How to upgrade Windows OS version from 2012 R2 to 2019 of SQL server in always ON availability group cluster..

Shuvajit Roy 166 Reputation points
2024-01-02T09:52:09.6533333+00:00

I want to upgrade Windows OS version of SQL server Always ON Availability Group Cluster from Windows OS 2012 R2 to Windows OS 2019. How can I accomplish the task? The SQL server Always ON Availability Group Cluster contains two servers.

What precautionary measure I need to adopt to make Windows OS upgradation successful. Also, the steps required to perform the task.

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server Clustering
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Clustering: The grouping of multiple servers in a way that allows them to appear to be a single unit to client computers on a network. Clustering is a means of increasing network capacity, providing live backup in case one of the servers fails, and improving data security.
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  1. Zahid Butt 956 Reputation points
    2024-01-02T18:16:51.06+00:00

    Hi,

    I guess you will need to upgrade in two phases: Firstly you need to upgrade all nodes to windows 2016 & then in second step to Windows 2019.

    Please go through below links for help:

    https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2302654-upgrade-windows-on-sql-availability-group-without-downtime

    https://www.sqlshack.com/install-sql-server-2019-on-windows-server-2016-with-sql-server-always-on-availability-groups/

    Regards,

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  2. Ian Xue 36,751 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-01-04T05:20:43.7533333+00:00

    Hi Shuvajit,

    Hope you're doing well.

    1. Before the upgrade, backup all data in case of accidents.
    2. Remove the Always On group.
    3. Upgrade the cluster: Migrate the role of a node in the cluster to another node, kick the node out of the cluster, and upgrade the node to Windows Server 2016. Repeat this step until the cluster is upgraded to Windows Server 2016.
    4. Repeat Step 3 to upgrade the cluster to Windows Server 2019.
    5. Configure Always On.

    For cluster upgrades, refer to the following documentation:

    Cluster Operating System Rolling Upgrade | Microsoft Learn

    The best action is to go to the Microsoft Customer Service Center to open a Premier-level case so that with their permission level and resource, Microsoft could provide you with better help on your request.

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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