workgroup
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Windows Server Workgroup Administration
(NO DOMAIN)
Welcome to the Windows Server Workgroup Setup & Administration section of the IT Manual. This directory contains procedures for managing standalone Windows Servers and peer-to-peer networks where Active Directory is not present.
📂 Documentation Index
🏗️ Server Setup & Client Configuration
Initial deployment and connectivity standards.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| workgroup_server_setup.md | Baseline configuration for a standalone Windows Server (naming, static IP, workgroup association). |
| client_config_workgroup.md | Configuring Windows 10/11 clients to connect to workgroup resources (Network Discovery, Private Network profiles). |
🌐 Networking (DNS & DHCP)
Handling name resolution and addressing without a Domain Controller.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| dns_dhcp_basic.md | Fundamentals of TCP/IP addressing and manual DNS settings. |
| dns_dhcp_workgroup.md | Managing DNS via router/hosts files and setting up standalone DHCP services. |
👥 User Management (Local)
Managing identities via the Security Accounts Manager (SAM).
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| localusers_groups.md | Creating and managing local users and groups (lusrmgr.msc) and mirroring accounts for pass-through authentication. |
📂 File Services & Remote Access
Resource sharing in a decentralized environment.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| fileshare_basic.md | Quick setup for simple folder sharing. |
| fileshare_workgroup.md | Advanced permissions, mapping drives via batch scripts, and handling “Access Denied” issues in workgroups. |
| rds_workgroup.md | Deploying Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and licensing on a workgroup server. |
🛡️ Operations, Security & Maintenance
Keeping standalone systems secure and running.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| security.md | Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) hardening, Windows Firewall rules, and UAC settings. |
| backup_recovery.md | Using Windows Server Backup and managing local backups for standalone machines. |
| troubleshooting.md | Resolving common workgroup issues (e.g., computers not appearing in Network, credential prompts). |
📝 Key Differences from Domain
- Authentication: Relies on matching Username/Password pairs on Client and Server (Pass-through authentication).
- Policy: Configurations are managed via Local Group Policy rather than centralized GPO.
📝 Contribution Guidelines
- Ensure all IPs listed are generic (e.g.,
192.168.x.x) unless documenting a specific static production server. - Verify that screenshots do not reveal external-facing credentials.