Changing the Operating System from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2016

Question

Hello,

I have some clients that use a virtualized system based on PowerEdge VRTX. They want Windows Server 2016 installed on a M520 Host Blade, previously having Windows Server 2008. This is also used as the Domain Controller. They have 2 more Host Blades, M620 and want Hyper-V 2016 on those.

Is there a way to move the license they have bought for Win Ser 2008, or you need to buy a new license for Windows Server 2016?

We decided to perform a clean install, not to upgrade it.

Thank you,

Answer 1

Yes, you'll need a new license to activate Server 2016. As to migration. The prerequisite before introducing the first 2016 domain controller: domain functional level needs to be 2003 or higher

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--