Easy Active Directory Migration From Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2022

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to migrating Active Directory from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2022. The process involves installing the new server, transferring roles, and upgrading functional levels. Successfully completing this migration ensures better performance and new features available in the latest server version.

Step 1: Install Windows Server 2022 and Join it to the Domain

• Begin by installing Windows Server 2022 on your new server hardware.
• During the installation process, select the option to join an existing domain.
• Use your domain credentials to authenticate and connect the new server to your existing Active Directory.

Step 2: Patch and Upgrade Everything

After installation, ensure that Windows Server 2022 is up to date

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Check for updates and install all available patches.
• This step is crucial as it ensures that your server has the latest security and feature updates.

Step 3: Add Active Directory to the New Server 2022

• Open the Server Manager on the new server.
• Select Add roles and features.

Follow the wizard to install the Active Directory Domain Services role

• Choose the Role-based or feature-based installation option.
• Select the server from the server pool.
• Add the Active Directory Domain Services role and complete the installation.

Step 4: Move FSMO Roles to the New Server 2022

• Open the Active Directory Users and Computers console.
• Right-click on the domain and select Operations Masters.

For each of the three FSMO roles (RID, PDC Emulator, Infrastructure Master)

• Click on the role tab.
• Click Change and choose the new server (Server 2022) to transfer the role.
• Alternatively, use the command prompt:

  Move-ADDirectoryServerOperationMasterRole -Identity "NewServer2022" -OperationMasterRole RIDMaster, PDCEmulator, InfrastructureMaster
  

Step 5: Update DNS in DHCP and Static Entries, Then Demote Server 2012

Update DNS settings

• Access your DHCP console and update the DNS settings to point to the new server.
• If you have static IP addresses configured, ensure that they also point to the new DNS server.

Demote the old Windows Server 2012

• Open the Server Manager on the old server.
• Go to Manage > Remove Roles and Features.
• Follow the wizard to demote the Active Directory Domain Services role.

Step 6: Upgrade Domain and Forest Functional Levels

• Open the Active Directory Domains and Trusts console.

Right-click on your domain and select Raise Domain Functional Level

• Choose the appropriate level (Windows Server 2022).

Repeat the process for the forest functional level

• Right-click on the root node in Active Directory Domains and Trusts and select Raise Forest Functional Level.

Conclusion

Migrating Active Directory from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2022 involves several key steps, including server installation, role migration, and functional level upgrades. Following this guide will help ensure a smooth transition to the new server environment. After completing the migration, you should monitor the new server for any issues and familiarize yourself with the enhanced features available in Windows Server 2022.