AZ-802 Deploy and Manage AD DS Practice Question
You are preparing to raise the forest functional level of an existing Active Directory environment to Windows Server 2016. Which TWO requirements must be met before you can successfully perform this action? (Each correct answer presents part of the solution.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
All domain controllers in the forest must run Windows Server 2016 or later.
Raising the forest functional level is a significant administrative task that enables advanced features but requires strict adherence to versioning rules. All domain controllers in every domain within the forest must be running a version of Windows Server that is equal to or higher than the target functional level, and all individual domains must already be at that target level.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
All domain controllers in the forest must run Windows Server 2016 or later.
Why this is correct
A forest cannot be raised to a functional level that exceeds the operating system version of any domain controller currently active in the forest. If a legacy domain controller remains, the forest-wide features associated with the newer version cannot be safely enabled without risking replication failures and administrative inconsistencies across the environment.
- ✗
The Schema Master role must be held by a domain controller running Windows Server 2022.
Why it's wrong here
While the Schema Master must be reachable to update the forest level, it does not specifically require the latest version of Windows Server 2022. As long as the Schema Master meets the minimum requirement of Windows Server 2016, the forest level can be raised successfully without necessitating an upgrade to the absolute newest OS.
- ✗
You must disable the Active Directory Recycle Bin before raising the level.
Why it's wrong here
The Active Directory Recycle Bin is a feature that is actually enhanced or maintained by higher functional levels, and there is no requirement to disable it during a level transition. In fact, many organizations raise their functional level specifically to enable the Recycle Bin, which requires at least the Windows Server 2008 R2 level.
- ✓
All domains in the forest must be at the Windows Server 2016 domain functional level.
Why this is correct
The forest functional level is dependent on the status of the domains it contains. You cannot raise the forest functional level until every single domain within that forest has been raised to the corresponding domain functional level first, ensuring that domain-level features are fully compatible with the proposed forest-wide changes and enhancements.
- ✗
The forest must be configured for DFSR replication for the SYSVOL share.
Why it's wrong here
While migrating from FRS to DFSR is highly recommended and eventually required for modern Windows Server versions, it is technically a prerequisite for raising the functional level to Windows Server 2019, not 2016. Therefore, while it is a best practice for health and performance, it is not a hard block for the 2016 level.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
This AZ-802 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AZ-802 exam.