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Install and Manage Windows DNS Server

In this hands-on lab, we will start at the beginning and learn how to create an environment to explore networking. First, we will create a virtual machine and a couple of networks. Then we will explore how to access our virtual network, manage our environment by installing tools, renaming resources, installing a DNS server role, creating a forward lookup zone, and add an A record.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 45m
Last updated
Clock icon Sep 04, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Create Two Virtual Machines

    For this first objective, I want to get you comfortable building a couple of virtual machines for use in networking labs and exploration.

    1. Create a virtual machine in the West US region.

      1. The name should be inner-vm .
      2. The image should be Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition - Gen2.
      3. The VM size should be B2s.
      4. Create a new virtual network named internal-vnet.
      5. Basic NIC is ok.
      6. You do need RDP opened as an inbound port.

    2. Create a second virtual machine in the West US region.

      1. The name should be inner-vm-adm.
      2. The image should be Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition - Gen2.
      3. The VM size should be B2s.
      4. Select the virtual network named internal-vnet.
      5. Basic NIC is ok.
      6. You do need RDP opened as an inbound port.

  2. Challenge

    Access the inner-vm and Install Remote Server Administration Tools

    In this objective, you should access the server manager in the virtual machine you just created using RDP access through a tool such as Microsoft Remote Desktop.

    1. Install remote server administration tools through Server Manager.
    2. Rename the computer to inner-vm-dns01.

  3. Challenge

    Create a Forward Lookup Zone

    Next, we will create a new Primary Forward Lookup Zone for our domain SandyNetworking01.com. We do not need dynamic updates.

  4. Challenge

    Create an A Record for our Forward Lookup Zone

    We will now create an A record for our Forward Lookup Zone.

    Use inner-vm-dns01 as the server name and enter in the appropriate IP address.

  5. Challenge

    Configure TCP/IPv4 to Use inner-server Address

    In this last objective, we will log in to our inner-vm-adm VM and configure TCP/IPv4 to point at the inner-server address.

    We will finish by resolving the newly created DNS server with the Resolve-DNSName inner-vm-dns01.sandynetworking01.com Powershell command.

  6. Challenge

    Install the DNS Server Role on inner-vm-dns01

    Open Server Manager and install the DNS Server role on inner-vm-dns01

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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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