Step by Step Guide to raising Active Directory functional levels

Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide to raising the Active Directory functional levels using both GUI and PowerShell methods:

1. Log in to a domain controller with an account that has Domain Admin or Enterprise Admin permissions.
2. Open the Active Directory Domains and Trusts console:
   • For GUI method: Click on the Start menu, type “Active Directory Domains and Trusts” in the search box, and press Enter.
   • For PowerShell method: Open PowerShell and run the command “Import-Module ActiveDirectory”.
3. In the console, right-click on the root domain and select “Raise Domain Functional Level” or “Raise Forest Functional Level”, depending on which level you want to raise.
4. In the “Raise Domain Functional Level” or “Raise Forest Functional Level” dialog box, select the new functional level that you want to raise to.
5. Click “Raise” to confirm the change.
6. Wait for the change to propagate to all domain controllers in the domain/forest. This process can take some time, depending on the size and complexity of your Active Directory environment.
7. Verify that the functional level has been raised by checking the Active Directory Domains and Trusts console or by using PowerShell commands:
   • For GUI method: Open the Active Directory Domains and Trusts console and check the functional level of the domain/forest.
   • For PowerShell method: Open PowerShell and run the command “Get-ADDomainMode” or “Get-ADForestMode” to check the functional level of the domain/forest.

That’s it! You have successfully raised the Active Directory functional level using both GUI and PowerShell methods. Note that raising the functional level is a one-way operation and cannot be undone, so be sure to test all applications and services before making the change.