Windows Server is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft. It was first launched in 2003 after evolving from Windows NT. Created by Microsoft’s founder Bill Gates and his team, it was designed to manage networks, store data, and run enterprise applications. Today, it powers servers for businesses of all sizes across the world. Jobs like system admin, IT support, and network engineer often need Windows Server skills. If you are applying for such roles, knowing the top Windows Server interview questions can really boost your chances of getting hired.
Fun Fact: According to W3Techs, around 10.6% of websites run on Windows Server as their operating system.
Windows Server Interview Process and Rounds
The Windows Server interview process usually has 2 to 4 rounds, depending on the company and role level.
- Round 1: HR Screening – Covers your background, notice period, and salary expectations.
- Round 2: Technical Interview – Focuses on Windows Server basics, AD, DNS, DHCP, GPOs, and PowerShell.
- Round 3: Scenario-Based Round – You may be asked to solve real problems, like fixing replication issues or failed logins.
- Round 4: Managerial or Client Round – This round checks communication skills, decision-making, and teamwork.
Some companies may skip rounds based on experience. Hands-on knowledge and clear answers help you move ahead confidently.
Windows Server Interview Questions for Freshers
Here are some common Windows Server interview questions and answers to help freshers get started with their preparation.
- What is Windows Server 2025 and what are its key new features?
Windows Server 2025 is Microsoft’s latest server OS. It adds stronger security, better hybrid cloud tools, and deeper integration with Azure Arc.
Key features include SMB over QUIC, hotpatching for non-Azure VMs, and enhanced Active Directory performance. Admin Center also got UI improvements.
- What is Active Directory and how does it work in a domain?
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service for managing users, groups, and devices in a domain. It uses domain controllers to authenticate logins and apply group policies. AD helps centralize access and maintain security.
- Name some FSMO roles and their purposes.
FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operations) roles include:
- Schema Master (manages AD schema)
- Domain Naming Master (adds/removes domains)
- RID Master (allocates RID pools)
- PDC Emulator (syncs time and passwords)
- Infrastructure Master (updates cross-domain object references)
- What are Group Policy Objects and what types are there?
GPOs are collections of settings that control how systems and users behave. There are three types: local GPOs (apply to one machine), non-local GPOs (used in AD domains), and starter GPOs (templates for new policies).
- Explain the difference between primary and secondary DNS zones.
A primary DNS zone can be edited and stores the main copy of DNS records. A secondary DNS zone holds a read-only copy and pulls updates from the primary.
- What is DHCP and how does it assign IP addresses?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically gives devices IP addresses from a pool. It keeps track of leases and avoids conflicts. This helps save time and reduce manual errors during network setup.
Note: Windows Server related interview questions often include topics like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, server roles, and basic troubleshooting tasks.
Windows Server Interview Questions for Experienced
Let’s go through the important Windows Server interview questions and answers for experienced professionals.
- Describe how you would restore Active Directory using an authoritative restore.
First, reboot the domain controller into Directory Services Restore Mode. Then use the ntdsutil tool to mark specific objects or the full database as authoritative. This tells other domain controllers to accept the restored version during replication. Restart the server to resume normal operation.
- How would you configure and promote a server to a domain controller?
Install the AD DS role using Server Manager or PowerShell. Then run the promotion wizard or Install-ADDSForest (for a new domain) or Install-ADDSDomainController (for an existing domain). Follow the steps, set the DSRM password, and restart the server.
- What is Hyper-V in Windows Server 2025 and what improvements does it include?
Hyper-V is Microsoft’s virtualization platform. In Server 2025, it includes faster VM live migration, secure boot for Linux guests, improved nested virtualization, and tighter integration with Azure Stack HCI. It also supports confidential VMs for better isolation.
- How would you troubleshoot replication issues in Active Directory?
I start with repadmin /replsummary to get a quick view. Then use repadmin /showrepl and Event Viewer to check errors. I also verify network connectivity, time sync, and DNS resolution. If needed, I check site links and replication schedules.
- How do you manage or move FSMO roles through PowerShell or GUI tools?
In PowerShell, I use Move-ADDirectoryServerOperationMasterRole to shift FSMO roles. From the GUI, I open the relevant snap-ins – like Active Directory Users and Computers or Schema snap-in – and transfer roles using the Operations Master dialog.
- How do you back up and restore Active Directory and related system state?
Use Windows Server Backup to perform a system state backup. This includes AD, SYSVOL, registry, and boot files. To restore, reboot into DSRM and run a system state restore. You can do this from the Windows Backup console or via command-line.
Also Read - Top 30+ Active Directory Interview Questions and Answers
Windows Server Scenario Based Interview Questions
Here are some commonly asked Windows Server scenario based interview questions and answers.
- A domain controller fails and you need to restore it. What steps do you take?
First, I check if other domain controllers are available. If it was the only one, I restore from a system state backup. I boot into Directory Services Restore Mode, use Windows Server Backup to restore, and perform an authoritative or non-authoritative restore based on the scenario.
- Users report time-sync errors across the domain. How do you resolve this?
I start by identifying the PDC Emulator, which is the domain time source. I check its sync settings using w32tm /query /status. If it is out of sync with an external NTP source, I reset it using w32tm /config and restart the time service. Then, I force sync on clients with w32tm /resync.
- DNS names aren’t resolving – what diagnostics do you perform?
I run nslookup and ipconfig /all to verify DNS settings. I check if the correct DNS server is set and whether the DNS service is running. Then I look for stale zones or broken forwarding. If necessary, I clear the DNS cache and restart the service.
- A new group policy isn’t applying, how do you trace and fix the problem?
I use gpresult /h report.html to view applied policies. I also run rsop.msc to see result sets. I check replication status between domain controllers and confirm if the GPO is linked correctly. Sometimes, it is just a slow sync – so I run gpupdate /force.
Windows Server Admin Interview Questions
These are the most asked interview questions and answers for Windows Server administrator roles.
- What are the hardware and memory requirements for installing Windows Server 2025?
The minimum hardware requirements are: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 2 GB RAM (for Server Core), and 32 GB of disk space. For GUI-based installations or production use, at least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage is more realistic. A UEFI-based system is recommended for newer security features.
- How do you install and configure DHCP on a Windows Server?
I open Server Manager, add the DHCP role, and complete the wizard. Once installed, I authorize the server in Active Directory, then create a new scope. I define the IP range, subnet mask, exclusions, lease duration, and DNS settings. Finally, I activate the scope.
- Explain the purpose of the SYSVOL folder in Active Directory.
SYSVOL is a shared folder on domain controllers that stores GPOs and scripts. It replicates across all DCs using DFS Replication. When a GPO is applied, part of it comes from SYSVOL. If it is missing or corrupt, policies won’t apply properly.
- What is Storage Replica and how is it used in clustering or disaster recovery?
Storage Replica allows block-level replication between servers or clusters. It keeps data in sync across sites for high availability or disaster recovery. It can be synchronous (zero data loss) or asynchronous (used for long-distance links). Admins use it to protect critical workloads.
Note: Interview questions for Windows Server admin often include topics like user account management, Active Directory, Group Policy, server backups, PowerShell commands, and network services like DNS and DHCP.
How to Prepare for Windows Server Interview?
Windows Server jobs are in demand across IT support, sysadmin, and cloud-focused roles. So, make sure you follow these tips when preparing for your interview:
- Start with the basics: DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
- Set up a Windows Server lab at home or use a virtual machine.
- Practice common commands like ipconfig, ping, repadmin, and PowerShell scripts.
- Read recent interview questions and practice answering out loud.
- Learn new features in Windows Server 2025.
- Review your past experience and be ready to explain real problems you solved.
- Stay calm and focus on solving, not memorising.
Wrapping Up
With these 20 Windows Server interview questions and answers, you will be better prepared to face technical rounds with more confidence. Keep learning, practicing, and staying updated with the latest Windows Server features.
Looking for IT jobs, including Windows Server job roles? Visit Hirist to find the top opportunities and apply directly to leading tech companies.
FAQs
Windows Server interview questions are not too hard if you know the basics. If you practice topics like Active Directory, DNS, and PowerShell, and get some hands-on experience, you can answer them with confidence.
Here are the common Windows Server troubleshooting interview questions you might face during technical rounds:
What steps do you take when a server is not booting?
How do you troubleshoot DNS resolution issues?
What do you check if Group Policies are not applying?
How do you fix replication issues between domain controllers?
What tools do you use to find network connectivity problems?
What is Active Directory?
How does DNS work in a Windows network?
What is the use of Group Policy?
What’s the difference between a workgroup and a domain?
How do you configure a static IP address?
How do you perform an authoritative restore in Active Directory?
What steps do you follow to troubleshoot replication failures?
How do you configure Storage Replica for disaster recovery?
What are FSMO roles and how do you move them?
Explain the use of PowerShell in managing server roles.
There are several versions. Popular ones include Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022. Windows Server 2025 is the latest version, offering cloud integration and security upgrades.
You can ask the following questions:
What version of Windows Server do you use?
How is your server environment structured?
What tools do you use for monitoring and backups?
What is the on-call or support structure like?
It handles network management, stores data, runs apps, and controls access. It allows users and devices to work securely within a shared network.
According to AmbitionBox, the average annual salary for a Windows Server Administrator in India is around ₹6 Lakhs. The total salary range usually falls between ₹2.4 Lakhs to ₹9.5 Lakhs per year, depending on experience and company.
The average monthly in-hand salary is approximately ₹35,000 to ₹36,000. Roles in larger MNCs or cloud-focused companies may offer even higher pay.
Windows Server Administrator salary overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual salary range | ₹2.4 Lakhs – ₹9.5 Lakhs |
| Avg. annual salary | ₹6 Lakhs |
| Monthly in-hand salary | ₹35,000 – ₹36,000 |
| Experience range shown | 2 – 10 years |
Salary by experience
| Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2 years | ₹4.0 Lakhs per year |
| 3 years | ₹4.4 Lakhs per year |
| 4 years | ₹5.1 Lakhs per year |
| 5 years | ₹5.6 Lakhs per year |
Salary by city
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Noida | ₹6.9 Lakhs per year |
| Navi Mumbai | ₹6.8 Lakhs per year |
| Bangalore / Bengaluru | ₹6.5 Lakhs per year |
| Gurgaon / Gurugram | ₹6.5 Lakhs per year |
| Chennai | ₹6.4 Lakhs per year |
Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, Accenture, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft, and HCL often hire Windows Server admins and support engineers. Startups and cloud service providers also need skilled professionals.
