How to demote Windows Server 2019/2016 Domain Controller

Hi, how are you? Certainly domain controllers are a fundamental part of an organization. And more so when it uses a Windows Server-based infrastructure. Since this, facilitates the administration of domain objects. Indeed, it is necessary to promote a server to a domain controller for the roles to work properly. However, sometimes it is necessary to make changes in the controller. Either by updating the controller or by defining a different name. In those cases, it will be necessary to demote the domain controller. After demoting a domain controller, it will lose its condition. However, it can still belong to the domain and continue as a server. Additionally, you can apply the necessary changes and re-promote them when necessary. Here’s how to demote Windows Server 2019/2016 Domain Controller.

Entering the server manager to demote the domain controller.

To perform this task, it is necessary to use the server manager. Once there, click on Manage. Then, click on Remove tools and Features.

The wizard will be displayed immediately. Please click on next.

Now it is time to select the server on which the Domain Controller will be demoted.

Next, a list of installed roles will be displayed. Please uncheck the box for Active Directory Domain Services.

A warning window will then be displayed showing all the features to be removed. Please confirm the task.

In order to continue, it is necessary to confirm the demotion of the domain controller.

The following table confirms the user credentials. Also, check the box to force the removal of the domain controller.

You will then see a summary of the roles hosted on the domain controller. Please check the box to proceed with the removal.

Now, to confirm you must enter the administrator password.

One last step before proceeding is to confirm the demotion.

Demoting the domain controller and restarting the server.

Please wait a few moments while the domain controller is being demoted.

After a few moments, the server will ask to be restarted.

After rebooting, you can see how the computer is no longer configured as a domain controller.

In this way, we have seen how to demote Windows Server 2019/2016 Domain Controller. This is a necessary administrative task at some point for the server. We hope we have cleared up all your doubts. Before I go I invite you to see our post about how to disable the automatic startup of the server manager in Windows Server 2019/2016.