Nikolay Krasnov was born in the stanitsa Veshenskaya of the Don Host Oblast, the son of lieutenant-general Ivan Krasnov (1800 –1871). He graduated from the 1st Cadets Corps in Saint Petersburg and since 1851 served at the Life Guards of "Don Cavalry and Artillery Battery" in the rank of praporshik. During Crimean War (1853–1856). In 1855, Krasnov took part in the Siege of Taganrog in the rank of sotnik, while his father, Lieutenant-General Ivan Krasnov, commanded the city's defence. In 1858, he graduated from the Academy of General Headquarters and served at the General Headquarters from 1860 to 1889. In 1863, Krasnov participated in the Polish campaign and was awarded with an Order of St. Anne of the 3rd degree. He was promoted to the rank of major-general in 1880 and gave his resignation in 1891.