Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will reach end of support on October 10, 2023. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates for these products.
What does this mean for you?
If you are still using Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2, you should start planning to migrate to a supported version of Windows Server as soon as possible. Running unsupported software puts your systems and data at risk.
How can you migrate?
There are a few different ways to migrate from Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2:
- In-place upgrade: You can upgrade your existing Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 servers to Windows Server 2022. This is the simplest and most common migration path.
- Lift-and-shift migration: You can move your servers and workloads to a new Windows Server 2022 environment without making any changes. This is a good option for complex workloads or if you need to minimize downtime.
- Rehosting: You can move your workloads to a cloud-based platform, such as Azure Stack HCI. This can be a good option if you need to scale your environment or if you want to reduce your on-premises infrastructure costs.
Which migration path is right for you?
The best migration path for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are not sure which path to choose, you should consult with a qualified IT professional.
Resources
Microsoft has a number of resources available to help you migrate from Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2:
- Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 End of Support: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2012-r2
- Windows Server Migration Guide: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-migrate-roles-features
- Windows Server Upgrade Guide: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-overview
Conclusion
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will reach end of support on October 10, 2023. If you are still using these products, you should start planning to migrate to a supported version of Windows Server as soon as possible. Microsoft has a number of resources available to help you migrate.
