Run a domain on your VPS: domain controllers, users and groups, Group Policy, and DNS.
Active Directory turns a handful of servers into a managed domain: central logins, Group Policy, and DNS. Running it on a VPS is entirely practical, but the setup order and network design matter. These guides cover standing up a domain controller, managing it with Group Policy, and keeping it resilient across more than one DC.
Work through them in order, or jump straight to what you need.
Design a clean 2-DC Active Directory topology for Windows Server VPS deployments, including single-site defaults, multi-site replication, FSMO placement, and health checks.
Learn how to set up Active Directory Group Policy from scratch, create and link your first GPO, test safely on one OU, verify policy application, and avoid common production mistakes.
Promote a fresh Windows VPS to the first Active Directory domain controller in a new forest, then verify AD DS, DNS, Netlogon, SYSVOL, and basic users.
Deploy your first Windows Server, connect over RDP, and get the basics set up: plans, versions, users, and first-day configuration.
BrowseSet up and scale remote desktop (RDP, multi-user RDS, RemoteApp), plus how Windows Server and RDS CAL licensing actually works on a VPS.
BrowseSPLA, BYOL, RDS CALs, M365 Shared Computer Activation. What to buy, how to activate, how to stay compliant.
BrowseInstall, tune, secure, and back up SQL Server on Windows: editions, sizing, TempDB, and memory tuning.
BrowseGenuine, fully-licensed Windows with full admin and RDP. We handle the Microsoft licensing, billed monthly with nothing upfront. On NVMe SSD, backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee.