Forum Discussion
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 sync tools at the time to sync to Azure AD. We want to get over to a new 2016 domain controller, but have the new domain called "widgets.corp". What is the best way to migrate to the new DC without breaking the Azure sync stuff? Would it simply be installing AD Connect on new DC?
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
Hi Francis,
The best practice is to migrate your Windows 2012R2 to 2016 within the same domain to avoid issues, because your on-premises AD in your scenario is different.
Is possible but it's a complex migration and is advised to contact a partner with experience with your scenario.
the complexity comes from the fact our current AD pushes up to AzureAD (using a deprecated mechanism). We also need the new DC to do the same – push up to Azure AD using whatever the most up-to-date syncing mechanism is(I assume AD Connect). The problem is the all of our laptops are joined to the AzureAD, and trying to figure out if there was a way to do the migration without breaking that.
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
