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Active Directory Functional Level Support
Hi all,
This is a first time post for me here but I am struggling to find this information out from MS or MS support themselves.
I am currently assisting a customer upgrade some servers from Windows 2012 R2 to Windows 2022 and 2 of the servers are DCs. Now I am well across the recommended upgrade process but I have seen in their current AD that they are running functional level 2008 R2.
I am well aware that 2008 R2 and 2012 R2 are no longer supported but what about the AD functional level?
Now I have researched this half to death across the MS KBs, tech forums etc. and I am conflicting information. Some MS representatives in forums have said that these functional levels are not supported but they don't supply any official documentation or statement from MS which says this.
I just raised a ticket with MS support to ask the question but the responding engineer was confusing as hell and whilst I appreciate English would be their second language, I don't think they understood what I asked.
So is there anyone in the discussion forum who knows the answer to this? If you do, can you please point me to the official MS statement backing this up as well.
Is AD functional level 2008 R2 and 2012 R2 supported or not supported?
Appreciate any help anyone here can provide.
Cheers
Alex
The supportability of Active Directory (AD) functional levels, such as Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012 R2, depends on the lifecycle policy of the Windows Server operating system version they are associated with. Here’s a clear explanation
- Functional Levels and OS Support:
- AD functional levels are tied to the features and capabilities of the corresponding Windows Server OS.
- Once the support lifecycle for a Windows Server OS ends, Microsoft no longer officially supports the associated functional levels.
- Windows Server Lifecycle:
- Windows Server 2008 R2: End of extended support was January 14, 2020.
- Windows Server 2012 R2: End of extended support was October 10, 2023.
- Upgrading AD Functional Levels:
- It’s strongly recommended to upgrade the AD functional level to at least 2016 or higher to align with supported Windows Server versions.
- Functional level upgrades enable modern AD features and enhanced security.
What Does "Not Supported" Mean?
- You can still use AD at 2008 R2 or 2012 R2 functional levels, and your environment will function.
- However:
- Microsoft will not provide updates or patches for issues specific to deprecated functional levels.
- Any issues or vulnerabilities that arise in these environments will not be addressed.
- Functional Levels and OS Support:
Maybe this can help you:
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- Upgrade Path:
- Before upgrading your domain controllers to Windows Server 2022, first:
- Ensure all domain controllers are running a supported Windows Server version.
- Raise the domain and forest functional levels to at least Windows Server 2016 (or 2019 for additional features).
- Before upgrading your domain controllers to Windows Server 2022, first:
- Communication with Microsoft:
- Request a formal statement through your Microsoft licensing or support channels, emphasizing the need for clarity on lifecycle policy implications for AD functional levels.
- Prepare for Compatibility:
- Verify applications, services, and configurations in your environment to ensure compatibility with higher functional levels before proceeding with the upgrade.
- Upgrade Path:
The supportability of Active Directory (AD) functional levels, such as Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012 R2, depends on the lifecycle policy of the Windows Server operating system version they are associated with. Here’s a clear explanation
- Functional Levels and OS Support:
- AD functional levels are tied to the features and capabilities of the corresponding Windows Server OS.
- Once the support lifecycle for a Windows Server OS ends, Microsoft no longer officially supports the associated functional levels.
- Windows Server Lifecycle:
- Windows Server 2008 R2: End of extended support was January 14, 2020.
- Windows Server 2012 R2: End of extended support was October 10, 2023.
- Upgrading AD Functional Levels:
- It’s strongly recommended to upgrade the AD functional level to at least 2016 or higher to align with supported Windows Server versions.
- Functional level upgrades enable modern AD features and enhanced security.
What Does "Not Supported" Mean?
- You can still use AD at 2008 R2 or 2012 R2 functional levels, and your environment will function.
- However:
- Microsoft will not provide updates or patches for issues specific to deprecated functional levels.
- Any issues or vulnerabilities that arise in these environments will not be addressed.
Thanks kyazaferr. Some MS techs had alluded to this being the answer but didn't come out to say anything of substance. It would be nice if MS had a KB article on this or some official document but this is what I will work towards.
- Functional Levels and OS Support:
