Domain Controller / SQL Server 2019

Paul Smith 21 Reputation points
2021-09-29T13:31:39.23+00:00

We are currently running Server 2019 as a domain controller that gives staff access to various shared files and folders, I have now been tasked with installing SQL Server 2019 I have read various forums that say it's not recommended to install SQL Server on a server that is set up as a domain controller.

Could anyone tell me what options there are available to me to solve this issue or would I need to purchase a separate server to run SQL Server on?

Thank you in advance.

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
SQL Server | Other
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  1. Anonymous
    2021-09-29T13:53:54.057+00:00

    That's correct, do not install SQL Server on a domain controller. The simplest solution may be to install the hyper-v roles (as only role) on host, then stand up two virtual machines. One for active directory domain services, and another for the database application.

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  1. CathyJi-MSFT 22,396 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2021-09-30T01:14:14.223+00:00

    Hi @Paul Smith ,

    For security reasons, we recommend that you do not install SQL Server on a domain controller. SQL Server Setup will not block installation on a computer that is a domain controller, but the following limitations apply:

    • You cannot run SQL Server services on a domain controller under a local service account.
    • After SQL Server is installed on a computer, you cannot change the computer from a domain member to a domain controller. You must uninstall SQL Server before you change the host computer to a domain controller.
    • After SQL Server is installed on a computer, you cannot change the computer from a domain controller to a domain member. You must uninstall SQL Server before you change the host computer to a domain member.
    • SQL Server failover cluster instances are not supported where cluster nodes are domain controllers.
    • SQL Server is not supported on a read-only domain controller. SQL Server Setup cannot create security groups or provision SQL Server service accounts on a read-only domain controller. In this scenario, Setup will fail.
    • A SQL Server failover cluster instance is not supported in an environment where only a read-only domain controller is accessible.

    Refer to MS document SQL Server 2019: Hardware and software requirements.


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  2. Olaf Helper 47,516 Reputation points
    2021-09-29T14:02:29.61+00:00
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  3. Tom Phillips 17,771 Reputation points
    2021-09-29T15:05:26.107+00:00

    It is not recommended for security reasons, but it is also not prevented. You can do it, but if someone exploits your SQL Server, they may gain access to your entire domain.

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  4. Limitless Technology 39,926 Reputation points
    2021-09-30T08:26:47.643+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for your question.

    As a best Practice you should not install SQL on Domain controller as resource intensive and may create issue during migration or upgradation.

    Hence keep both isolated to achieve best performance .


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