Building a Windows Server 2025 Active Directory Lab with VMware Workstation Pro

Overview

VMware Workstation Pro is a powerful desktop virtualization platform that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. It provides an ideal environment for building isolated labs used for learning, testing, and enterprise infrastructure development.

In this guide, I demonstrate how I created a Windows Server 2025 virtual machine, configured Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), set up DNS, assigned a static IP address, configured VMware NAT networking, and enabled shared folders. This deployment creates a complete Active Directory lab suitable for practicing Windows Server administration without requiring dedicated physical hardware.

Why Use VMware Workstation Pro?

VMware Workstation Pro provides a reliable virtualization platform for building development and testing environments while isolating them from your primary operating system.

Key Benefits

• Run multiple operating systems simultaneously
• Create isolated testing environments
• Snapshot and restore virtual machines
• Flexible virtual networking
• Support for Windows and Linux guests
• Efficient resource management
• Enterprise-grade virtualization
• Ideal for learning Active Directory

Lab Architecture

This deployment includes:

• VMware Workstation Pro 17
• Windows Server 2025
• Active Directory Domain Services
• DNS Server
• Static IP Configuration
• VMware NAT Network
• Shared Folder Configuration

The completed environment provides a fully functional Active Directory domain controller that can be expanded by adding client machines and additional servers.

Getting Started

Create a Virtual Machine

Create a new virtual machine in VMware Workstation Pro using the Windows Server 2025 installation ISO.

Configure:

1. Launch VMware Workstation Pro.
2. Click on "File" > "New Virtual Machine".
3. Choose "Typical (recommended)" and click "Next".
4. Select "Installer disc image file (iso)" and browse to your Windows Server 2025 ISO. Click "Next".
5. Enter a name for your VM, choose where to save it, and click "Next".
6. Set the maximum disk size (e.g., 60GB), choose "Store virtual disk as a single file", and hit "Next".
7. Review your settings and click "Finish".

Step 2: Install Windows Server 2025

Power on the virtual machine and complete the Windows Server installation.

After installation:

1. Choose your language, time, and currency format, then click "Next".
2. Click "Install now".
3. If you don't have a product key, select "I don't have a product key" and choose the edition (e.g., "Windows Server 2025 Standard").
4. Accept the license terms and click "Next".
5. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".
6. Select the drive where you want to install Windows (usually "Drive 0 Unallocated Space") and click "Next".
7. Wait for the installation to complete, then set up your administrator password and any other initial configurations.
   

• Configure the Administrator account
• Install VMware Tools
• Run Windows Updates
• Verify network connectivity

Step 3: Install Active Directory

Open Server Manager and launch the Add Roles and Features Wizard.

Install:

1. Open Server Manager, click "Add roles and features".
2. In the wizard, click "Next" until you reach "Server Roles". Check "Active Directory Domain Services" and "DNS Server". Install any required features and click "Next" until you can click "Install".

• Active Directory Domain Services
• DNS Server

After installation, promote the server to a Domain Controller by creating a new forest.

Step 4: Configure Static Networking

Assign a static IPv4 address to the server.

Configure:

1. Open "Network and Sharing Center" from Control Panel.
2. Click on "Change adapter settings", right-click your network adapter, and select "Properties".
3. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", click "Properties", and manually enter your desired static IP, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.

• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway
• Preferred DNS Server

A static IP ensures reliable communication between domain services and future client machines.

Step 5: Configure VMware NAT Networking

Open Virtual Network Editor.

Create or configure a NAT network.

1. Open Virtual Network Editor via Edit >
2. in the menu.
3. Select or create a NAT network (e.g., VMnet#). If needed, click Add Network and assign it to NAT.
4. Configure NAT Settings with the desired subnet and gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.0, 192.168.1.1).
5. (Optional) Adjust DHCP Settings to match the NAT subnet.
6. Save changes and set each virtual machine’s Network Adapter to NAT in its settings.

Assign all virtual machines to the same NAT network to enable communication while maintaining internet access.

Step 6: Configure Shared Folders

Enable Windows File Sharing to allow access between virtual machines or authorized users.

Configure:

1. Navigate to the folder you want to share, right-click, select "Properties", then the "Sharing" tab.
2. Click "Advanced Sharing", check "Share this folder", and set permissions for users or groups. Click "Apply" then "OK".

• Share Permissions
• NTFS Security Permissions
• User Access

Active Directory Features

Once configured, the domain controller can manage:

• Users
• Groups
• Organizational Units (OUs)
• Computers
• Group Policies
• DNS Records
• Authentication Services

This provides the foundation for a complete Windows enterprise environment.

Common Use Cases

This lab is ideal for:

• Windows Server training
• Active Directory practice
• Group Policy testing
• IT certification labs
• Enterprise simulations
• Network administration
• Software testing
• Development environments

Why I Recommend This Setup

I use VMware Workstation Pro to build isolated Windows Server environments for learning, testing, and experimenting with enterprise technologies before deploying them to production. Creating an Active Directory lab allows me to safely practice domain management, networking, and server administration without affecting my primary system.

Conclusion

VMware Workstation Pro provides an excellent platform for building Windows Server laboratories. By combining virtualization with Active Directory, DNS, NAT networking, and file sharing, you can create a complete enterprise lab suitable for learning, testing, and developing Windows infrastructure in a safe and isolated environment.