All good things eventually come to an end, especially with respect to tech systems. On October 10, 2023, Microsoft will cease support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. 

While your Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 won’t stop working, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for them. That means that even though your server will continue to function as usual, any security vulnerabilities will not be patched. This can put your organization at significant risk. Cyberattackers will be able to exploit those vulnerabilities. 

SMBs and other enterprises running these systems must prepare now. Contact Choice Solutions today for a consultation.

What Is Windows Server 2012 R2? 

Server 2012 R2 is a version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system that was released in October 2013. A successor to Windows Server 2012, it’s a robust and versatile system used for a broad range of tasks ranging from simple file-and-print services to enterprise-level applications services. It’s also the last Windows server version supporting 32-bit hardware. 

Businesses of all sizes use Windows Server 2012 R2 to manage and organize network resources, such as user accounts and computers, run and manage databases, and host websites and web applications.  

Other Windows Server 2012 R2 features include: 

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) 
• Backup and recovery 
• BranchCache 
• DirectAccess and VPN 
• File and storage services 
• Hosting/managing websites and web applications 
• Hyper-V virtualization 
• Internet Information Services (IIS) 
• Remote Desktop Services (RDS) 
• Running/managing databases 
• Running/managing large networks 
• Work Folders 

Are You Still Using Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2? 

What should you do if your business is still using Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2? 

First, you should begin looking at upgrades. October 10 is closer than you think, so you should start considering your options now: 

• Avoid disruption 
• Ensure your systems are protected against security vulnerabilities 
• Guarantee access to the latest features and functionality 

As you plan your upgrade, keep in mind the products your organization currently uses and their specific replacement options. You might want to consider cloud-based solutions like Azure, Nutanix, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform. Microsoft offers migration guidance for both cloud and on-premises solutions. If the options seem overwhelming, working with a technology partner can make IT decisions much more manageable. 

If you continue to use Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 after October 10, Microsoft will not support your operating system. 

Potential Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Compatibility Issues

Eventually, you may run into compatibility issues with newer software and hardware. Not updating and securing your systems also leaves you exposed to problems arising from non-compliance with PCI-DSS (the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) regulatory requirements. 

With no security updates, no compliance, and no tech support, your network and data will be unprotected. Beyond security risks, your organization’s daily operations which rely on the server to run applications and manage data could also be affected. Delaying the upgrade might also lead to performance productivity issues. 

If your IT team needs Microsoft support for any Windows Server 2012 problem, it simply won’t be there. 

Specific, significant issues you might face from not upgrading Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 include: 

• Compatibility – Outdated versions of Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 may not be compatible with newer software and hardware. That makes running or maintaining server applications challenging, if not downright impossible. 
• Compliance – Many regulatory requirements, including PCI-DSS, SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act), and HIPAA require systems to be up-to-date and secure. Continuing to use an outdated version of Windows Server could put your organization at risk of non-compliance. 
• Limited functionality – Obsolete versions of Windows Server might not include the features and functionality of newer versions, limiting your network and server’s capabilities. 
• Loss of technical support – As of October 10, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support for outdated Windows Server versions. Your IT team will find it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. 
• Security vulnerabilities – Since Microsoft will stop releasing security updates for outdated Windows Server operating systems, your organization’s server and network are more vulnerable to security threats and deficiencies. 

Additional Upgrade Requirements 

Will upgrading your products require additional resources? In most cases, yes.  

You might need to update your: 

• Installation services 
• IT infrastructure 
• IT team training 
• Microsoft and other software licensing 

If you want to minimize disruption to your business, it’s best to plan your upgrade well in advance. A trusted technology partner will show you the options that fit your business’s unique requirements and can make the process more hassle-free. 

What Are Your Upgrade Options? 

Microsoft recommends upgrading to the latest version of Windows Server 2022 for security, performance, and innovation. You can also migrate workloads to Azure, and if you choose to migrate to Azure, you’ll receive up to 3 free years of Extended Security Update (ESU) at the end of support

Organizations that need on-premise privacy can either upgrade to Windows Server 2022 or purchase ESU for Windows Server 2012. This choice provides up to three years of security updates.  

Ultimately, the path you take will greatly depend on which operating system you’re currently using. Some of the terminology you’ll encounter include: 

• Installation is the process of putting the new operating system on your existing hardware. A “clean installation” requires deleting your previous operating system. 
• Migration moves your existing operating system to a new set of hardware. 
• Upgrading is moving your existing operating system to a more recent version while retaining the same hardware. 

Get Ahead: Plan Ahead 

October begins 3Q 23; it’s many months away, but that’s a relatively short amount of time in the world of technology upgrades. Some upgrade completions can take several weeks or months.  

Plan Your Organization’s Upgrade

You have choices. Upgrading and adopting the innovative technologies you need can make you more competent and competitive.  

Choice Solutions can ensure your technology runs efficiently, securely, and that your business experiences little to no disruption. If you want to be confident you’re picking the right Windows Service upgrade for your organization, talk with a managed cloud services professional who can help you thoroughly understand each option before you decide.

Contact Choice Solutions.