Is it possible to create single node failover windows cluster

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Is it possible to create single node failover windows cluster

Priya 211

Hello,

I tried to create a single node windows 2109 failover cluster. The cluster creation was fine, however the disks were not listed to create fileserver role or to create any SMB share. Does it mean we have no way to create a single node cluster and work on it. This is just for testing environment. Any pointers would be of great help.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks!

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Answer 1

Leon Laude 86,026

Hi @Priya ,

It is possible to create a Failover Cluster with only one (1) cluster node, however a failover cluster would typically have at least two (2) nodes in the cluster to allow resources to actually fail over between nodes in a planned or unplanned scenario.

It is also possible to add disks (you need to make sure they are shared disks), or cluster resources such as the File Server role and SMB shares.

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If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you!

Best regards,
Leon

Priya 211 Reputation points

2021-09-16T14:29:23.507+00:00

Thank you. It is good to know that in a single node cluster, things will work. However I don't see the disks show up to add to the cluster.

I do have the disks added to this node.

I am not sure what i am missing here.

In a single node, how can i make a disk shared.
It is also possible to add disks (you need to make sure they are shared disks), or cluster resources such as the File Server role and SMB shares.
Leon Laude 86,026 Reputation points

2021-09-16T14:39:38.297+00:00
The disks should come from a shared storage, for example a storage system or for example iSCSI.
Once the disks are shown in the Disk Management, you'll need to add the disks manually via the Failover Cluster Manager:

Storage

Right-click Disks

Add Disk

Here's how to easily create a iSCSI Target server:
Create a Windows Server 2012 iSCSI Target Server
Priya 211 Reputation points

2021-09-16T15:04:05.47+00:00

Thank you so much @Leon Laude !
Leon Laude 86,026 Reputation points

2021-09-16T15:05:04.827+00:00

You're welcome!

Answer 2

Hey,

As mentioned, you need shared storage to see it in Failover Cluster and configure it as CSV. As an example, you can use StarWind VSAN to create an iSCSI LUN and add it to your cluster. The following guide will help you with the configuration:
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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Is it possible to create single node failover windows cluster

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