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Start-DfsrPropagationTest

Creates a propagation test file in a replicated folder.

PowerShell · Risk: High · Documentation Verified

Last verified: 2026-10-26

Microsoft DFSR reference: Creates a propagation test file in a replicated folder. The syntax and selected example below are adapted from the pinned Windows Server 2025 reference. Module availability, target configuration and delegated permissions determine whether it can run in your environment. Documentation and parameter text: Microsoft, CC BY 4.0; formatting adapted by Cmdlet World. No execution testing is claimed.

Start-DfsrPropagationTest [[-GroupName] <String[]>] [-FolderName] <String[]> [-ReferenceComputerName] <String>
 [[-DomainName] <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]

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Required permissions

Use an account with the target resource permissions documented for Start-DfsrPropagationTest. Modifying administrative cmdlets may require elevation or delegated administration. This catalog does not assert that ordinary users can execute the command.

Supported environments

Windows / DFSR · Windows Server 2025 documentation; feature/module prerequisites apply

Parameters

-Confirm: Prompts you for confirmation before running the cmdlet.
-DomainName: Specifies the NetBIOS name or fully qualified domain name (FQDN) for the Active Directory Domain Service (AD DS) domain that contains the replication group. If you do not specify this parameter, the cmdlet uses the domain of the current user.
-FolderName (required): Specifies an array of names of replicated folders. You can use a comma separated list and the wildcard character (*). If you do not specify this parameter, the cmdlet creates test files for all replicated folders within the specified group and domain.
-GroupName: Specifies an array of names of replication groups. You can use a comma separated list and the wildcard character (*). If you do not specify this parameter, the cmdlet creates test files for all replicated folders that have name that matches the value of the *FolderName* parameter within the specified domain.
-ReferenceComputerName (required): Specifies the name of a reference computer in the replication group. The cmdlet creates the propagation test file on the reference computer. If you do not specify this parameter, the cmdlet uses the local computer as the reference computer.
-WhatIf: Shows what would happen if the cmdlet runs. The cmdlet is not run.

Prerequisites

Windows with the DFSR module and the Windows feature or management tools that provide it. Confirm target connectivity and version compatibility using the linked Microsoft reference.

Security considerations

This cmdlet changes system state. Review every target and parameter in the official reference, test outside production, and prepare an appropriate backup or rollback. Do not execute the example automatically.

Examples

Example 1: Create a test file on a specified reference computer

Start-DfsrPropagationTest -GroupName "ReplicationGroup07" -FolderName "ReplicatedFolder19" -ReferenceComputerName "SRV01.Contoso.com"

This command creates a propagation test file for the replicated folder named ReplicatedFolder19 in the group named ReplicationGroup07. The command specifies a reference computer name. Source: Microsoft, CC BY 4.0; transcript prompt/output removed. This example was not executed.

Sources

https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/windows-powershell-docs/blob/b7645dd8c687139b28e845119da30ec670526507/docset/winserver2025-ps/DFSR/Start-DfsrPropagationTest.md

https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/dfsr/start-dfsrpropagationtest?view=windowsserver2025-ps

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