Steps to upgrade from Unencrypted to Encrypted w/ 2 TrueNAS

What does your setup look like right now?

Do you have a root dataset on Pool A where children are nested directly beneath it? This is important.

If you’re not using a setup like this, then there’s extra consideration for the replications, if you want to maintain the same hierarchy and layout.

Sadly, the way ZFS was originally designed introduces some weird issues with replication. When a pool is created, it immediately creates a mandatory “root dataset” with the same name as the pool.

To add more flexibility, you can create “pseudo root datasets” underneath for easier management, especially when it comes to logical separation and replicating encrypted datasets.

Think of the “root dataset” as an empty extension of the pool itself, while the “pseudo root datasets” are glorified keychain holders. No files will be saved within.