Windows XP and DC 2202

Question

Hello,

I would like to get some more information on confusion if the WINDOES XP machine will work with the Domain Controller Server with Server 2022 OS.

Current Situation : 2 DCs (server 2012 R2) / Domain/Forest level: 2008 R2

3 windows xp machines in production environment works now. they also have access to file server to access the shares. File server is already on OS 2022

Plan for Upgrade: Build 2 new (Fresh build) Server 2022 DCs, Remove the old 2 DCs, Domain/Forest level after the upgrade will be Server 2019.

I am not sure if my 3 windows XP machine will continue working as is or will they have any issues or is there any thing i need to make sure while upgrading to make sure XPs do not have any issues.

Answer 1

Hello Bhatt,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Elevating the domain/forest functional level to the Server 2019 functional level means that the new features and improvements introduced in this release will be enabled in the domain environment. While this will not directly affect Basic Authentication and Group Policy application on Windows XP computers, some new features (such as Kerberos protocol enhancements, Group Policy preferences, etc.) may not be transparent to XP because XP does not support these advanced features.

Although the DC's operating system version is upgraded to 2022, as long as the domain functional level remains at Server 2019, XP clients should theoretically continue to interact with the new DC for basic authentication and directory services.

Windows XP is an outdated operating system and no longer receives security updates since it ended support in 2014. Therefore, there are no patches or tests for XP scenarios either. So, in your environment, while it might work today, there's really no guarantee tomorrow.

In view of this, it is strongly recommended that you migrate to a supported operating system version, such as Windows 10 or Windows 11, as soon as possible to ensure system security and compatibility, and to enjoy the latest feature updates and technical support.

I hope the information above is helpful.

Best Regards,

Yanhong Liu

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Answer 2

Windows XP and Windows 7 are no longer supported by Microsoft (and they weren't when Windows Server 2022 was released), so there is no official documentation regarding their potential incompatibilities. Unfortunately, in this case, you'd need to test this on your own...

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hth

Marcin