Upgrade in place DHCP server from 2012r2 to 2019 or new server 2019 ?

Morello, Marco 21 Reputation points
2022-09-20T08:50:49.84+00:00

hello,
there are any issue regarding an upgrade in place for a DHCP server from 2012r2 to 2019 ?
Is better to do on a new server 2019?
Our configuration is 2 active DHCP servers and 2 in stand-by.
Any best practice?

Thankyou

Windows Server 2019
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A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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Windows Server 2012
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A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows DHCP
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Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). A communications protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network.
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Windows Server Migration
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Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Migration: The process of making existing applications and data work on a different computer or operating system.
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Accepted answer
  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2022-09-20T12:08:35.03+00:00

    My plan is to create new servers with same name and ip but based on WS2019

    Standing up new ones patched fully is the better way to go you could do this by removing one at a time in prep for the new incoming one.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  1. Morello, Marco 21 Reputation points
    2022-09-20T08:58:40.5+00:00

    We have 4 DHCP vm servers. My plan is to create new servers with same name and ip but based on WS2019 or do an upgrade in place.

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  2. Darshana Jayathilake 156 Reputation points
    2022-09-21T00:32:18.633+00:00

    YOu can do an in-place upgrade, there is no limitations. That will be easier and save you time.

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  3. Karlie Weng 14,031 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2022-09-21T06:36:45.553+00:00

    Hello @Morello, Marco

    Migration is the preferred way of doing it.
    It is recommended to use PowerShell for migrating the DHCP Server.

    Migrate DHCP from server 2012 R2 to Server 2019 - Microsoft Q&A
    Export-DhcpServer (DhcpServer) | Microsoft Learn
    Import-DhcpServer (DhcpServer) | Microsoft Learn

    When migrating there will be a downtime, so at least keep one working.

    With an in-place upgrade you carry a risk of failure. It's possible (not likely) that something goes wrong during upgrade leaving you with an unrecoverable condition unless you have the proper backup/restore processes in-place.

    Best Regards
    Karlie

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  4. Limitless Technology 43,931 Reputation points
    2022-09-21T10:32:43.12+00:00

    Hello there,

    Maybe you can have a failover before the migration. The requirements for the OS version are 2012 or later for DHCP failover. In theory, the 2012 R2 DHCP server and server 2019 DHCP server can be failover partners. Of course, the best practice is for both of them to run the same OS to replicate 100% perfectly, but that's not to say the failover relationship between server 2012 R2 and server 2019 cannot be done.

    Migrate Failover on Windows Server 2012 to 2012 R2

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn753715(v=ws.11)?redirectedfrom=MSDN

    Some useful article links that might help you in getting some insights are listed below.

    Migrate DHCP from server 2012 R2 to Server 2019 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/180125/migrate-dhcp-from-server-2012-r2-to-server-2019.html

    Server 2012 R2 DHCP to Server 2019 Migration https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/785120/dhcp-migration.html

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    --If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept it as an answer–

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