Upgrading a Server 2019 Domain Controller to 2025, Where's ADPREP?

Robin 1 Reputation point
2025-05-29T22:52:57.6866667+00:00

I have a pair of windows 2019 servers I'm trying to upgrade to 2025 with an in-place install and the error is:

|Active Directory on this domain controller does not contain
Windows Server 2025 ADPREP /FORESTPREP updates. See
https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=113955.| | -------- | |Active Directory on this domain controller does not contain Windows Server 2025 ADPREP /FORESTPREP updates. See https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=113955.|

When I search for ADPREP, it is not found on either machine. I've followed some guides on the web, but none of them are working. The forest is at 2016 level so that's not the problem.

When I look under roles, Active Directory Domain Services is installed correctly on both machines.

I'm kinda stumped, any assistance would be helpful.

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
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  1. Marcin Policht 50,495 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-05-29T23:16:55.6466667+00:00

    Refer to https://robertsmit.wordpress.com/2024/11/20/upgrading-to-windows-server-2025-a-step-by-step-guide-ws2025-winserv-azurearc/

    On the ISO in the support folder there is the ADPREP folder that should be used to do the forest prep. This and only this ADprep should be used.


    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  2. Robin 1 Reputation point
    2025-05-29T23:38:33.0333333+00:00

    thank you for that answer.

    Does it matter if I'm doing the non-Primary Domain Controller first as a test to see how it goes?

    What does adprep do to the forest?

    Hate to see the install fail and me not be able to access anything.


  3. Robin 1 Reputation point
    2025-05-30T00:04:56.2066667+00:00

    Another question, my PDC is an older server that does NOT have a TPM 2.0 module. I can get one for $70 and install it if it's necessary to run 2025.

    Do I need this before proceeding or can I bypass the TPM requirement?


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