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Three options to prepare for Windows Server 2012/R2 end of support

PatWidjaja's avatar
PatWidjaja
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Oct 12, 2022

 

Windows Server 2012/R2 reaches end-of-support in one year on October 10, 2023. To help you prepare, here are 3 great options to keep your Windows Server 2012/R2 workloads protected:

 

Migrate to Azure and run securely with up to three years of free Extended Security Updates

This includes Azure destinations such as Azure virtual machines, Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMware Solution, and Azure Stack HCI. When migrating to Azure, you can save up to 80% when combining free Extended Security Updates with Azure Hybrid Benefit and Reserved Instances. You can also get the guidance and support you need through the Azure Migration and Modernization Program so you can migrate with confidence.

 

End of support also provides an opportunity for workload modernization, and you can continue to protect these workloads in Azure while you consider options for modernization. Azure offers native support for your largest Windows Server workloads:

 

Upgrade on-premises to Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 provides the latest security, hybrid, and application modernization capabilities such as:

  • Apply advanced multi-layer protection against threats with secured-core server.
  • Built-in hybrid capabilities with Azure Arc and richer insights through Windows Admin Center
  • Improve container application deployment with smaller image size for faster download and simplified authentication.

 

Deploy extended security updates on-premises 

Customers that cannot meet the end of support deadline and have Software Assurance or subscription licenses under an enterprise agreement enrollment will have the option to buy Extended Security Updates to get three more years of security updates for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2. Learn more here.

 

Get started

  1. Start your migration and modernization journey with confidence through expert guidance and support through the Azure Migration and Modernization Program.
  2. Learn more about what’s new in Windows Server 2022 in the blog and documentation.
  3. Learn more about Windows Server 2012/R2 end of support and frequently asked questions about extended security updates.

 

Related resources

  1. Blog: Windows Server End of Support: Key Dates - Microsoft Tech Community
  2. Blog: Know your options for SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 End of Support - Microsoft SQL Server Blog
  3. Web: SQL & Windows Server 2012 End of Support | Microsoft
  4. FAQ: Extended Security Updates for SQL Server and Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 | Microsoft

Note: In alignment with the servicing model for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 (link to blog), the Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 ESU program will only include Monthly Rollup packages; Security Only update packages will not be provided.

Updated Jan 31, 2023
Version 2.0

10 Comments

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  • jameswonderguy's avatar
    jameswonderguy
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 16, 2023

    The only reason why Windows Server 2012 needs to be retained is to benefit from free ESU for 3 years in Azure and continue managing the same resource on cloud.

  • Karl-WE's avatar
    Karl-WE
    MVP
    Nov 16, 2023

    It depends on if Microsoft still offers this as an VM Image or you upload a custom one. 

     

    Since Domain Controllers are the easiest to upgrade, why the customer needs to stick on Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller? Would be glad to learn the reasons. 

     

    Shifting it to Azure can be a higher risk than leaving it on premises the customer can still use Azure Arc to receive ESU via CSP. 

  • jameswonderguy's avatar
    jameswonderguy
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 15, 2023

    Thanks Karl-WE! Since Azure Stack HCI is not an option in this particular case, do you think that the customer can create a Windows Server 2012 DC on Azure now, given that Windows Server 2012 is already end of life?

     

  • Karl-WE's avatar
    Karl-WE
    MVP
    Nov 15, 2023

    jameswonderguy I don't disagree if the have so few VMs that are below the break even of a WS Datacenter license.

     

    Yet for those SMB having 40-80 VMs, due correct role based seperation of services it is a great move.

     

    Often enough the existence of old OSes matches these are running on old hardeware, so ultimately can save several times, consolidate and modernize at their own pace. 

  • jameswonderguy's avatar
    jameswonderguy
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 14, 2023

    Hi Karl,

    The requirement is for an SMB customer that has only a few servers on-premises. Azure Stack HCI would be too much of an ask. They just need to move to Azure with the above requirements.

    Thanks!

  • Karl-WE's avatar
    Karl-WE
    MVP
    Nov 14, 2023

    This article is missing the 4th option, which can prove to be extremely cost effective starting with a single node cluster 

     

    Azure Stack HCI offers free ESU same as hosted in Azure but in your on-premises.

     

    As Single Cluster can even be expanded it is a great way to go.

     

     

    Have Windows Vista Datacenter Software Assurance or Enterprise Agreement / MPSA, then you can even save on Azure Stack HCI costs and get more benefits.

     

     

  • jameswonderguy's avatar
    jameswonderguy
    Copper Contributor
    Nov 13, 2023

    We have a customer with a Windows Server 2012 based domain controller system; they have currently no infrastructure on Azure.

     

    They now plan to create an Azure tenant and create a domain controller such that it replicates with the existing on-premises Windows Server 2012 DC on a regular basis.

     

    Requirements:

    1. To make users authenticate to the Azure-based DC.
    2. To failover from the Azure-based DC to the on-premises DC in the event the former goes offline or malfunctions.

     

    Based on the below article, customers get 3 years free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows Server 2012 if they migrate to Azure.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/announcements/windows-server-2012-r2-end-of-support

     

    Questions:

    1. Since Windows Server 2012 has already become EOL, can the customer now create a Windows Server 2012 DC on Azure, and also, get 3 years of free ESU?
    2. If answer to the above is 'no', what are the options available to set up a DC in Azure, and also, to regularly replicate it with the on-premises Windows Server 2012 DC?

     

    Thanks!

  • Cara_Hart_AMH's avatar
    Cara_Hart_AMH
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 20, 2023

    It is Sept 20 2023 and I am unable to find the Server 2012 R2 option in Azure Arc. (Not SQL Server, that one is there.)

    How can we do this?

     

    Thank you

  • YondoJJ's avatar
    YondoJJ
    Copper Contributor
    Mar 16, 2023

    one thing that I am not very clear on is will we be able to migrate VMs from on Hyper-V to azure to get the 3 year ESU or do we have to setup a net new VM in azure to get that?

     

    I would rather just move the VM so that we don't have to install and configure applications.

     

    Thanks

    YondoJJ