New Server 2022 Essentials

Question

Hi

I have a question in regards to migrating a Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Edition with an AD over to a Server 2022 Essentials.

The plan was:

1. Prep the 2012 AD and forest.
2. Add the Server 2022 Essentials to the 2012 AD
3. Add ADDS role to 2022-server and configure ADDS and add GC to the 2022-Server
4. Move FSMO roles
5. Move all needed stuff
6. Demote 2012-Server
7. Remove 2012-Server from AD

Is the above possible?

Answer 1

The two prerequisites to introducing the first 2019 or 2022 domain controller are that domain functional level needs to be 2008 or higher and older sysvol FRS replication needs to have been migrated to DFSR
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Storage-at-Microsoft/Streamlined-Migration-of-FRS-to-DFSR-SYSVOL/ba-p/425405

I'd use dcdiag / repadmin tools to verify health correcting all errors found before starting any operations. Then stand up the new 2019 or 2022, patch it fully, license it, join existing domain, add active directory domain services, promote it also making it a GC (recommended), transfer FSMO roles over (optional), transfer pdc emulator role (optional), use dcdiag / repadmin tools to again verify health, when all is good you can decommission / demote old one.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Server 2022 don't have real Essentials edition
you get Standard edition