS Configuration Wizard Promoting the Server to a Domain Controller

Step 1: Deployment Configuration

In the configuration wizard, pick out Add a new forest, presuming this is the first DC which will be installed for the new domain. Come up with a root domain name such as mydomain.local. After that, click on Next. This section is crucial for anyone wanting to master How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2.

Step 2: Domain Controller Options DNS, Global Catalog, DSRM

• At the Domain Controller Options page: keep the default Forest functional level and Domain functional level, unless you require a higher one.
• The DNS server will be activated. The first DC will usually be a DNS server and Global Catalog as well.
• Enter a password for Directory Services Restore Mode DSRM that is used for recovery or maintenance mode.
• Next, click the button to continue.

Step 4: Restart and Finalization

• To round off the DC promotion the server automatically reboots after the installation.
• The server has now become a Domain Controller for the newly created domain; hence, please login with domain credentials instead of only local admin after the restart. This finalizes How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2 successfully.

Part 3: Optional: Use SysTools AD Reporter for Auditing and Post Setup Validation

Once the Active Directory domain controller is operational and integrated, it is advisable to evaluate and validate the directory services. Among the tools you can choose from for that purpose is SysTools AD Reporter. 

Why SysTools AD Reporter Best Choice

• Its capability to provide detailed reports on a broad spectrum of AD-related issues, such as users, computers, groups, OUs, printers, shared folders, etc., and not just the mentioned ones.
• Its being compatible with Windows Server 2012 R2, therefore your installation would work with it.
• It confirms that the whole object has been made properly, eliminating the chances of hidden or orphan objects, and showing the AD status. This is a crucial factor for newly created domains.

Conclusion

Installing the Domain Controller on Windows Server 2012 R2 is not an exclusive difficult task. Besides, it can be very simple if you choose the right approach, whether it is GUI or PowerShell. As soon as the installation is finished, an application such as AD Reporter could take part in the auditing, validation, and overall management of your Active Directory environment, which would consequently elevate your trust in the integrity and production readiness of your infrastructure. Understanding How to Set Up a Domain Controller on Server 2012 R2 ensures a smooth start for your AD environment.