Forum Discussion
Server 2016 Essentials coexisting with Server 2022 Standard
I am in the process of replacing an older Server 2016 essentials with a Server 2022 Standard.
The 2016 Essentials server is today acting as the primary domain controller for the domain.
My plan is to:
1. install the new Server 2022 Std
2. Join it to the existing domain as a Backup Domaincontroller
3. Promote the new server to PDC
4. Move contents and applications on the Essentials 2016 server
5. Demote the old 2016 Essentialsserver
6 Decomission the old server.
7. Lift the entire domain to a higher level.
So the question is. Can these servers co-exist as domain controllers in the same environment or do I have to have another approach to the server change?
Best regards,
David
4 Replies
Is it possible to migrate a Domain Controller from Windows Server 2016 Essentials to Windows Server 2022 Standard, or are there specific considerations to keep in mind? I understand that an Essentials domain cannot normally host more than one DC, but if my plan is to temporarily promote the 2022 server as a DC, transfer the FSMO roles from the 2016 server, and then demote the 2016 server, will this approach work smoothly or could it cause complications?
The two prerequisites to introducing the first 2019 or 2022 domain controller are that domain functional level needs to be 2008 or higher and older sysvol FRS replication needs to have been migrated to DFSR
I'd use dcdiag / repadmin tools to verify health `correcting all errors found` before starting `any` operations. Then stand up the new 2019 or 2022, patch it fully, license it, join existing domain, add active directory domain services, promote it also making it a GC (recommended), transfer FSMO roles over (optional), transfer pdc emulator role (optional), use dcdiag / repadmin tools to again verify health, when all is good you can decommission / demote old one.
David_DLMgmt just checking if there's any progress or updates? please don't forget to mark helpful replies.
- The same question goes for Server 2019 Essentials to Standard 2022 if that is easier to answer?
