15 Windows Admin Interview Questions and Answers

Windows Administration is a critical skill in managing and maintaining enterprise IT environments. It involves overseeing the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Windows servers and ensuring the smooth operation of network services, security protocols, and user management. With its widespread use in businesses of all sizes, proficiency in Windows Administration is highly valued by employers.

This guide offers a curated selection of interview questions designed to test your knowledge and problem-solving abilities in Windows Administration. By working through these questions, you will be better prepared to demonstrate your expertise and confidently handle the technical challenges presented during your interview.

Windows Admin Interview Questions and Answers

1. Describe the process of creating a new user account in Active Directory Users and Computers.

Creating a new user account in Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) involves:

• Open ADUC.
• Navigate to the desired organizational unit (OU).
• Right-click on the OU, select “New,” then “User.”
• Fill in fields like First Name, Last Name, User Logon Name, and click “Next.”
• Set a password and configure any policies, then click “Next.”
• Review and click “Finish” to create the account.

2. How would you configure a Group Policy Object to enforce password complexity requirements?

To enforce password complexity requirements using a Group Policy Object (GPO):

• Open the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC).
• Create or edit a GPO.
• Navigate to: Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Account Policies -> Password Policy.
• Enable Password must meet complexity requirements.
• Configure additional policies as needed.
• Link the GPO to the appropriate OU.

3. Explain the role of FSMO roles in Active Directory and how they can be transferred between domain controllers.

FSMO roles in Active Directory are specialized tasks assigned to domain controllers. The five roles are:

• Schema Master: Manages AD schema updates.
• Domain Naming Master: Handles domain additions/removals.
• RID Master: Allocates unique identifiers for object creation.
• PDC Emulator: Acts as a primary domain controller for compatibility and time sync.
• Infrastructure Master: Maintains cross-domain object references.

To transfer FSMO roles, use tools like the Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in or ntdsutil.

Example using ntdsutil:

ntdsutil
roles
connections
connect to server <TargetDC>
quit
transfer <Role>

4. Write a PowerShell script to list all users in a specific Active Directory group.

To list all users in a specific Active Directory group using PowerShell:

# Import the Active Directory module
Import-Module ActiveDirectory

# Define the group name
$groupName = "YourGroupName"

# Get the members of the specified group
$groupMembers = Get-ADGroupMember -Identity $groupName

# Display the members
$groupMembers | ForEach-Object { $_.Name }

5. How would you use Event Viewer to diagnose a failed login attempt?

To diagnose a failed login attempt using Event Viewer:

• Open Event Viewer.
• Navigate to “Windows Logs” and click “Security.”
• Look for events with ID 4625, indicating a failed login.
• Click on the event for details like account name and failure reason.

6. How do you set up a DHCP scope to assign IP addresses within a specific range?

To set up a DHCP scope on a Windows Server:

• Open the DHCP Management Console.
• Right-click the DHCP server and select “New Scope.”
• Follow the wizard to define the scope name and description.
• Specify the IP address range and subnet mask.
• Configure exclusions, lease duration, and additional options like default gateway and DNS servers.
• Activate the scope.

7. How do you create and manage virtual machines using Hyper-V Manager?

To create a virtual machine using Hyper-V Manager:

• Open Hyper-V Manager.
• Click “New” in the Actions pane, then “Virtual Machine.”
• Follow the wizard to specify the VM’s name, location, and generation.
• Allocate memory and configure networking.
• Create or use an existing virtual hard disk.
• Install an OS from an ISO or physical disk.
• Review settings and click “Finish.”

Manage VMs by starting, stopping, pausing, and resetting them. Configure settings like memory allocation and network adapters. Use snapshots for backup and recovery.

8. Describe the steps to configure Windows Firewall to allow inbound traffic on port 80.

To configure Windows Firewall to allow inbound traffic on port 80:

• Open “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.”
• Click “Inbound Rules,” then “New Rule.”
• Select “Port” and click “Next.”
• Choose “TCP” and specify port 80, then click “Next.”
• Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next.”
• Choose when the rule applies and click “Next.”
• Name the rule and click “Finish.”

9. How would you use Performance Monitor to track CPU usage over time?

To track CPU usage over time using Performance Monitor:

• Open Performance Monitor.
• Select “Performance Monitor” under “Monitoring Tools.”
• Click the green plus (+) button to add a counter.
• Select “% Processor Time” from the “Processor” category.
• Click “Add” and “OK.”

To log CPU usage data:

• Expand “Data Collector Sets” and right-click “User Defined.”
• Select “New” and “Data Collector Set.”
• Name it and choose “Create manually (Advanced).”
• Add the “% Processor Time” counter.
• Specify log format and location.
• Configure the schedule and save.

10. What are the steps to configure WSUS to automatically approve and deploy updates?

To configure WSUS for automatic updates:

• Open the WSUS management console.
• Go to “Options” and select “Automatic Approvals.”
• Create a rule for automatic approval based on criteria like update classifications.
• Set the approval action to “Approve for Install.”
• Configure the update schedule.
• Use Group Policy to set client settings for updates.

11. Write a PowerShell script to enable remoting on a remote server and execute a command.

To enable remoting on a remote server and execute a command using PowerShell:

# Enable PowerShell Remoting on the remote server
Invoke-Command -ComputerName "RemoteServerName" -ScriptBlock {
    Enable-PSRemoting -Force
}

# Execute a command on the remote server
Invoke-Command -ComputerName "RemoteServerName" -ScriptBlock {
    # Replace with the command you want to execute
    Get-Process
}

12. Describe the key components of a disaster recovery plan for a Windows Server environment.

A disaster recovery plan for a Windows Server environment includes:

• Data Backup: Regular backups of critical data and configurations, both on-site and off-site.
• Recovery Procedures: Steps for restoring data and system functionality.
• Redundancy: Redundant systems and failover mechanisms to minimize downtime.
• Testing and Validation: Regular testing of the plan to ensure effectiveness.
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation of the plan, including contact information and recovery steps.
• Security: Encrypt backup data and restrict access to recovery systems.
• Communication Plan: Strategy to inform stakeholders about recovery efforts.

13. How do you integrate an on-premises Active Directory with Azure Active Directory?

Integrating on-premises Active Directory with Azure Active Directory involves using Azure AD Connect for:

• Synchronization: Syncs user accounts and group memberships.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Allows unified access to resources.
• Federation: Uses on-premises AD for authentication.

Steps include installing Azure AD Connect, configuring synchronization options, and verifying functionality.

14. How would you conduct a security audit to ensure compliance with organizational policies?

Conducting a security audit involves:

• Planning and Preparation: Define the audit scope and assemble a team.
• Assessment: Review access controls, network security, and data protection.
• Documentation Review: Examine security policies and procedures.
• Interviews and Observations: Conduct interviews and observe practices.
• Gap Analysis: Identify gaps between current security and policies.
• Reporting: Compile findings and recommendations.
• Remediation and Follow-up: Address issues and conduct follow-up audits.

15. Describe the steps you would take to troubleshoot a network connectivity issue on a Windows Server.

To troubleshoot a network connectivity issue on a Windows Server:

1. Check Physical Connections: Ensure cables and devices are functioning.

2. Verify Network Configuration: Check IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings.

3. Use Diagnostic Tools:

• *Ping:* Test connectivity to other devices.
• *ipconfig:* Display current network configuration.
• *tracert:* Trace packet routes to a destination.
• *nslookup:* Test DNS resolution.

4. Check Firewall Settings: Ensure firewalls aren’t blocking traffic.

5. Review Event Logs: Check for network-related errors.

6. Update Network Drivers: Ensure drivers are up to date.

7. Restart Network Services: Restart services like DHCP Client and DNS Client.

8. Check for Network Policies: Review policies affecting connectivity.