Upgrade domain and forest level to 2012 or 2012R2?

Takami Chiro 231 Reputation points
2022-04-19T23:36:19.183+00:00

hi everyone,

Hope you are doing well. Just want to ask to be sure... I have one W2k12r2 and 5x Win2k12 domain controllers. The forest and domain level are in 2008r2 now. There are two options, 2012 or 2012 R2 to select for the domain and forest upgrade. SO I am pretty I should pick 2012, not the 2012R2?

THank you for your help

Takami Chiro

Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
1,519 questions
0 comments No comments
{count} votes

5 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Dave Patrick 425.7K Reputation points MVP
    2022-04-20T00:04:52.31+00:00

    You can only go as high as the lower operating system domain controller (i.e. 2012) DFL. To raise the forest functional, all the domain controllers in the forest must be running the Windows Server operating system version that corresponds to the desired forest functional level and the current domain functional level must already be at the newest level.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--


  2. Takami Chiro 231 Reputation points
    2022-04-27T16:06:50.08+00:00

    Thank you for your info!

    0 comments No comments

  3. Takami Chiro 231 Reputation points
    2022-04-27T16:11:00.39+00:00

    DSPatrick, I am sorry... I just want to make sure if I understand right, I have mixtures of one DC running Windows2012R2, and the rest of the DC are running 2012 only. IF I raise the Domain and forest function level (respectively) to "2012", it will not mess up the Windows 2012R2 DC? May you help to tell me if this is correct?

    Just want to be sure. I am still holding but not press the button yet :)

    Thank you

    Takami Chiro

    0 comments No comments

  4. Dave Patrick 425.7K Reputation points MVP
    2022-04-27T17:30:52.22+00:00

    No, raising the DFL to 2012 will not cause any problems for the 2012 R2 domain controllers.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    0 comments No comments

  5. Takami Chiro 231 Reputation points
    2022-04-27T18:00:17.737+00:00

    Thank you again for your response. Should be more confident pressing the button now :)

    Have a nice day!

    Takami Chiro