ERROR_DS_FOREST_VERSION_TOO_HIGH 0x80072173

Error code 8563 · HRESULT 0x80072173

WINDOWS

The version of the operating system is incompatible with the current AD DS forest functional level or AD LDS Configuration Set functional level. You must upgrade to a new version of the operating system before this server can become an AD DS Domain Controller or add an AD LDS Instance in this AD DS Forest or AD LDS Configuration Set.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_DS_FOREST_VERSION_TOO_HIGH is a Windows error code (system error 8563, returned as HRESULT 0x80072173) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “The version of the operating system is incompatible with the current AD DS forest functional level or AD LDS Configuration Set functional level. You must upgrade to a new version of the operating system before this server can become an AD DS Domain Controller or add an AD LDS Instance in this AD DS Forest or AD LDS Configuration Set.”

How to fix ERROR_DS_FOREST_VERSION_TOO_HIGH

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_DS_FOREST_VERSION_TOO_LOWERROR_DS_DOMAIN_VERSION_TOO_HIGHERROR_DS_SAM_INIT_FAILURE_CONSOLEERROR_DS_INIT_FAILURE_CONSOLEERROR_DS_CANT_TREE_DELETE_CRITICAL_OBJERROR_DS_DOMAIN_VERSION_TOO_LOWERROR_DS_SRC_DC_MUST_BE_SP4_OR_GREATER

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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