Does the schema upgrade while promoting server from cmdlet

Question

Hi

We are planning to promote the server using the cmdlets

Install-ADDSDomainController -CreateDnsDelegation:$false -DomainName $Domain

While promoting the servers from the Server Manager GUI then it also upgrades the Schema as well, so when we promote the server using the Cmdlets does it also do the same or do we have to include an separate part of script to upgrade the schema

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello,

When you promote a domain controller using the Install-ADDSDomainController cmdlet in PowerShell, the process does not automatically upgrade the schema unless you are performing a forest-wide schema upgrade for the first time in your environment. The Install-ADDSDomainController cmdlet is primarily used to add a new domain controller to an existing domain or to create the first domain controller in a new domain.

If you need to upgrade the schema, this is typically done separately and requires administrative privileges with the Schema Admins group. You would use the adprep tool, which comes with the Windows AD DS installation media, to perform a schema update. Here’s how you would generally approach this:

Schema Preparation: Before you can install a new domain controller that has a higher functional level (for example, upgrading from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2016 or newer), you must prepare the schema. This is done by running the adprep /schema command on a domain controller that is running the same version of Windows Server as the new domain controller you are planning to install.

Forest Preparation: If you are raising the forest functional level, you will also need to run adprep /forestprep to prepare the forest for the new functional level.

After preparing the schema and forest, you can proceed with promoting the domain controller using the Install-ADDSDomainController cmdlet. Note that if you're adding a domain controller to an existing domain at a higher functional level without changing the forest functional level, you do not need to run adprep commands again unless you are also changing the forest schema.

Remember that these steps should be performed carefully, as they involve significant changes to your directory services environment. Always ensure that you have backups before making such changes.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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