How to migrate Windows Server Essentials 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2019 Standard, Datacenter or Essentials By Mariette Knap migration guide for WSE 2012 The title of this guide suggests that it can only be used for migrating Essentials 2012 to 2019 but this is not true. You can use this guide also for migrating Windows Server 2012 Standard or Datacenter to the new Windows Server 2019 Standard or Datacenter. Migrating Windows Server Essentials 2012 (R2) to Windows Server 2019 Essentials, Standard or Datacenter is a bit different compared to previous migrations where we came from any SBS version or Windows Server Essentials SKU before 2019 and migrated to any Windows Server Essentials version before 2019. The difference is that Windows Server 2019, either in Essentials, Standard or Datacenter version no longer includes the Essentials Experience role and that means we will have a different approach on migrating redirected folders, mapped drives and group policies. In this guide we migrate the following roles: Role or data Is migrated in this tutorial Active Directory Domain Services DNS DHCP Active Directory Certificate Services Folders, folders and shares Redirected folders (made by the Essentials Dashboard console/policies) Users Security and/or permissions Group Policies Profiles Printers Frequently Asked Questions Can I use the Windows Server Essentials 2012 (R2) after I migrated to Windows Server Essentials 2019? After you move FSMO roles to the new Windows Server Essentials 2019 SKU you are no longer compliant with the EULA. Microsoft enforces this by a 21 day countdown. After those 21 days are over your Windows Server Essentials 2012 SKU will shut itself down, it will be useless for you. You need to demote, unjoin and decommission the server and repurpose the hardware. If you migrated from Windows Server 2012 Standard + Essentials Experience role you can still use the server as a member server with the Essentials Experience role installed but this only valid if you are migrating to Windows Server 2019 Standard and NOT Windows Server Essentials 2019. The Windows Server Essentials 2019 SKU is limited to 25 users and 50 devices but it also only allows for one Domain Controller and it must own all FSMO roles. What about Office 365 or Azure integration? If you migrated from Windows Server 2012 Essentials you have used Office 365 and/or Azure integration from within the Essentials Dashboard. That functionality is no longer included in Windows Server 2019 and no longer part of the OS. We will need to use Azure AD Connect sync: Understand and customize synchronization | Microsoft Docs. Can I install Exchange Server 2019 on the new Windows Server 2019 Domain Controller Technically you can but it is not supported. If you ask me I would never do that because it is something not supported by Microsoft and if you run into issues they will not support you and I will probably ask you if you have read this guide? Can I virtualize my new server You should always virtualize, even if you only use Windows Server Essentials 2019 and you have only one workload. Migrating a virtualized workload is so much easier then physical. At the bottom of this migration guide you will find a downloadable Zip file that contains the Powershell scripts to complete this migration. You need to unzip it to c:\scripts on each server. The scripts write output to a date and time stamped text file that can be used for troubleshooting or reporting. This migration guide does not disrupt daily operations at all, so you do not lose any productivity time in your company. 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..