Enterprise Active Directory Helpdesk Homelab

Overview

A Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 homelab simulating a real-world enterprise IT environment, built in VMware Workstation Pro.

What Was Configured

• Active Directory domain with structured OUs, security groups, and user accounts
• NTFS permissions with role-based access control across shared folders
• Group Policy — drive mapping, login banners, account lockout, Control Panel restrictions
• Delegated helpdesk admin access using least-privilege principles
• Real helpdesk scenarios — account lockouts, missing drive mappings, permission issues
• PowerShell automation for bulk AD user provisioning from a CSV file

Tools Used

• VMware Workstation Pro
• Windows Server 2022
• Windows 11
• Active Directory & DNS
• Group Policy Management (GPMC)
• RSAT
• PowerShell

Project Walkthrough

Full 61-slide walkthrough available in the PDF above.

Author

Roy Wakim