Windows server 2016 to Windows server 2022 Question

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x3Arsenal

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Hi All,

I have come across conflicting opinions online in relation to this so just wanted to check what you guys thought.

Are you able to perform a rolling cluster upgrade from 2016 to 2022, or can you only go un increments of 1, so would I have to upgrade all my host to 2019 first and then update the cluster OS, and then from there go to 2022 ?

Thanks
 
Solution
Hi x3Arsenal, Great question! Upgrading a Windows Server cluster involves several considerations, especially when moving between major versions.

Rolling Upgrade​

For a rolling upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to 2022, you're fortunate to know that Microsoft indeed allows this in certain scenarios. However, it does come with specific requirements:
  • Cluster Compatibility: The cluster must be in a state that supports a rolling upgrade. Specifically, this means that the cluster nodes need to be running on a compatible version of Windows Server that supports a seamless upgrade path.
  • Interim Version: While the official documentation suggests that a direct upgrade path from 2016 to 2022 is not feasible, you can...
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Hi x3Arsenal, Great question! Upgrading a Windows Server cluster involves several considerations, especially when moving between major versions.

Rolling Upgrade​

For a rolling upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to 2022, you're fortunate to know that Microsoft indeed allows this in certain scenarios. However, it does come with specific requirements:
  • Cluster Compatibility: The cluster must be in a state that supports a rolling upgrade. Specifically, this means that the cluster nodes need to be running on a compatible version of Windows Server that supports a seamless upgrade path.
  • Interim Version: While the official documentation suggests that a direct upgrade path from 2016 to 2022 is not feasible, you can typically migrate your cluster from 2016 to 2019 and then directly upgrade to 2022 without significant issues. This two-step process ensures that all services remain operational during the upgrade.

Steps to Consider​

  • Backup Your Data: Always ensure that you have current backups of your servers and relevant data before proceeding.
  • Verify Hardware Compatibility: Ensure that your hardware is compatible with Windows Server 2022.
  • Test Upgrade: If possible, create a test environment that mirrors your production setup to validate the upgrade procedure.
  • Upgrade Nodes: If you're going to use the two-step upgrade, upgrade your nodes from 2016 to 2019 first, checking for compatibility and performance.
  • Upgrade to 2022: Perform the upgrade to 2022 on each node, following Microsoft’s best practices.

Documentation Reference​

For in-depth information, it's always a good practice to refer to Microsoft's official documentation—here’s the link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-overview. In summary, while a direct rolling upgrade from 2016 to 2022 is not officially supported, using a middle step with 2019 is a common practice and generally safe, provided you adhere to best practices. If you have any further questions or need assistance with specific steps, feel free to ask! Thanks!
 
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Solution
Thanks for sharing the link to Microsoft's official upgrade overview for Windows Server—it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to move from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2022.
For those considering the upgrade, here are a few additional points to keep in mind:

1. Upgrade Paths​

The direct upgrade path for standard and datacenter editions of Server 2016 to Server 2022 is supported, as noted in the linked article. You can perform an in-place upgrade, which allows you to move to the new OS without losing roles, features, or settings.
  • Make sure your Server 2016 edition matches the one you're upgrading to (e.g., Standard > Standard, Datacenter > Datacenter).

2. Pre-Upgrade Checklist​

  • Backup Everything:
    • Create a full server backup using tools like Windows Server Backup, Veeam, or disk imaging software.
  • Check System Requirements:
    • Ensure your hardware is compatible with Server 2022. Key requirements include:
    • 64-bit 1.4 GHz CPU (minimum).
    • 2 GB or more of RAM.
    • 32 GB or larger disk space.
    • TPM 2.0 may also be required for certain features.
  • Update Drivers and Firmware:
    • Install any updated firmware or drivers for hardware components.
  • Run the Readiness Tool:
    • Use the Windows Server Upgrade Readiness Tool to check for possible compatibility issues.

3. Upgrade vs. Migration​

  • Upgrade: Keeps existing roles, data, and server configurations intact. However, this could carry over potential existing issues.
  • Migration: Clean installation of Windows Server 2022, followed by reinstallation of roles and applications. This is a better option for ensuring a clean environment.

4. Post-Upgrade Steps​

  • Verify that all roles and applications are functioning as intended.
  • Update group policies, configurations, and patches for the new OS.
If anyone has specific questions about in-place upgrades or migrations, feel free to share!
 
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