You may have already heard that Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 on October 10, 2023. Although these products will continue to function after this date, they won’t get any security updates or support, raising serious concerns about their security and compliance.

The end date might still seem far off, but now is the time to start preparing for the software upgrade. Sometimes your entire IT infrastructure may need to be upgraded because of the operating system. And this may take longer than expected, so don’t wait until the last minute!

You can always rely on LicenceDeals, your trusted software provider, for expert advice.

Why does Windows Server 2012 support end?

Under the Microsoft Fixed Lifecycle Policy, the manufacturer provides five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. That rule applies to Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. On the 10th of October 2023, the end of these ten years will come (the mainstream end date was in October 2018).

During the mainstream support period, the products receive all types of updates and service help, while during the extended support period, they stop receiving non-security-related updates.

Of course, the software doesn’t stop working after a particular date. But when it reaches its End of Life Phase, the lack of updates and support creates a security risk. What are your options, then?

Upgrade Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 to a more recent version

The upgrade is what most businesses will do. Companies will prefer to keep their software and IT infrastructure compliant and up to date. That’s why they’ll switch to newer Windows Server versions.

Now it is high time you planned this upgrade and its delivery. Depending on your budget and the expected lifecycle of your IT environment, you have the following on-premise options to choose from

• Windows Server 2016 (end support date on 12 Jan 2027) is the cheapest option for Windows Server that is still supported. We recommend it for businesses that don’t want to spend too much money but need to prolong the life of their server environment for a couple of years
• Windows Server 2019 (support ends on 9 Jan 2029) is currently the most popular version and offers the best security, features and cost value. Windows Server 2019 is also the recommended version by Microsoft
• Windows Server 2022 (end of support is on 14 Oct 2031) is the most recent version, designed for organisations that want to integrate hybrid server environments with Microsoft Azure in their IT infrastructure

Keep in mind that if you choose the 2022 version, there is no upgrade directly from Server 2012. Microsoft allows direct upgrades through a maximum of two versions via a so-called in-place upgrade.

The latest upgradeable version of Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 is Windows Server 2019. Therefore, if you want Server 2022, you must install Server 2016 or 2019 first, then upgrade to the 2022 version.

One more option. Buy the latest Server 2022, and then downgrade to an older version!

The owners of Windows Server licence obtain downgrade rights to some of the previous versions.

When buying Windows Server 2022, you receive the right to install and activate Windows Server 2019 and 2016. In this way, you can use the version which best suits your current needs while investing in the future of your IT infrastructure.

Still haven’t decided which Microsoft Server version to choose? Contact us for professional advice!

Dealing with server operating systems and licences could be too complicated for non-professionals. We can assist you in carefully arranging the migration of your Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 while considering all aspects.

Get in touch with LicenceDeals’ experts and learn about the available options. Our team will be glad to help!

What will happen to your Windows Server 2012 if you do not act now?

Your server will keep working with the unsupported Windows Server 2012 operating system. But you’ll be on borrowed time till you experience the first technical issue or cyber attack. Alas, this time will surely come. Because without critical security updates, your servers will be at increased risk.

Don’t let this happen to you! Upgrade your Server 2012 or 2012 R2 with newer versions like Server 2016, 2019 or 2022 and enjoy their more advanced features and better performance!