Configure Windows 2012 Domain Controller

I have a fresh Windows Server 2012 machine reachable over RDP that must become the primary Domain Controller for a small office network. The core need is straightforward server setup and configuration: install the AD DS role, configure DNS on the same host, assign a static IP, create the new forest and domain, and apply a few baseline Group Policies (password length, lockout thresholds, and time sync).

Once the promotion is complete, I’ll need at least one administrator account and two test user accounts created so I can verify logon from client PCs. Please document each step you take, note any reboots, and leave me with a short checklist for adding additional Domain Controllers later if required.

Acceptance criteria
• Server boots to a healthy DC with DNS and AD replication showing no errors in Event Viewer
• I can RDP with the new admin account and join a Windows 10 client to the domain without issues
• Delivered text file or PDF summarising every action, command, and setting applied

The server is ready whenever you are, and I’ll supply the RDP details as soon as we agree on a start time.