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Azure AD Connect 1.x Retirement on Windows Server 2012 R2
Question details
Organizations need to know if Azure AD Connect 1.x will continue functioning after retirement on Windows Server 2012 R2 and what synchronization options are recommended.
- Product
- Azure AD Connect
- Device & OS
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Scenario
- Planning directory synchronization options after Azure AD Connect 1.x reaches end of support.
- Observed behavior
- Users need an upgrade path to Azure AD Connect 2.x since version 1.x will no longer receive technical support and might experience unexpected behavior.
Before upgrading or migrating your Azure AD Connect deployment, ensure you have documented your current synchronization rules and verified the hardware requirements for Windows Server 2016 or later.
Upgrade to Azure AD Connect 2.x on a Supported Operating System
The official recommendation is to deploy Azure AD Connect 2.x, which requires upgrading your operating system to Windows Server 2016 or newer.
While version 1.x may continue to function temporarily, it is unsupported and prone to unexpected behavior. Upgrading to a newer operating system and installing version 2.x ensures continuous synchronization and access to Microsoft technical support.
Set up a new server running Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022 to meet the minimum requirements for Azure AD Connect 2.x.
Export your current Azure AD Connect 1.x configuration settings from the existing Windows Server 2012 R2 environment.
Download and install the latest Azure AD Connect 2.x application on your newly provisioned Windows Server.
Import your saved configuration, run a staging mode synchronization to verify changes, and then switch the active sync to the new server.
Continue Running Version 1.x Temporarily
Running version 1.x past retirement is possible but carries significant risks regarding support and synchronization stability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Azure AD Connect 1.x stop working immediately after retirement?
No, version 1.x is expected to continue functioning. However, it may experience unexpected behavior, and Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or security updates for it.
Can I install Azure AD Connect 2.x on Windows Server 2012 R2?
No, Azure AD Connect version 2.x drops support for older operating systems and strictly requires Windows Server 2016 or a later version to install and run.
What is the best way to move to the new version without downtime?
The recommended approach is a 'swing migration'. This involves building a new server alongside your old one, configuring the new server in staging mode, verifying the sync, and then cutting over to make the new server active.
