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ian_uk's avatar
ian_uk
Copper Contributor
Sep 03, 2021

Exchange 2013 with 2019 domain controller

Hi


Current environment:

Exchange 2013 CU23

2008r2 Domain - Running at 2008r2 domain & forest functional level


I know from the Exchange server matrix that Ex2013 is not supported in a full 2019 Active Directory environment, but my question is; can I add a 2019 domain controller into a 2008r2 domain (keeping the forest & domain functional level at 2008r2) keeping the Exchange server pointed at the 2008r2 DCs without any issues?

I ask because I know that once you promote a 2019 server to a DC the Schema version goes from 47 (2008r2) to 88 (2019) and I do not know if this affects 2013 Exchange even if still pointed at writeable DC + GC on 2008r2.

 

Thanks for any advice

Active Directory
domain controller
Exchange Server

1 Reply

  • stowakel's avatar
    stowakel
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 12, 2021
    The minimum requirement to add a Windows Server 2019 Domain Controller is a Windows Server 2008 functional level. The domain also has to use DFS-R as the engine to replicate SYSVOL.

    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/active-directory-functional-levels

    Based on the above, yes you can promote win2019 DC in 2008r2 domain. however, keep the funtional levels at 2008r2.

    For Exchange, i will then suggest that you manually configure the domain controller and global catalog to point to win2008r2 domain controller.

    The recommendation will be to use win2016 domain controller instead of win2019 until ex2013 is upgraded. Unless you have a very strick requirement to use win2019 DC.

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