Question How can I set up roaming profiles and backups for 5 users on 3 Windows 10 Pro PCs, and can one PC act as a server while handling daily tasks?

[Browds]

I have 4 computers with Windows 10 Pro in a shop, 3 in use and 1 as a backup. There are 5 users, and I need each of them to access their apps and settings on any machine. Additionally, I’d like to set up a backup system to restore everything in case of any issues.

If a server is required, would it be possible to use one of the 3 computers as a server while still performing day-to-day tasks on it?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Roaming profiles requires a Domain Environment (Windows Enterprise version) along with the requisite number of licenses for the workstations, plus the hardware for the primary and backup domain controllers, along with a server holding enough storage to service the workstations. Roaming profiles also take a LOT longer to load/unload (up to many hours in some cases, especially when users are allowed to store files and folders on the desktop). This isn't anywhere near cheap. You can't use workstations for this.

 

[Browds]

Ok. What’s the most practical solution you suggest? I’d like to simply replace any of the three computers if one breaks, almost like a Formula 1 pit stop

 

[COLGeek]

Your solution(s) will be largely dependent on how much time/money you are willing to throw at this. Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[Browds]

Your solution(s) will be largely dependent on how much time/money you are willing to throw at this. Do you have a budget in mind?

I don’t like subscriptions or monthly costs. I prefer one-time payments and am willing to invest since this is my first project of this kind.

 

[COLGeek]

I don’t like subscriptions or monthly costs. I prefer one-time payments and am willing to invest since this is my first project of this kind.

So, to purchase a server, OS, licenses, etc., what is your budget? Also, do you have someone with the knowledge to setup/configure for you?

 

[Browds]

So, to purchase a server, OS, licenses, etc., what is your budget? Also, do you have someone with the knowledge to setup/configure for you?

So this is my own project. I don’t have a planned budget, but I believe I will spend what is necessary. This will be my first time working on something like this.

 

[COLGeek]

So, no maximum budget. Makes it difficult to give recommendations.

These questions matter so members can provide realistic suggestions to meet your needs. For example, you can pickup a perfectly capable older server for as little a few hundred dollars, or spend in excess of $20000 on a brand new one.

Do you have any idea how much storage space you might need (or simply want)?

Is your workstation count always going to be around 5 systems, or do you plan to grow?

Does your server need to perform multiple functions, i.e., file sharing, storage, print services, etc?

Do you have a backup (for the server and workstations) plan in place or do you need that as well?

 

[punkncat]

Thinking within the limitations of the specific hardware here:

Without knowing more specifics about the location, is there some reason it is better to have all of these people using multiple PC? In other words, it is like a long walk, or away from specific work areas that they may need their specific PC?
Do any of the apps being used share the same workload/output? For instance, a buddy of mine uses a car repair program in his shop and has it loaded onto two PC that are far enough away from each other to make it worth not walking back and especially when they need to walk back for reference. In most cases they can just "pop open a tab" within that enviro to look at what they need for that local PC.
In his case he keeps a mirror backup for each of those PC running such that if there is a problem or a failure he can just reach down and grab the other to place into the previous spot of the troubled PC.

If all the users are using the same programs and so on you could create a user profile for each of them to each machine. The big fly in the ointment here is having all of those PC backing/mirroring to one another. I don't know how or if such could even be done as it is outside my pay grade and experience.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

I don’t like subscriptions or monthly costs. I prefer one-time payments and am willing to invest since this is my first project of this kind.

The necessary licenses here are a yearly expense that have to be budgeted (there is no "one and done"). And, as this is your first time you need to be spending copious quantities of time researching, and it wouldn't be out of line to be hiring a consultant or two to help design and implement the system. You're rapidly approaching the point of "Too big for one person to handle".

 

[COLGeek]

Something to consider is this: Synology Directory Server on one of their NAS devices.

https://www.synology.com/en-global/dsm/feature/active_directory