Active Directory Replication Risk: Schema Master on Windows Server 2025 During Exchange Updates

Flowchart showing how Windows Server 2025 Schema Master causes Active Directory replication issues during Exchange CU schema update and steps to fix it

📌 Introduction When planning or applying Exchange cumulative updates (CUs) — such as Exchange 2019 CU15 or Exchange SE RTM — there is a significant but often overlooked risk that can disrupt your on‑premises Active Directory replication. This issue specifically arises when the Schema Master FSMO role is held by a Windows Server 2025 domain controller. … Read more

Active Directory Built-in Groups Accounts: Power, Risks, and Best Practices

Introduction Most AD administrators are already familiar with the pros and cons of the built-in Administrator account in Active Directory. I’m simply trying to explore and understand it more clearly using diagrams and articles. Active Directory (AD) is the backbone of identity and access management in most enterprises. To simplify administration, Microsoft provides a number … Read more

Understanding Domain Transfer Roles in Windows Server 2025

Introduction With the release of Windows Server 2025, Microsoft continues to improve the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) platform—enhancing stability, scalability, and security. One crucial component for Active Directory administrators to understand is the management of FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operations) roles. FSMO roles play a vital part in maintaining a conflict-free and consistent … Read more