Forum Discussion

Copper Contributor

Mar 22, 2018

Solved

Azure AD Sync questions

So interesting scenario here. I have a domain controller that is older Windows 2012R2 essentials domain controller with one domain which we will call "widgets". We also have O365 and used the native...

Azure Active Directory (AAD)

NunoAriasSilva
Mar 22, 2018
Hi Francis,

Migrate your active directory to a new Domain Controller in the same domain.

Install AD Connect on the new domain controller (Is not advised, but if it's the only one) in staged mode.

Uninstall the sync mechanism.

Disable the Stage mode on the AD Connect.

Demote the old DC.

With this process you will not breaking nothing.

Read more about staging mode here https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/connect/active-directory-aadconnectsync-operations

Francis Lam

Copper Contributor

Mar 23, 2018

Okay understood about the migrating domain and controllers at the same time. Let me ask this though: what if the old 2012 domain controller is really flat and no systems are joined to the domain, etc. basically its just being used to sync to Azure and maybe some users and groups. In that scenario, could I just build the new DC(2016) with the new domain name from scratch and simply install Azure AD connect? Would i still have to do "staged mode" and deprecate the old sync or is that no longer necessary since its a different domain. BTW, thank you for all your help; definitely learning a lot.

NunoAriasSilva

MVP

Mar 23, 2018

Hi Francis,

If it is your source, is the best way to migrate the domain controller. You will need to do the staged mode to do not have issues and big downtime without staging mode. It's just a few more steps.