To demote a domain controller, you need to remove Active Directory Domain Services role and return it to the member server. Here, in this blog, we will discuss two scenarios and step-by-step instructions to complete the work. Let’s get started!
How can I demote a domain controller on Windows Server?
Before moving to the methods to demote a domain controller, make sure you perform these checks:
If you have Windows Server 2003 or earlier, clean up the metadata using the ntdsutil command. Close all the services running on the server before shutting down the server.
Once done, follow any of these methods to demote the domain controller on Windows Server 2008, 2016, and 2018
1. Use the Server Manager
2. Use the manual method: If the server is dead or out of reach
2.1 Removing domain controller
2.2 Remove the DC server instance
2.3 Remove metadata using Command Prompt
How long does it take to demote a domain controller?
Usually, it takes a couple of minutes to demote a domain controller. However, the exact time can’t be stipulated as it depends upon various things, including the number of domain controllers, the size of Active Directory, and available network bandwidth. So, these are two methods that you can use to demote the domain controllers you want. Try any of them and let us know which way worked for you in the comments section below.
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