Can you change the domain of a windows server from one to another

Ethan Davani 100 Reputation points
2024-01-17T16:30:10.8066667+00:00

Hello, I'm trying to create a new active directory/DHCP/DNS server separate from our current server. From my understanding, I can either migrate everything or recreate it from scratch. If I wanted to recreate it from scratch and rebuild everything, is all I need to do to ensure a seamless transition without creating a bunch of conflicts putting the new server on a separate domain, and then when I'm ready rename it to the original domain and just promote it? My goal is to keep the same domain name going forward.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Directory services | Active Directory
Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
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  1. Thameur-BOURBITA 36,261 Reputation points Moderator
    2024-01-17T17:04:26.3433333+00:00

    Hi @Ethan Davani

    Creating a new domain and migrating all users and computers is a complicated task and requires a service outage.

    If your goal is to keep the same domain name and migrate the domain controllers to a new server seamlessly, the simplest method is to promote the new server as a domain controller and demote the old controller of domain.

    In my opinion, the best method is to follow this approach:

    Promote new server as an additional domain controller

    • Switch FSMO roles to the new domain controller
    • If the domain controller is used as a DNS resolver on client workstations and servers, it must be modified by the new server
    • Check AD health and replication status
    • Demote the old domain controller

    Please don't forget to accept helpful answer


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