Can I have a mix of Server 2008 2012 and Server 2022 domain controllers on the same network?

Question

Hello,

I have a network with the below scenario

Site 1

2008 R2 - Primary domain controller holds all FSMO roles

2012 R2 - secondary domain controller

2022 - Not yet a domain controller but has AD sync installed

Site 2

2012 RODC - Domain controller on a different site

I am planning to promote 2022 to a Domain controller first .

Then Move all the FSMO roles from 2008 R2 to 2012 R2 . Then decommission 2008 R2.

Eventually migrate all FSMO roles form 2012 R2 DC to 2022 DC in Site 1 and then promote Site 2 DC from 2012 R2 to 2022

Question I have - Is it ok to promote the 2022 as Domain controller first or will it affect any of the domain functional level or any sort of issue will occur?

Thanks

Krish

Answer 1

Hello,

 

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

You can promote 2022 to a domain controller, but here are some factors to be aware of:

Before you can promote your 2022 server to a domain controller, you need to confirm the current domain functional level. The domain functional level of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012 R2 is compatible, but the domain functional level requirement for Windows Server 2022 is at least Windows Server 2012 R2. Therefore, after you promote 2022 to a domain controller, you may need to upgrade the domain function level to 2012 R2 or later in order to take full advantage of the features of 2022.

We recommend that you upgrade 2022 to a domain controller to ensure that it runs properly before migrating the FSMO role. This reduces risk and ensures that issues are identified and resolved in a timely manner at every step.

After promoting 2022 to a domain controller, you may experience some compatibility issues, especially with older operating systems such as 2008 R2. Ensure that all applications and services are compatible with Windows Server 2022 prior to promotion.

 

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

 

Best regards，

Jill Zhou

 

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