Upgrading a two node cluster

Mishaua 716 Reputation points
2021-10-14T23:02:18.577+00:00

I have a two node file server cluster running server 2012r2. I want to update it to 2019. The nodes are virtual machines and I would rather not upgrade each vm. Instead I want to build new nodes and swap them out in the cluster. Is this possible or will I need to go to 2016 first. Are there any Microsoft instructions on how to do this? Most of the directions I have seen involve upgrading the OS, which I would prefer not to do.

Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
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  1. Mishaua 716 Reputation points
    2021-11-15T21:03:22.26+00:00

    I was able to successfully add two new 2016 nodes, change the role ownership and drain the 2012 r2 nodes. They are currently paused. I will let them hang around for a little bit before I evict them. I then plan on updating the functional level of the cluster to 2016 and then add two new 2019 nodes and repeat the process so it looks like it works.

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  1. Alex Bykovskyi 1,831 Reputation points
    2021-10-17T16:31:38.743+00:00

    Hey,

    As far as I understood, you would like to migrate your file server to a brand new cluster. I haven't found any official guides, but you can try using Storage Migration Service to migrate to a new cluster. Might help:
    https://charbelnemnom.com/step-by-step-migrate-your-file-servers-with-storage-migration-service-in-windows-server-2019/

    As for the configuration, the following guide will cover the cluster configuration process:
    https://www.starwindsoftware.com/resource-library/starwind-virtual-san-for-hyper-v-2-node-hyperconverged-scenario-with-windows-server-2016/

    Cheers,
    Alex Bykovskyi
    StarWind Software
    Note: Posts are provided “AS IS” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose

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  2. Mishaua 716 Reputation points
    2021-10-19T00:06:21.98+00:00

    If you can add a 2016 node to a 2012 r2 cluster why would you not be able to just migrate the roles to new nodes and then evict the old nodes from the cluster and then do the same thing with 2019 nodes? I guess I will just need to try it. I just wanted to confirm if someone else had done this.

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