Top 65 Windows Server Interview Questions

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Pulkit Dheer July 31, 2021

Every organization needs someone to manage and monitor its server in order to maintain
the workflow. As a result, the requirement for Windows Server or system administrator
has been increased in the job market. Moreover, those who want to build a career in this
field can use the training programs and get an appropriate certification to enhance their
skills.

However, gaining knowledge and skill is the first step, the second step to clear the job
interview process. Here, even most of the professionals sometimes get failed. That is to
say, with covering the knowledge area it is equally important to work on your interview
skills. Related to this, in this blog, we will be discussing the top Windows server interview
questions that will help you in getting confidence and knowledge to earn your dream job
role.

Top Windows Server Interview Questions

1. Explain Windows Server.
Windows server refers to is a sequence of enterprise-class server operating systems
specifically designed for end-users for sharing resources or services with multiple users.
This offers extensive administrative control of data storage, applications, and corporate
networks.

2. List out the various versions of Windows Server.

The version of windows servers are as follow:

Firstly, Windows Server 2003 (April 2003)

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 Secondly, Windows Server 2003 R2 (December 2005)
Thirdly, Windows Server 2008 (February 2008)
Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 2009)
Then, Windows Server 2012 (September 2012)
Windows Server 2012 R2 (October 2013)
After that, Windows Server 2016 (September 2016)
Lastly, Windows Server 2019 (October 2018)

3. What is Windows Server 2019?

Windows Server 2019 refers to the operating system used for bridging on-premises
environments with Azure services. This,

Firstly, enables hybrid scenarios for maximizing existing investments.

Secondly, enhance security level and reduce business risk using the multiple layers
of protection created into the operating system.
Thirdly, helps in evolving data center infrastructure for achieving greater efficiency
and scale with Hyper-converged Infrastructure (HCI).
Lastly, helps developers and IT professional for building cloud-native applications
using containers and micro-services.

4. What are the main features of Windows Server 2019?

Firstly, has a storage Migration Service that helps in inventory and migrating data,
security, and configurations from legacy systems to Windows Server 2019.
Secondly, it has the capability to synchronize file servers to Azure. You can collect
an organization’s file shares in Azure Files while keeping the flexibility and
performance of an on-premises file server
Thirdly, it helps in bringing local predictive analytics capabilities native to Windows
Server. These predictive capabilities are backed by a machine learning model which
locally analyzes Windows Server system data for providing high-accuracy
predictions for reducing operational expenses.
It uses an Azure network adaptor for easily connecting to Azure virtual networks.
Next, it provides cluster-wide monitoring, cluster sets for creating large clusters, and
Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
Lastly, it has VM protection that helps in repeating workloads running on VMs from a
primary location to a secondary.

5. What does a System Administrator do?

The role of the System Administrator depends on the type of organization they are
working in. However, they are responsible for installing, supporting, and maintaining
servers and computers. Their day to day tasks includes:

Firstly, installing patches & OS Updates and reviewing the system logs access
administration.
Secondly, providing permission access administration for users.
Thirdly, monitoring and planning for disaster recover
Then, building and Restoring system backups
After that, following the password requirements and accessing the control

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 Lastly, examining and performing the system audit logging

6. Explain the types of roles in the Windows Server.

The roles include:

Firstly, Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (ADLDS)

Secondly, Active Directory Rights Management Services (ADRMS)
Thirdly, Application Server
Fourthly, Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS)
Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS)
Then, Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)
DHCP Server
Next, DNS Server and FAX Server
After that, File and Storage Services
Hyper-V, Print and Document Services
Then, Network Policy and Access Services
After that, Remote Access and Remote Desktop Services
Next, Volume Activation Services
Web Server (IIS)
Lastly, Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and Windows Server Update
Services (WSUS)

7. What is Active Directory?

Active Directory (AD) refers to an inventory organization that performs library operations
for collecting objects like customer profiles, computers, etc. This controls the framework
using Domain Controllers that are accessible at several zones with the Active Directory
database.

8. Define DNS.
DNS stands for Domain Name System which refers to the phonebook of the Internet.
When users type domain names like ‘google.com’ into web browsers then, DNS finds the
correct IP address for those sites. After that, browsers use those addresses for
communicating with origin servers or CDN edge servers for accessing website
information.

9. Why it is important to deploy local DNS servers?

A local DNS server helps in providing the local mapping of domain names to IP
addresses. For resolving the remote requests related to the domain names on your
network, this also provides record details to remote DNS servers.

10. Define the following:

1. Domain

Domain refers to an Azure directory logical structure which is a collection of users,

objects, and computers sharing a familiar AD.

2. Tree

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This refers to a collection of one or more domains.

3. Forest

This refers to a collection of one or more domain trees sharing a familiar global catalog.
Moreover, this remains on top in the Active Directory structure.

11. What do you understand by Domain Controller?

Domain Controller refers to a server in windows based operating systems that provide
secure authentication of users, computers. However, this is the core of the database for
storing user’s account information and security enforcement. For example, using a
domain controller, the user gets permission to allow or deny access to a particular folder
in a particular domain.

12. Define Hyper-V.

Hyper-V refers to a virtualization tool provided by Microsoft. This is used for building
multiple virtual machines on a single physical server along with managing and decreasing
the cost of hardware and improving efficiency.

13. What is the role of LDAP?

LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol which is a directory service
similar to the database that is used for storing computers, users, objects, etc. Moreover, it
helps in adding, removing, and updating computer objects in the directory.

14. Define WDS.

WDS stands for Windows Deployment Services which is used in installing Windows
operating system(OS) remotely over the network. This is basically a server technology
from Microsoft that helps in the network-based installation of Windows operating systems.
This acts as a successor to Remote Installation Services.

15. What do you understand by WSUS?

WSUS stands for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) which refers to a computer
program and network service developed by Microsoft. This helios the managing and
handling of the distribution of updates of products in the Windows environment.

16. Explain PowerShell.

Windows PowerShell refers to Command-Line Shell developed by Microsoft. This is used
for automating the administrative tasks that work both for local and remote Windows
machines. However, on .NET Framework, PowerShell is built.

17. Define Replication.

Replication refers to a method in the active directory that is used for keeping domain
controller syncs with other DC over the network.

18. Name the location of active directory databases operates.

The is include:

Firstly, NTDS.DIT

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 Secondly, Res1.log
Thirdly, Res2.log
Then, EDN.Chk
Lastly, EDB.Log

19. What do you understand by the non-authoritative and authoritative restore of an Active
Directory (AD)?
A non-authoritative restoration refers to a process in which the domain controller is
restored. And after that, the Active Directory (AD) objects are brought up to date by
replicating the latest version of those objects from other domain controllers in the
domain.
On the other hand, an authoritative restore refers to an operation in which the data
that has been restored supersedes the data existing on other domain controllers in
the domain. However, while performing an authoritative restore, the current versions
of objects in the Active Directory are overwritten by the versions of the objects
which were restored.

20. What is the process of installing an application if MSI is not available?

For adding the application using the Software Installer, the dot ZAP text file can be used
rather than the windows installer.

21. What is tattooing in terms of Registry?

Tattooing in the registry can be defined as suggesting to the users that they can change
and view the preference of the customers that are not stored in the Registry portions.
Moreover, even if the group policy is removed or changed, the user preference will still
remain in the registry.

22. Name the DNS types of queries.

The types of queries in DNS are:

Firstly, Iterative Query

Secondly, Recursive Query

23. Explain the following:

1. Computer Process

Computer process refers to a computer program case that is executed repeatedly by a

computer. This is capable of running numerous programs on a computer at the same
time.

2. Thread

A thread consists of many executable programs that combine as a solitary process. For
example, a thread can send a notification error to the customer. Therefore, an alternative
can contract with the signals of error even though the third thread may execute the
primary action.

24. Define DHCP.

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DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol which is used for automatically
allocating the IP address across the network with a defined scope.

25. Name the types of FSMO roles?

Firstly, Primary Domain Controller (PDC)
Secondly, Infrastructure master
Thirdly, Relative ID (RID) master
Then, Schema master
Lastly, Domain naming master

26. What do you understand by Group Policy?

Group Policy refers to a feature of Microsoft Windows NT which also belongs to the family
of OS. This helps in controlling the work setting of computer accounts and user accounts.
Further, it also provides the central configuration management of the operating systems,
user settings, and applications in an Active Directory setting.

27. Explain Group Policy Objects (GPO) and name its types.
GPO refers to the setting that manages the client records at the workplace, and also at
computer records. This helps in explaining the programming establishment, security
alternatives, upkeep choices and library-dependent arrangements, folder redirection
choices, and content choices. Further, there are two types of GPO:

Firstly, Local GPO. These are kept on close devices.

Secondly, Non-local GPO. These can be accessed from the Active Directory and
are kept on a domain controller.

28. Is it possible to associate a third-party directory service to an Active Directory?

Yes, using the various versions of Microsoft. dirXML or LDAP it is possible to associate
third-party directory services to Active Directory.

29. Name the commands for checking TCP/IP configurations.

There are two commands for checking the TCP/IP configurations:

1. Ipconfig

This is for checking the IP setup of the computer. Moreover, you can also use it for
reestablishing the IP address of the users if it is defined by a DHCP server.

2. Ping

This is for checking the link between the computer in use and the other computers.

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30. What is the role of IntelliMirror?
IntelliMirror helps in settling the settings of desktop, stored files, and applications for
users especially the one moving among workstations and who works offline.

31. Explain the basic functionality of the domain controller?

The domain controller is responsible for verifying the customer’s too many networks.
Moreover, it also brings a set of objects that are involved in the Active Directory.

32. Explaining the role of local DNS servers.

A local DNS server provides the local mapping of complete skillful domains to IP
addresses. They provide record data to remote DNS servers for resolving requests
concerning the domains on the network.

33. Define INODE.

The inode refers to a data structure in a Unix-style file system that explains a file-system
object like a file or a directory. Every inode can store the attributes and disk block
locations of the object’s data. However, the file-system object attributes may include
metadata including owner and permission data.

34. What do you understand by RAID in Windows Server?

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks which is used for storing the
same data at a different place. This strategy helps in creating fault tolerance and increase
storage capacity. However, on different drives, it provides access to combine one or more
volumes for accessing it by a single drive letter

35. Define the term Global Catalog.

The Global Catalog refers to a database that consists of all the data relating to objects in
Active Directory environment domains.

36. Explain the following:

1. Domain local groups

These are for allocating access approvals to international groups of domains for local
resources of the domain.

2. Global groups

These provide access to other trusted domains’ resources.

3. Universal groups

This helps in providing access to all trusted domain resources.

37. Is it possible to restore Active Directory Partitions?

Yes, you can restore the objects from the domain and configuration partition.

38. Name the types of partitions in the active directory.

There are four types of partitions:

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 Firstly, the Configuration partition
Secondly, the Application partition
Thirdly, Schema partition
Lastly, Domain partition

39. Define Configuration Partition.

This is for storing all the data of Active Directory. The data here consists of site-link, Site,
subnet, etc. Further, the partition duplicates all domain controllers that are available in the
Forest.

40. Explain the difference between application and scheme partition.

Application partition is for storing the information of applications in Active Directory.
For example, ForestDNSZones and DomainDNSZones.
Schema Partition is for storing all the information of the objects and their qualities.
Further, this duplicates to other domain controllers in the Forest.

41. Define Domain Partitions.

This is for storing the domain information like a computer, user, printer, group, etc.
Further, it duplicates to all domain controllers in the domain.

42. Explaining the DHCP server configuring process for assigning the same IP address to
define devices whenever there is a change or removing of the address?
For configuring the DHCP server, you can build a reservation for the device. However, for
creating a reservation, you must know the MAC hardware address of the device. Further,
for discovering the MAC address for a network device you can use the IP config
command-line utilities.

43. What do you understand by the SYSVOL folder?

This refers to a set of files and folders placed on the local hard disk of each domain
controller in a domain. They are replicated by the File Replication Service with having
files containing group or user policy details.

44. What is a Windows DNS server?

The Windows DNS server means an area name framework used as a kind of perspective
table for coordinating the space names to various IP addresses.

45. Explain the various zones in the Windows DNS server.

Firstly, Primary Zone. In this, the record is provided as a text file with the typical
extension “.DNS”
Secondly, Secondary Zone. This is a support for the important server that goes
about load adjusting and provides for non-critical failure.
Lastly, Stub Zone. This consists of the name server and SOA records that help in
reducing the DNS seek orders.

46. Differentiate Windows and Windows Server.

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 Windows Server OS was released for server systems like Workstation, Rack, Tower,
etc. This is capable of multiple users who can log in and work continuously. Further,
this has the support of CPU(64), cores(320), and RAM(24TB).
Windows OS was released for user systems like desktop, Laptop, Tablet, Mobile, X-
box, etc. In this, multiple user accounts can be created, but, only one user can log in
at a time. Further, this has the support of limited CPU(2), core(256), and RAM(2TB).

47. Define Visio diagram.

Visio refers to a diagramming software on Microsoft Windows that provides users access
for creating floor plans, flowcharts, infographics, network diagrams, organization charts,
mind maps, and others. It is included with Microsoft Office software, suite.

48. What do you understand by a Proxy Server?

This refers to a computer that acts as a gateway between a local network and a larger-
scale system such as the Internet. Further, this also provides increased security and
performance as well as helps in monitoring the employees using outside resources.

49. Define WINS server?

WINS stands for Windows Internet Name Service servers that are used for mapping the
IP addresses to NetBIOS names. This allows employers to access resources by name of
the computer rather than the IP address. Further, for keeping a check on the IP
addresses and names of other computers network, this computer can be configured as a
WINS server.

50. What is the Dora process?

DORA stands for Discover, request, Offer, and acknowledgment. However, it is used for
automatically assigning an IP address to the systems of the client.

51. What is the major advantage of GPMC?

Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) provides easy management of all GPOs
diagonally the whole Active Directory Forest View of GPOs in one list. This allows to
perform GPOs backup and restore, Immigration of GPOs over many forest and domains.

52. Explaining the process to backup Group policy?

For backing up one single GPO, then click the GPO, and select Back Up.
Further, for backup of all GPOs in the domain, click Group Policy Objects and then,
click Back Up All.

53. Define group nesting.

This refers to the process of adding one group as an element of another group. It also
helps in easy management and decreasing traffic replication.

54. Explain the types of Domain control?

Firstly, the primary domain controller. This emphasis on services of the domain
for avoiding the system possibility of a crash or slowing down because of the
overtasking from handling other security requests and functionality.

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 Secondly, a backup domain controller is promoted and becomes the primary
domain controller for preserving the server systems working appropriately.

55. Define Schema.

Schema refers to a master database containing all the information about the object in
Active Directory.

56. Define Trust Relationship.

The trust relationship is used for providing access between various domains or forests.

57. Define NTDS.DIT.

This refers to the Active Directory database which contains all the AD objects. However,
the default location is %system root%nrdsnrds.dit. Further, it depends on the Jet
database.

58. What is EDB.Log?

This file is used for tracking the transactions on the database. However, when EDB.Log is
full then, it gets renamed to EDB Num.log where num can be a number starting from 1
like EDB1.log

59. Define EDB.Che.

This file is for checking the data that is not yet written to a database. However, this file
has the starting point to the data that can be retrieved during failures.

60. What is Res in Res1.log and Res2.log.

Res here stands for reserved transaction file which is used for providing the transaction
log file enough time for shutting down if the disk runs out of space.

61. Explain the role of Flexible Single Master Operations?

The role of FSMOs is that it follows the Schema Master and Domain Naming Master.
These both are available only on each forest and also in the Infrastructure Master, RID
Master, and PDC.

62. What will you do if an HTTP monitor warns that a website is down, and you can telnet to the
port?
Firstly, I will figure the problem with the monitor if the web page is up. The other issues
can be flapping, or system overload.

63. Define Windows server backup.

The Windows Server Backup was released for Windows 2008 that works as a recycle bin
tool in the Active Directory. This offers you a large variety of solutions for backing up data
on your system. Moreover, it provides access to a large amount of data backup and in
this, you can access the server backup using command lines and the management
console.

64. What is KCC?

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KCC refers to a built-in process used for running on all domain controllers and creating
replication topology for the Active Directory forest. This builds separate replication
topologies based on whether replication is occurring within a site () or between sites.
Further, it has the capability for dynamically adjusting the topology to:

Firstly, accommodating the addition of a new domain controller

Secondly, the removal of existing domain controllers
Thirdly, the movement of domain controllers to and from sites
Then, changing costs and schedules
Lastly, domain controllers, which are temporarily unavailable or in an error state.

65. Deine SID.

SID is a security identifier that refers to a unique value of variable length used for
identifying a security principle in Windows operating systems.

Final Words
Above, we have covered the top Windows Server interview questions best for both
beginners and professionals. Windows Server Admin is best known for providing
solutions using its various server skills. So, for getting into this area, it is necessary that
you should put your knowledge and skills together for covering all the areas and crack the
interview. Just start your Windows server journey using the questions above and enhance
your level of knowledge. And, don’t forget to comment if there is any doubt.

Test your skills and knowledge by using the Windows Servers Exam Practice
Tests!

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