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Hello,
Have read over previous years that "Microsoft does not recommend performing an in-place upgrade of any server, as it can cause compatibility issues, performance degradation, and potential data loss. A clean install is the preferred method, as it ensures a fresh and stable system."
Is this this case that Microsoft still does NOT recommend an in-place upgrade from Win Server 2019 to Win Server 2022 or Win Server 2025 or would Microsoft now state that there is no guidance to avoid in-place upgrades that are fully supported but it is preferred to have a clean install if possible?
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Windows Server upgrades are supported.
here is the link that lists teh upgrade paths for Windows server.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-overview
Thanks. Believe in place upgrades have been supported for a while but in previous years Microsoft has stated that they are not recommended. Just curious if Microsoft is still are taking that position.
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Hello
Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.
as it can cause compatibility issues, performance degradation, and potential data loss.
A: In my opinion, if there is not any role or feature installed on your Windows server, now it just depends on the installed software/drivers/anti-virus etc (if you have) if they will work. You can perform in-place upgrade from lower OS to higher OS, I think the risk is low in this case (please back up the OS and important data before you make changes).
If you have installed one or more roles and features on the Windows server, we recommend you had better migrate to a higher Windows server OS.
Overview of Windows Server upgrades
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-overview
Here is a similar thread for your reference.
I hope the information above is helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.
Best Regards,
Daisy Zhou
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