AZ-802 Deploy and Manage AD DS Practice Question
You need to automate the deployment of a new domain controller in an existing domain using PowerShell. Which cmdlet should you use to install the Active Directory Domain Services role and promote the server after the binaries are present?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install-ADDSDomainController
Modern Windows Server administration emphasizes automation through PowerShell. To promote a server to a domain controller, the ADDSDeployment module provides specific cmdlets that replace the legacy dcpromo utility. These cmdlets handle the configuration of the database, logs, SYSVOL paths, and the necessary directory partition replicates from existing domain controllers in the environment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Install-WindowsFeature AD-Domain-Services
Why it's wrong here
This cmdlet is used only to install the necessary binary files and management tools for the Active Directory Domain Services role on the server. It does not perform the actual promotion of the server to a domain controller or configure the Active Directory database, which are separate steps required for a functional DC.
- ✗
Add-Computer -DomainName 'contoso.com'
Why it's wrong here
The Add-Computer cmdlet is designed to join a standalone server or workstation to an existing Active Directory domain as a member. It does not install directory services or promote the machine to a domain controller role, making it insufficient for the task of expanding the domain's infrastructure and identity management capabilities.
- ✗
Set-ADDomain -Identity 'contoso.com' -InfrastructureMaster
Why it's wrong here
This cmdlet is used to modify the properties of an existing Active Directory domain, such as changing the Infrastructure Master or other domain-wide settings. It has no capability to install the AD DS role or promote a new server, as its primary purpose is the management of existing domain objects and roles.
- ✓
Install-ADDSDomainController
Why this is correct
The Install-ADDSDomainController cmdlet is the primary tool for adding a new domain controller to an existing domain. It triggers the promotion process, configures the server as a replica, and ensures all necessary Active Directory components are initialized correctly, providing a streamlined and scriptable method for scaling out domain infrastructure efficiently.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
This AZ-802 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AZ-802 exam.