Dynamics 365 Options for In-Place OS upgrade from Windows Server 2016 directly to Windows 2022

Steps

Instead, the supported and reliable method is to migrate your existing Dynamics 365 deployment to a new server running Windows Server 2022. 

This does not require a completely "new" CRM installation from scratch—your existing organizations, data, and configurations can be transferred—but it does involve setting up a new server environment. 

Below is a high-level overview of the process, based on Microsoft's official deployment guidance. Always test this in a non-production environment first and consult with a Microsoft partner or support Specialist if needed for your specific setup.

• Move the Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement on-premises deployment

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Server hardware requirements

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (on-premises) system requirements and required technologies

There might be occasions when you need to move the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement deployment, such as when replacing an existing server computer.

Prerequisites

• Verify your current Dynamics 365 version 9.1 has Service Update 1.25 or later installed. If not, apply the necessary updates on your existing server before proceeding (download from the Microsoft Download Center or via Windows Update).
• Back up all OrganizationName_MSCRM databases (where "OrganizationName" is your actual org name). Also back up any custom configurations, reports, and the MSCRM_CONFIG database if moving domains.
• Ensure the new server meets hardware requirements: At minimum, a quad-core x64 processor (2 GHz or higher recommended), 8 GB RAM (or more), and 40 GB+ free disk space.
• The new server must be joined to the same Active Directory domain as the old one (or a trusted domain if moving to a new domain). Domain functional level must be Windows Server 2008 or higher.
• Have your Dynamics 365 installation media ready, along with the latest cumulative updates.
• SQL Server on the new environment must be a supported version (e.g., SQL Server 2016 or later, with required service packs). SQL Express is not supported for production.
• If using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), it must be installed and configured on a server in the same domain.

Migration Steps (Same Domain)

If staying in the same domain:

1. Set up the new server: Install Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter on the new hardware/virtual machine.
2. Install Dynamics 365 Server roles: Run the Dynamics 365 Server setup on the new server(s). Install the Full Server role or individual roles (e.g., Front End, Back End) as matches your current setup. Apply Service Update 1.25 (or later) immediately after base installation.
3. Install Reporting Extensions: On the server running SSRS (can be the same or separate), install Microsoft Dynamics 365 Reporting Extensions. This is required before importing organizations.
4. Restore databases: Restore your backed-up OrganizationName_MSCRM database(s) to the new SQL Server instance. If you use a separate SQL server, ensure it's in the same domain.
5. Import organizations: Use Deployment Manager (on the new server) or PowerShell (e.g., Import-CrmOrganization cmdlet) to import the restored organization(s). This attaches them to the new deployment.
6. Reconfigure and test: Update any endpoints, IFD/claims authentication if applicable, and custom integrations. Verify user access, run system jobs, and test reports. Redirect clients/DNS to the new server.
7. Decommission old server: Once validated, shut down the old environment.

Migration Steps (New Domain)

If moving to a new domain (e.g., for organizational changes):

1-3. Same as above: Set up the new server, install Dynamics 365 roles with updates, and install Reporting Extensions in the new domain. 

• Restore databases to the new SQL Server in the new domain. 

• Import organizations using Deployment Manager or PowerShell. 

• Additional steps: Map users to new domain accounts (via Deployment Manager's user mapping tool), reconfigure security groups, and handle any cross-domain trusts if needed.