Breaking into or advancing within the IT world can be as demanding as it is rewarding, particularly in the case of a Microsoft System Administrator. From handling Active Directory to deploying patches through SCCM, and to Exchange and Windows Server troubleshooting, the job requires a number of technical skills, a keen attention to detail, and the capacity to think two steps ahead.
But here’s the reality: technical expertise is not enough. You have got to go into interviews feeling confident about tackling the types of questions that hiring managers are really posing, whether they’re interrogating you on PowerShell syntax or testing your handling of a high-priority server crash.
That’s why we have put together this ultimate guide to the Top 75 Microsoft System Administrator Interview Questions—beginner to expert level—specifically designed to present yourself confidently, demonstrate your depth, and get that next big break.
So, whether you are an experienced sysadmin getting ready for your next career step, or it’s your first Microsoft admin position, this list will prepare you, practice you, and position you as the in-house tech guru every IT department desires.
About Microsoft System Administrator
A Microsoft System Administrator is the backbone of any organization’s IT infrastructure. From managing Active Directory and Windows Server to securing user access and automating routine tasks, system admins keep business operations running smoothly and securely.
As companies increasingly adopt hybrid environments and cloud services like Azure AD and Microsoft 365, the role of a sysadmin has evolved. Interviewers now expect candidates to not only understand on-premises infrastructure but also how to integrate and manage cloud-connected systems effectively.
Whether you’re applying for an entry-level IT support role or stepping into a senior system admin position, being well-prepared for interviews can make all the difference. Employers are looking for people who can troubleshoot under pressure, follow best practices, write basic PowerShell scripts, and work collaboratively across teams.
Who should take up the Microsoft System Administrator Role?
The Microsoft System Administrator role is ideal for IT professionals who enjoy working with servers, managing users and permissions, and keeping systems stable, secure, and optimized. If you are comfortable with Windows environments, Active Directory, and basic networking, and you are ready to take on more responsibility, this is a great career path.
Microsoft System Administrator Job Roles
- A Helpdesk Technician or Desktop Support Engineer looking to move up
- An IT Support Specialist who already manages users or permissions
- A Junior System Administrator wanting to solidify their foundational skills
- An IT Generalist in a small or mid-size company responsible for multiple systems
- A Student or recent graduate with some lab or internship experience in Windows environments
Relevant Certifications to Consider:
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- CompTIA Server+ or CompTIA Network+ (for additional fundamentals)
Skills Required
- Experience with Windows Server (2016/2019/2022)
- Familiarity with Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
- Basic PowerShell scripting for automation
- Understanding of file system security and backups
- Ability to troubleshoot network and system performance issues
If you are aiming for a stable and well-respected career in IT—and enjoy solving problems behind the scenes, a Microsoft System Administrator role could be a perfect fit.
Basic Windows Server Concepts for Microsoft System Administrators Interview Questions
These questions cover the foundational elements of Windows Server, such as its core features, directory services, and essential tools used by System Administrators. Whether you’re a fresher or transitioning into IT, mastering these basics is the first step toward becoming a Microsoft System Administrator.
Q1. What is Active Directory?
Answer: Active Directory is Microsoft’s directory service used in Windows domain networks. It allows administrators to manage permissions and access to network resources like users, computers, printers, and applications from a centralized location. It’s the backbone of identity and access management in enterprise Windows environments.
Q2. How do you create a new user in Windows Server?
Answer: To create a new user in Windows Server, open the “Active Directory Users and Computers” console. Right-click on the desired Organizational Unit (OU), select “New” → “User,” and follow the wizard to enter user details, set a password, and define account properties. This account can now be used to log into domain-connected systems.
Q3. What is Group Policy and why is it important?
Answer: Group Policy is a feature in Windows Server that allows centralized control over user and computer settings in an Active Directory environment. IT admins use Group Policy to enforce password rules, desktop configurations, software restrictions, and more — helping ensure consistency, compliance, and security across the network.
Q4. What is a domain in Windows Server?
Answer: A domain is a logical grouping of network resources like users, systems, and services, managed under a single Active Directory database. It provides centralized security, authentication, and administration. Domains make it easier to manage large numbers of users and devices in enterprise environments.
Q5. What is the difference between a domain and a workgroup?
Answer: A workgroup is a peer-to-peer network where each computer is managed independently, suitable for small setups. A domain, on the other hand, offers centralized management via a domain controller, allowing better control, security, and scalability in business networks.
Q6. What does a Domain Controller do?
Answer: A Domain Controller is a server that responds to authentication requests within the domain. It stores user account information, enforces security policies, and validates logins. If Active Directory is the brain, the Domain Controller is the messenger that ensures everything works securely and efficiently.
Q7. What is the function of DNS in a Windows Server environment?
Answer: DNS (Domain Name System) is used to translate domain names into IP addresses. In a Windows Server setup, DNS is essential for services like Active Directory, where internal hostname resolution is required for users and applications to communicate across the network.
Q8. What is DHCP and how does it help System Administrators?
Answer: DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. This reduces manual errors, prevents IP conflicts, and simplifies IP management for administrators, especially in large environments.
Q9. What are Organizational Units (OUs) in Active Directory?
Answer: Organizational Units are containers used to group users, computers, and other AD objects within a domain. OUs help structure an organization logically and enable the application of Group Policies or delegation of admin tasks without affecting the entire domain.
Q10. What is the difference between a user account and a computer account in AD?
Answer: A user account represents an individual and allows them to log in to domain-connected machines. A computer account represents a system that has joined the domain. Both are stored in Active Directory and can be managed centrally.
Q11. What is the SYSVOL folder used for?
Answer: The SYSVOL folder is a shared directory on domain controllers that stores critical files like Group Policy definitions and logon scripts. These files are replicated automatically across all domain controllers to maintain consistency.
Q12. How do you reset a user password in Active Directory?
Answer: Open the “Active Directory Users and Computers” console, locate the user, right-click the account, and select “Reset Password.” Enter and confirm the new password. You can also enforce the user to change it at next logon, depending on policy settings.
Q13. What is the gpupdate command used for in Windows Server?
Answer: The gpupdate command is used to manually refresh Group Policy settings on a local machine. This is particularly useful when you’ve made changes to a Group Policy Object (GPO) and want to apply the changes immediately without waiting for the automatic refresh cycle.
Q14. What is the difference between gpupdate and gpresult?
Answer: gpupdate refreshes Group Policy settings, while gpresult generates a report showing which policies have been applied to a user or computer. gpresult /r is especially helpful for troubleshooting policy application issues.
Q15. How do you promote a server to a domain controller?
Answer: To promote a server to a domain controller, you use the “Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard” via Server Manager. After installing the AD DS role, you configure the server as a new domain controller for an existing or new domain.
Q16. What is a forest in Active Directory?
Answer: A forest is the top-level logical container in Active Directory that holds one or more domains. It represents the entire Active Directory instance and allows multiple domains to share a common schema and global catalog.
Q17. What is a trust relationship between domains?
Answer: A trust is a relationship established between two domains that allows users in one domain to access resources in another. Trusts can be one-way or two-way and are essential in multi-domain or multi-forest environments.
Q18. What is the Global Catalog?
Answer: The Global Catalog is a distributed data repository that contains a searchable, partial representation of every object in every domain within a forest. It enables users to search for resources like users or printers across domains.
Q19. What are FSMO roles?
Answer: FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operations) roles are special roles assigned to domain controllers to prevent conflicts in Active Directory. There are five FSMO roles: Schema Master, Domain Naming Master, RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master. Each plays a critical role in AD functionality.
Q20. How do you back up Active Directory?
Answer: You can back up Active Directory by using Windows Server Backup. Perform a System State Backup, which includes the AD database, SYSVOL, and other critical system files. Regular backups are essential for disaster recovery in enterprise environments.
Intermediate Windows Server Concepts for Microsoft System Administrator Interview Questions
These questions are designed for candidates with hands-on experience in server administration. They cover real-world scenarios, server roles, performance monitoring, and system recovery — topics commonly asked in technical interviews for mid-level System Administrator roles.
Q21. How do you join a Windows client to a domain?
Answer: Open the “System” settings, go to the “Computer Name” tab, and click on “Change settings.” In the dialog box, select “Domain,” enter the domain name, and provide domain administrator credentials when prompted. A restart is required for the changes to take effect.
Q22. What is the purpose of the Active Directory Recycle Bin?
Answer: The AD Recycle Bin allows administrators to restore accidentally deleted AD objects (like users or OUs) without needing to restore from a backup. It retains all linked attributes and relationships. It must be enabled manually and is available in Windows Server 2008 R2 and above.
Q23. How do you seize FSMO roles from a failed domain controller?
Answer: Use the ntdsutil command-line tool to seize FSMO roles when the original role-holder is permanently offline. This should only be done in disaster recovery situations as it can disrupt domain functionality if the failed DC later comes back online.
Q24. What is a GPO loopback policy and when is it used?
Answer: GPO loopback processing is used when you want Group Policies applied based on the computer’s location in AD rather than the user’s. It’s often used in environments like kiosks, classrooms, or remote desktops where multiple users log into a single machine.
Q25. What is Windows Server Core?
Answer: Server Core is a minimal installation option for Windows Server that includes only essential components. It reduces the attack surface, requires fewer updates, and consumes fewer system resources. It’s ideal for roles like Hyper-V hosts and domain controllers.
Q26. How do you troubleshoot slow logon issues in a domain environment?
Answer: Check for common issues such as Group Policy processing delays, DNS resolution problems, script execution times, and authentication server availability. Tools like gpresult, Event Viewer, and AD logs can help pinpoint the root cause.
Q27. What are the different types of Group Policy filters?
Answer: You can apply filters using Security Filtering, WMI Filtering, and Item-Level Targeting. These allow Group Policies to apply only to specific users, computers, or based on system attributes (e.g., OS version, RAM size, etc.).
Q28. How do you manage local users on a domain-joined machine?
Answer: Although domain users are preferred, local user accounts can still be managed using the lusrmgr.msc console or through command-line tools like net user. Group Policy can also restrict or control access to local user management.
Q29. How can you schedule tasks on a Windows Server?
Answer: Use Task Scheduler to run scripts, launch applications, or trigger maintenance tasks at defined times or events. You can schedule tasks through the GUI or by using PowerShell and the schtasks command.
Q30. What is the role of WSUS in server management?
Answer: WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) allows administrators to centrally manage the distribution of Microsoft updates across a network. It reduces bandwidth usage and gives control over which updates are approved and installed.
Q31. What are the common causes of DNS issues in Active Directory?
Answer: Incorrect forwarders, missing zones, replication errors, or misconfigured DHCP settings can lead to DNS issues. Ensure proper AD-integrated DNS setup and use tools like nslookup and dcdiag for troubleshooting.
Q32. How do you manage disk partitions on a Windows Server?
Answer: Use the Disk Management utility or diskpart command-line tool to create, resize, or delete partitions. You can also initialize new disks and assign drive letters as needed.
Q33. What’s the difference between a snapshot and a backup?
Answer: A snapshot is a point-in-time image of a system state, usually used in virtualization. A backup is a full copy of selected files, systems, or states, used for long-term recovery. Snapshots are quick but not a substitute for regular backups.
Q34. What is the purpose of Performance Monitor?
Answer: Performance Monitor (perfmon) is a tool used to track server health and performance metrics in real-time. You can monitor CPU usage, memory, disk I/O, network activity, and generate alerts based on defined thresholds.
Q35. How do you recover from a corrupted Active Directory database?
Answer: Reboot the server into Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM), use ntdsutil to perform semantic database analysis, and attempt a repair. If repair fails, restore from a recent backup using Windows Server Backup.
Q36. How do you configure a static IP address on a Windows Server?
Answer: You can set a static IP by opening “Network and Sharing Center,” going to the adapter settings, right-clicking the network connection, choosing “Properties,” then selecting “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” and entering the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers manually.
Q37. What is the difference between NTFS and ReFS file systems?
Answer: NTFS (New Technology File System) is the default for Windows, supporting file permissions, encryption, and compression. ReFS (Resilient File System) is designed for data integrity, automatic error correction, and larger volumes, making it ideal for storage-focused applications but lacking some NTFS features.
Q38. How do you promote a read-only domain controller (RODC)?
Answer: Install the Active Directory Domain Services role, then run the configuration wizard. Select the option to install an RODC, provide domain credentials, and complete the promotion. RODCs are typically deployed in branch offices where security is a concern.
Q39. What is Windows Failover Clustering?
Answer: Failover Clustering is a high-availability feature that allows multiple servers to work together as a single system. If one node fails, another takes over with minimal downtime. It’s used for applications like SQL Server and Hyper-V virtual machines.
Q40. How do you perform a clean demotion of a domain controller?
Answer: Go to “Server Manager,” remove the Active Directory Domain Services role, and follow the demotion wizard. You’ll need to set a local admin password if it’s the last domain controller in the domain or site.
Q41. What are the default ports used by Active Directory?
Answer: Active Directory uses several ports:
- TCP/UDP 389 – LDAP
- TCP 636 – LDAP over SSL
- TCP/UDP 88 – Kerberos authentication
- TCP 445 – SMB
- TCP 3268 – Global Catalog
These ports must be open for domain communication and replication.
Q42. What is BitLocker and how is it managed on a server?
Answer: BitLocker is a disk encryption tool used to protect data on Windows systems. On servers, it can be enabled through Group Policy or manually via the Control Panel or PowerShell. Recovery keys can be stored in Active Directory for domain-joined machines.
Q43. How do you force Active Directory replication?
Answer: You can use the repadmin /syncall /AeD command to force AD replication between domain controllers. Alternatively, use the “Active Directory Sites and Services” console to replicate manually between partners.
Q44. What is Server Manager and how is it used?
Answer: Server Manager is a central management console for installing roles, managing servers, and monitoring server status. It allows remote administration and streamlines common server tasks like feature installation or performance checks.
Q45. How do you use PowerShell to list all AD users in a specific OU?
Answer: Use the following command:
Get-ADUser -Filter * -SearchBase "OU=Sales,DC=yourdomain,DC=com"
This command fetches all user accounts under the “Sales” OU.
Q46. What is the use of sfc /scannow on a Windows Server?
Answer: sfc /scannow is a System File Checker command that scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files. It’s useful when troubleshooting issues like unexpected server behavior or failed service startups.
Q47. How can you audit user login activity in a domain?
Answer: Enable logon event auditing via Group Policy. Then, check Event Viewer under Security Logs for Event ID 4624 (successful logon) and 4625 (failed logon). You can also filter logs by username or machine.
Q48. What’s the difference between netdom and nltest commands?
Answer: Both are command-line tools used for domain operations.
netdomhelps with domain joins, trusts, and password resets.nltestis mainly used for network testing, such as querying domain controller discovery and trust verification.
Q49. How do you extend a disk volume in Windows Server?
Answer: Open “Disk Management,” right-click the volume, and choose “Extend Volume.” You can increase the size if there’s adjacent unallocated space. This can also be done via PowerShell using Resize-Partition.
Q50. What is the purpose of the Windows Event Viewer?
Answer: Event Viewer logs system, application, and security events. It’s essential for troubleshooting server issues, monitoring changes, auditing security events, and diagnosing system errors.
Advanced Windows Server Concepts for Microsoft System Administrator
Q51. How do you configure a Windows Server as a DNS forwarder?
Answer: Open the DNS Manager, right-click the server name, select “Properties,” then go to the “Forwarders” tab. Add the IP addresses of the external DNS servers (like 8.8.8.8 for Google). This helps in resolving names not managed internally.
Q52. How can you automate user creation in bulk using PowerShell?
Answer: Prepare a CSV file with user details. Then use a script like:
Import-Csv "users.csv" | ForEach-Object {
New-ADUser -Name $_.Name -SamAccountName $_.Username -UserPrincipalName $_.UPN -Path $_.OU -AccountPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString $_.Password -AsPlainText -Force) -Enabled $true
}
This creates users in bulk with attributes defined in the CSV.
Q53. What is the purpose of an Active Directory site?
Answer: AD Sites represent the physical structure (like locations or branches) of an organization. Sites help optimize replication and authentication by controlling which domain controllers handle requests based on IP subnets.
Q54. How do you configure replication between sites in Active Directory?
Answer: Using “Active Directory Sites and Services,” create site links, assign domain controllers to sites, and configure schedules. Replication topology is adjusted automatically using the Knowledge Consistency Checker (KCC), unless customized manually.
Q55. What is Kerberos authentication and how does it work in a Windows domain?
Answer: Kerberos is a ticket-based authentication protocol used by default in Windows domains. A client requests a Ticket Granting Ticket (TGT) from the Key Distribution Center (KDC), which is then used to access resources securely without resending passwords.
Q56. What is the role of a Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC) in branch offices?
Answer: An RODC hosts a read-only copy of the AD database. It enhances security in untrusted locations by not storing sensitive credentials, while still enabling local authentication and logon services.
Q57. How do you enable auditing of file and folder access on a server?
Answer: Enable “Audit Object Access” in Group Policy, then go to the folder’s properties → Security → Advanced → Auditing, and define which user actions should be logged. Events are recorded in the Security log under Event Viewer.
Q58. What is Just Enough Administration (JEA)?
Answer: JEA is a PowerShell security feature that allows delegation of specific administrative tasks to users without giving full admin rights. It provides role-based access with session configurations and controlled command execution.
Q59. How do you configure Hyper-V replication?
Answer: In Hyper-V Manager, enable replication for a VM by specifying the destination server, selecting the replication frequency, and choosing recovery options. This creates a copy of the VM that updates periodically, ensuring business continuity.
Q60. What is Dynamic Access Control (DAC)?
Answer: DAC is a feature in Windows Server that allows advanced access control based on user claims, device properties, and resource tags. It enables context-aware authorization beyond standard NTFS permissions.
Q61. How do you troubleshoot Group Policy not applying on a client?
Answer: Use the gpresult /r or gpresult /h report.html commands to check applied policies. Look for errors in Event Viewer under “Group Policy” and ensure the client has proper DNS configuration and network connectivity to a domain controller.
Q62. What is a Service Principal Name (SPN)?
Answer: An SPN is a unique identifier for a service instance used by Kerberos for mutual authentication. It ties a service to an account and must be registered correctly for Kerberos to work.
Q63. How do you monitor domain controller replication health?
Answer: Use the repadmin /replsummary command to get a quick overview of replication status. You can also run dcdiag to perform a diagnostic check on DCs and view their event logs for replication errors.
Q64. What’s the difference between authoritative and non-authoritative restore in Active Directory?
Answer: An authoritative restore marks the restored AD objects as the latest version, so they overwrite other replicas. A non-authoritative restore simply restores the DC, and replication updates it to match the current state of AD.
Q65. How do you upgrade a domain functional level?
Answer: In “Active Directory Domains and Trusts,” right-click the domain, choose “Raise Domain Functional Level,” and select the new level. This enables newer AD features but must be planned carefully, ensuring all DCs are compatible.
Q66. What is Credential Guard and why is it important?
Answer: Credential Guard uses virtualization-based security to isolate secrets like NTLM hashes and Kerberos tickets. It protects against credential theft attacks such as Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket.
Q67. How do you find inactive user accounts in AD?
Answer: Use PowerShell:
Search-ADAccount -UsersOnly -AccountInactive -TimeSpan 90.00:00:00
This returns accounts inactive for 90 days or more.
Q68. What are managed service accounts (MSAs)?
Answer: MSAs are accounts managed by the domain for running services with automatic password management and simplified SPN configuration. They reduce the risk of service disruptions due to expired passwords.
Q69. How do you identify and clean up lingering objects in AD?
Answer: Use the repadmin /removelingeringobjects command. Lingering objects can occur after a failed DC replication and may cause inconsistencies. Regular health checks and tombstone lifetimes help prevent this.
Q70. What is a baseline configuration and how do you enforce it?
Answer: A baseline is a defined standard for system configuration and security. Tools like Group Policy, Security Compliance Toolkit, and Desired State Configuration (DSC) help enforce it across servers and workstations.
Q71. How can you restrict user logon hours in Active Directory?
Answer: In the user account properties (in ADUC), go to the “Account” tab and click on “Logon Hours.” You can then define when the user is allowed or denied access.
Q72. What is Windows Admin Center?
Answer: Windows Admin Center is a browser-based management tool for Windows Server and Windows 10/11. It allows remote administration of roles, servers, clusters, and services with a modern interface — no need for RDP or MMC tools.
Q73. How do you configure a server for remote PowerShell access?
Answer: Enable PowerShell remoting using:
Enable-PSRemoting -Force
Ensure the WinRM service is running and the firewall allows remote PowerShell connections.
Q74. How do you protect sensitive OU structures from accidental deletion?
Answer: Right-click the OU in ADUC → Properties → check the box for “Protect object from accidental deletion.” This adds an extra layer of safety and helps avoid unintentional data loss.
Q75. What steps do you take during a domain controller decommission?
Answer: Transfer FSMO roles, update DNS records, remove replication links, and then demote the DC using Server Manager or dcpromo. Clean up metadata using ntdsutil if needed, and ensure clients are redirected to other DCs.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a Microsoft System Administrator interview requires more than just technical knowledge — it demands practical experience, familiarity with real-world scenarios, and the ability to solve problems under pressure. These 75 questions cover a wide range of topics from the basics of Active Directory and Group Policy to advanced PowerShell automation, security protocols, and disaster recovery strategies.
Whether you’re a fresher aiming to enter the IT world or a seasoned professional looking to upgrade your role, mastering these questions will give you the confidence to handle interviews at all levels. Make sure to pair this preparation with hands-on practice in lab environments or virtual machines to reinforce your understanding.
