Migrate Exchange 2010 to Online - AD requirements

Cristian Ruiz 191 Reputation points
2020-08-04T18:13:06.993+00:00

Hello,
We have a Customer that has Exchange Server 2010 in a 2008 R2 AD domain.
They are thinking to migrate to Exchange Online, so the question is, is necessary to update the AD domain before the migration to the cloud?
I know that is recommended, but we are giving it them as an option after the migration to Office 365. and they can evaluate it in terms of costs.

Thanks

Microsoft Exchange Hybrid Management
Microsoft Exchange Hybrid Management
Microsoft Exchange: Microsoft messaging and collaboration software.Hybrid Management: Organizing, handling, directing or controlling hybrid deployments.
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  1. Andy David - MVP 144.4K Reputation points MVP
    2020-08-04T18:48:50.207+00:00

    Its not necessary for hybrid environment. Ensure Exch 2010 is at the latest SP and Update
    https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-us/exchange/hybrid-deployment-prerequisites

    AADConnect has to run on a 2012 server, but the forest level has to be only 2003 and above:

    The Active Directory schema version and forest functional level must be Windows Server 2003 or later. The domain controllers can run any version as long as the schema version and forest-level requirements are met.
    If you plan to use the feature password writeback, the domain controllers must be on Windows Server 2008 R2 or later.

    https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/how-to-connect-install-prerequisites

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  1. Lydia Zhou - MSFT 2,371 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2020-08-05T06:22:05.853+00:00

    Agree with AD-7937. The forest functional level Windows Server 2008 R2 is supported for the latest version of Exchange 2010 and AAD connect. It's not necessary to upgrade DC and raise AD function level.