Domain controllers (DCs) are servers that store and manage Active Directory (AD) data. They play a critical role in the operation of an AD domain, providing authentication, authorization, and other essential services. Each DC has a specific set of roles that determine its functionality. For example, a DC can be configured as a primary domain controller (PDC), a backup domain controller (BDC), or both. The PDC is the primary source of AD data for the domain, while the BDCs replicate data from the PDC and provide redundancy.
Knowing how to check the roles of a DC is important for troubleshooting and managing AD. There are several ways to check the roles of a DC, including using the graphical user interface (GUI) or the command line. The GUI method is the easiest way to check the roles of a DC. To use the GUI, open the Active Directory Users and Computers console and select the DC. The DC’s roles will be displayed in the “Roles” tab.