Migrate Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials to Windows Server 2016 Essentials By Mariette Knap fsmo, dcpromo, dhcp, replica domain controller Migrating from Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials to Windows Server 2016 Essentials is basically the same procedure as migrating from Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard or Datacenter to Windows Server 2016 Standard or Datacenter. The difference can be found in the fact that Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials or Windows Server 2016 Essentials both force you to install the Essentials Experience both during installation, Standard or Datacenter offer this as an extra Role that can be installed from the Server Manager. This migration tutorial follows the method endorsed by Microsoft to migrate a domain controller or upgrade a domain controller. This guide is tailored to do a migration from Windows Server 2012 R2 (Essentials) to Windows Server 2016 (Essentials). Every step in this tutorials has a screenshot and if any Powershell is involved we have made it easy for you to copy it to your own situation. This tutorial will guide you from the start until everything has been migrated to the new server. And at the end of the procedure, we will show you how you can safely remove the old Windows Server Essentials 2012 R2 from your Active Directory. Role or data Is migrated in this tutorial Active Directory Domain Services DNS DHCP Folders, folders and shares Folder redirection Printers Mapped drives Users Security and/or permissions Profiles Access Anywhere certificates In addition to the above we backup the EFS Recovery Agent Certificate and the Certification Authority Database, log and private key. Those can be used to migrate (not included in this guide) ADCS from the old server to the new server but hardly any small business needs to do this but if you have to we do have a backup that can be easily used to restore ADCS. This guide contains 25 chapters in which we use 235 screenshots and 38 Powershell commands to migrate Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials to a new Windows Server 2016 (Essentials) on new hardware. Easy migration kits Technician migration kits Easy to use migration kit The Migration Kit is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from your current server environment, such as Windows Server 2012, to a new, modern Windows Server platform built on the latest technology. Ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach, this kit provides all the tools and resources needed to successfully migrate your existing infrastructure to advanced operating systems like Windows Server 2016 or beyond. Empower your business with a future-ready server setup—success guaranteed! Windows Server 2012 migration kit Technician migration kits Technician kits are designed for professionals who need to carry out migration projects to Windows Server 2022 or 2025. This migration tutorial is part of the Windows Server 2022 and 2025 Technician migration kits. These utilize a Windows Server 2022 or 2025 Hyper-V host that supports multiple machines for the process. Additionally, the technician migration kits include all the 'Easy migration kits,' which allow us to maintain the same host name for the destination server. Get your Technician migration kit All our Easy Migration Kits and Technician Migration Kits come with exceptional support. In our store, you have the option to include support with your initial purchase or access it as needed by submitting a support ticket here. Prefer a hands-off approach? Our consulting services offer comprehensive migration support—just reach out to us to get started..