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How should we perform Domain merge?

Garima Das 1,041 Reputation points
2024-06-03T13:29:16.0066667+00:00

Hello everyone,

I have an environment where I have two domains. Each domain has 4 domain controllers with Windows Server 2016 each. Both the domains are to be merged into one and the DC Servers must be upgraded from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2022. The existing Domain controllers need to be given new IP addresses in the environment. I have a few questions regarding the same:

  1. How should the Domain Merging be performed?
  2. When should the Domain Controllers be upgraded? before the Domain is merged or after the domain is merged.?
  3. What are the considerations required to be made during the AD modernization and domain merging?
Active Directory
Active Directory
A set of directory-based technologies included in Windows Server.
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Windows Server Infrastructure
Windows Server Infrastructure
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Infrastructure: A Microsoft solution area focused on providing organizations with a cloud solution that supports their real-world needs and meets evolving regulatory requirements.
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  1. Daisy Zhou 20,471 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-06-03T14:00:11.0466667+00:00

    Hello Garima Das，

    Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

    How should the Domain Merging be performed?

    A1: To merge two domains into one, you can use the Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT) provided by Microsoft. The ADMT allows you to migrate user accounts, groups, and computers from one domain to another while preserving security identifiers (SIDs) and passwords.

    Here are the high-level steps to merge two domains using ADMT:

    1. Plan the migration: Determine the scope of the migration, identify the resources that need to be migrated, and create a migration plan.
    2. Prepare the source and target domains: Verify that the source and target domains meet the prerequisites for the migration and create trust relationships between the domains.
    3. Migrate user accounts, groups, and computers: Use ADMT to migrate the user accounts, groups, and computers from the source domain to the target domain.
    4. Migrate resources: Migrate other resources such as file shares, printers, and applications to the target domain.
    5. Decommission the source domain: Once the migration is complete, decommission the source domain.

    **Note:
    1.This is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. It is recommended that you read the ADMT documentation and seek the assistance of a qualified IT professional to ensure a successful migration.

    2.Before you do it in production environment, please do more test in lab.**

    When should the Domain Controllers be upgraded? before the Domain is merged or after the domain is merged.?
    A2: Before you merge the two domains.

    What are the considerations required to be made during the AD modernization and domain merging?

    A3: See A1. In my opinion, if your 2 domains are target domain and source domain, I recommend that you keep the complex domain (target domain) and recreate all the data of the source domain in target domain instead of migrating /merging the source domain to target domain, which should have a higher success rate than merging the 2 domains, and the risk will be lower, and the complexity ratio is relatively smaller.

    I hope the information above is helpful.

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

    Best Regards,

    Daisy Zhou

    ============================================

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