Your network contains an Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) domain named contoso.com. The functional level of the forest and the domain is Windows Server 2012 R2. The domain contains the…

This question tests knowledge of Active Directory Forest Functional Level (FFL) prerequisites and the correct sequence for upgrading the FFL while maintaining DC availability and count. The key constraint is that all DCs in the forest must run Windows Server 2016 or later…

Implement and manage Windows Server high availability

Question

Your network contains an Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) domain named contoso.com. The functional level of the forest and the domain is Windows Server 2012 R2. The domain contains the domain controllers shown in the following table.
NameOperating systemFMSO role
DC1Windows Server 2012 R2All
DC2Windows Server 2022None
DC3Windows Server 2019None

You need to raise the forest functional level to Windows Server 2016. The solution must meet the following requirements:
Ensure that there are three domain controllers after you raises the level.
Minimize how long the FSMO roles are unavailable.

Which three actions should you perform in sequence? To answer, move the appropriate actions from the list of actions to the answer area and arrange them in the correct order.

Name	Operating system	FMSO role
DC1	Windows Server 2012 R2	All
DC2	Windows Server 2022	None
DC3	Windows Server 2019	None

Explanation

Approach. The correct three-action sequence is: (1) Transfer all FSMO roles from DC1 to DC2 - this is a graceful transfer (not a seize) since DC1 is online, which minimizes role unavailability to near-zero. (2) Perform an in-place OS upgrade of DC1 from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2019 or 2022 - this keeps DC1 as a domain controller so the forest still has three DCs throughout the process, satisfying that requirement. (3) Raise the forest functional level to Windows Server 2016 - now all three DCs (upgraded DC1, DC2/2022, DC3/2019) meet the minimum OS requirement of Windows Server 2016 or later. Demoting DC1 instead of upgrading it would drop the DC count to two, violating the three-DC requirement unless a new DC is also promoted, which would add a fourth action beyond the three allowed.

Concept tested. Active Directory Forest Functional Level upgrade prerequisites: all domain controllers must run the target OS version or later; FSMO role transfer vs. seize trade-offs; in-place DC OS upgrade as the method to satisfy both a minimum-DC-count requirement and a minimum-OS requirement simultaneously.

Reference. Microsoft Learn - Raise the Forest Functional Level (AD DS); Windows Server 2016 Forest/Domain Functional Level Requirements

Topics

#Active Directory Domain Services#FSMO Roles#Functional Levels#Domain Controller Upgrade

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