Migrate SYSVOL replication to DFS Replication

Article
07/29/2021
2 minutes to read

Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008

Domain controllers use a special shared folder named SYSVOL to replicate logon scripts and Group Policy object files to other domain controllers. Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 use File Replication Service (FRS) to replicate SYSVOL, whereas Windows Server 2008 uses the newer DFS Replication service when in domains that use the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level, and FRS for domains that run older domain functional levels.

To use DFS Replication to replicate the SYSVOL folder, you can either create a new domain that uses the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level, or you can use the procedure that is discussed in this document to upgrade an existing domain and migrate replication to DFS Replication.

This document assumes that you have a basic knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), FRS, and Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication). For more information, see Active Directory Domain Services Overview, FRS Overview, or Overview of DFS Replication

Note

To download a printable version of this guide, go to SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=150375)