20 Windows Server 2016 Interview Questions and Answers

Windows Server 2016 is the latest version of Microsoft’s server operating system. It offers a number of new and improved features over its predecessor, Windows Server 2012. When applying for a position that involves working with Windows Server 2016, you can expect the interviewer to ask you questions about your knowledge and experience with the operating system. In this article, we review some of the most common Windows Server 2016 interview questions and how you should answer them.

Windows Server 2016 Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Windows Server 2016 interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is Windows Server?

Windows Server is a server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is a platform that provides a variety of services, including file and printer sharing, email and web servers, and database servers. Windows Server 2016 is the latest version of the operating system.

2. Can you explain what a domain controller is and how it works?

A domain controller is a server that is responsible for managing access to a network, as well as providing security and other network-related services. When a user tries to log into a network, the domain controller is the server that authenticates the user’s credentials and grants them access to the network. The domain controller is also responsible for keeping track of all the user accounts on the network, as well as managing security settings and other network-related parameters.

3. How does DNS fit into the context of Windows server? How can it be configured to work with Active Directory?

DNS is an important part of Windows Server because it is used to resolve hostnames to IP addresses. This is important for Active Directory because it needs to be able to resolve the hostnames of domain controllers so that clients can connect to them. DNS can be configured to work with Active Directory by setting up a DNS server to act as a domain controller.

4. What is the purpose of an Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) environment in the context of Windows Server 2016?

The purpose of an AD DS environment is to provide a centralized location for managing user accounts, computer accounts, and other objects in a network. This allows for easier administration and security of the network as a whole. Additionally, AD DS can provide Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities, which allow users to access multiple resources with a single set of credentials.

5. Can you explain what the process for adding a new user account to AD DS is?

The process for adding a new user account to AD DS is as follows: first, you will need to create a new user object in the AD DS database. Next, you will need to assign that user a unique user ID. Finally, you will need to configure the user’s permissions and access rights.

6. What are some basic security settings that can be used to protect your servers from unauthorized access?

There are a few basic security settings that can be used to protect your servers from unauthorized access. One is to ensure that only authorized users have access to the server. This can be done by setting up user accounts and assigning permissions. Another setting is to make sure that all data on the server is encrypted. This will help to prevent data breaches. Finally, it is important to keep the server software up to date with the latest security patches.

7. Is it possible to make a user administrator on a single server without granting them full admin rights across all servers on the network? If yes, then how?

Yes, it is possible to make a user administrator on a single server without granting them full admin rights across all servers on the network. This can be done by opening the Server Manager, selecting the Users tab, and then selecting the user you want to make an administrator. From there, you can select the check box next to the administrator role you want to assign to the user.

8. What types of files can be shared using File Explorer?

Any type of file can be shared using File Explorer, but some types of files are more commonly shared than others. For example, many people use File Explorer to share photos, videos, and music files.

9. In what situations would you want to use Read-Only Domain Controllers?

Read-Only Domain Controllers are most often used in branch offices or other locations where it may not be possible or desirable to have a full-fledged Domain Controller. By having a Read-Only Domain Controller in place, you can still provide authentication and authorization services to users in these locations while keeping the Domain Controller itself safe from any accidental or malicious changes.

10. What are the different ways you can manage users and groups using PowerShell?

You can use PowerShell to manage users and groups in a number of ways. You can use the Get-LocalUser and Get-LocalGroup cmdlets to view information about users and groups on the local machine. You can also use the New-LocalUser and New-LocalGroup cmdlets to create new users and groups. To add or remove users from groups, you can use the Add-LocalGroupMember and Remove-LocalGroupMember cmdlets.

11. What is the difference between User Account Control and UAC Remote Restrictions? Should they both be enabled?

User Account Control is a security feature that prompts users for permission when a program tries to make changes to the system. UAC Remote Restrictions is a security feature that prevents remote users from making changes to the system. They should both be enabled to maximize security.

12. What is the best way to restrict access to a particular file or folder on the server?

The best way to restrict access to a particular file or folder on the server is to use the NTFS permissions. By using the NTFS permissions, you can specifically allow or deny access to the file or folder for specific users or groups.

13. What are the differences between NTFS and ReFS file systems? When should each one be used?

NTFS is the standard file system for Windows NT-based operating systems, while ReFS is a newer file system with several advantages over NTFS. ReFS is designed to be more resilient to data corruption, and also offers better performance and scalability. However, NTFS is still required for certain features such as encryption and compression, so it is important to choose the right file system for the job.

14. What’s the easiest way to copy files over the network using Windows Server 2016?

The easiest way to copy files over the network using Windows Server 2016 is to use the Server Manager. With the Server Manager, you can simply right-click on the file or folder you want to copy and select the “Copy To” option. From there, you can select the destination server and share name.

15. What do you understand about Managed Service Accounts? When should they be used?

Managed Service Accounts (MSAs) are a type of account that can be used to run services on Windows Server 2016. They are designed to make it easier to manage the credentials for services, and can help to improve security by reducing the risk of password theft. MSAs should be used whenever possible to run services on Windows Server 2016, as they can help to improve the security of the system.

16. What are the advantages of using Server Core instead of the normal GUI version of Windows Server?

Server Core is a more stripped down version of Windows Server that doesn’t include the GUI, meaning that it requires less disk space and system resources. It also has a smaller attack surface, making it more secure. Finally, it is easier to manage and automate using PowerShell.

17. How are applications installed on Windows Server 2016 if there is no GUI?

The Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD) can be used to install applications on Windows Server 2016 without a GUI. This FOD adds the required components for specific applications to be installed and run on the server.

18. Can you explain what BitLocker Drive Encryption is? What are its benefits?

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a security feature that encrypts data on a hard drive to protect it from unauthorized access. BitLocker can also encrypt removable drives, such as USB flash drives. The benefits of BitLocker include increased security for data stored on a hard drive or removable drive, and the ability to remotely manage BitLocker encryption.

19. What is your understanding of the “Windows as a Service” model and how does it affect updates to Windows Server 2016?

The “Windows as a Service” model is a new way of delivering updates to Windows Server 2016. Instead of releasing a new version of the server every few years, Microsoft will now release new features and updates on a more frequent basis. This means that administrators will need to stay on top of the latest changes and ensure that their servers are always up to date.

20. Are there any challenges associated with managing Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)? If yes, then how do you overcome them?

One challenge that can be associated with managing WSUS is ensuring that the updates that are approved for installation are actually installed on the appropriate servers. This can be overcome by using a tool like SCCM to push the updates out to the servers. Another challenge can be ensuring that the updates don’t cause any negative impact on the systems or business, which can be overcome by testing the updates in a lab environment before approving them for installation in production.