Windows Server 2019 – Initial Setup Guide

 

After installing Windows Server 2019, it’s essential to configure the following initial settings to prepare the system for production or testing use.

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👤 1. Add a Local User

Using Computer Management (GUI):

1. Right-click Start > select Computer Management
2. Navigate to Local Users and Groups > Users
3. Right-click in the blank area > choose New User...
4. Enter user details (username, password, etc.)
5. Set options like:
• Uncheck User must change password at next logon if not needed
• Check Password never expires if desired
6. Click Create, then Close

Using PowerShell:

#powershell

New-LocalUser -Name "adminuser" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "StrongPassword123!" -AsPlainText -Force)

Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators" -Member "adminuser"

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💻 2. Set the Computer Name

Using PowerShell:

#powershell

Rename-Computer -NewName "Server01" -Restart

Using GUI:

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > About
2. Click Rename this PC
3. Enter a new name (e.g., Server01)
4. Restart the server when prompted

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🌐 3. Set a Static IP Address

Using PowerShell:

#powershell

New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -IPAddress 192.168.1.100 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1

Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses ("8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4")

Using GUI:

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
2. Click Change adapter settings
3. Right-click your network adapter > choose Properties
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > click Properties
5. Set IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS
6. Click OK to apply changes

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🔄 4. Perform Windows Update

Using GUI:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Let the system download and install the latest updates

Using PowerShell (optional):

#powershell

Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot

Note: You need to install the PSWindowsUpdate module first.

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📡 5. Allow ICMP Echo Reply (Enable Ping)

Using PowerShell:

#powershell

 

Enable-NetFirewallRule -Name "FPS-ICMP4-Echo-Reply"

Using GUI:

1. Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall
2. Click Advanced settings
3. On the left, select Inbound Rules
4. Find File and Printer Sharing (Echo Request - ICMPv4-In)
5. Right-click it > choose Enable Rule

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✅ Summary

These basic configurations help ensure that your Windows Server 2019 is secure, network-ready, and manageable:

• ✅ Create a local user
• ✅ Set a meaningful computer name
• ✅ Configure a static IP address
• ✅ Enable Windows Updates
• ✅ Allow ping (ICMP) for connectivity checks