I just started a new job and found out that the Domain Controllers (DCs) at this place are missing patches from the last two years. Is it common in the IT world for DCs to be left unpatched like this? I can't imagine that being the norm! Additionally, in a single forest environment with multiple DCs, how should FSMO roles be managed? Should they be split between DCs according to Microsoft's recommendations, or is it okay to keep them on the primary DC since downtime is typically short? I'm just looking for best practices here.
And hey, pass me a bourbon while we discuss this!
5 Answers
Absolutely patch your DCs! Leaving them unpatched is playing with fire. You typically don’t need to move FSMO roles for patching unless you’re worried about downtime, which shouldn’t be a major concern. Just keep everything updated and monitor after the patches to ensure stability.
Not really! Just keep an eye on the logs and perform normal maintenance. Don't let fear of downtime stop you from updating.
Patching DCs isn’t just common sense; it’s necessary! You may not need to split FSMO roles in a two DC setup, but always have a solid plan for any potential downtime. Monitor your setup regularly to prevent nasty surprises and keep services alive, especially with critical roles like DNS and DHCP.
Right? I always check event logs and issues after any updates. It's just good practice.
Absolutely! Patch management is key to avoiding vulnerabilities and downtime.
It’s disheartening to see so many organizations neglecting their DCs. Sure, patching can be a hassle, especially if there are other roles like DHCP running on them—those can cause issues when updating! But with proper planning, you can patch incrementally without major issues.
Right? DHCP should ideally be on a separate member server. Keeping critical roles on a DC isn’t the best practice.
Exactly! Just makes everything more stressful when issues come up after a patch.
Not patching DCs is sadly quite common. Every time I've taken over a new environment, it’s like a time capsule of unpatched servers! But yes, there’s honestly no reason not to patch them. Maintain proper documentation and a rollback plan, and you should be fine.
Agreed! If you’re in a proper maintenance window, tackling one DC at a time works wonders.
Exactly! Just be aware of the health of your domain beforehand.
Some sysadmins still think they know better than automated patching and insist on doing it themselves, which delays everything. And as for FSMO roles, just keep it simple: patch the backup DC without moving roles, then go for the primary.
I've seen that logic too! Some can get really carried away thinking they can manage everything manually without issues.
Yeah, it’s almost like some admins get a kick out of the chaos they create.
Was there ever a valid reason to move FSMO roles just for patching? Seems unnecessary.