Upgrade domain forest to Windows 2012 R2

Question

I currently have a domain a the 2008 level. I have 3 DC's that are all running at least windows 2012 r2. What is the preparation that needs to be done to upgrade the forest to 2012R2. I have a need for an exchange 2019 server that needs the domain at this level.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi

To upgrade the forest functional level to Windows Server 2012 R2, you need to ensure that all domain controllers in the forest are running at least Windows Server 2012 R2. Since you mentioned that all your DCs are already running at least Windows Server 2012 R2, you can proceed with the forest functional level upgrade directly.

Here are the steps to upgrade the forest functional level:

1. Log in to a domain controller as a user with Enterprise Admin credentials.
2. Open Active Directory Domains and Trusts.
3. Right-click on the root node in the left pane and select "Raise Forest Functional Level."
4. Select "Windows Server 2012 R2" from the available options.
5. Click "Raise" to upgrade the forest functional level.

After the upgrade, make sure to monitor the domain controllers and the overall health of the Active Directory environment to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/deploy/Upgrade-Domain-Controllers-to-Windows-Server-2012-R2-and-Windows-Server-2012#BKMK_FunctionalLevels

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

---

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.