Microsoft Windows Server 2012-R2

As the upgrade process often takes upwards of a year, we urge users not to delay the transition any further. Microsoft recommends the latest upgradable version, which for Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2, would be Windows Server 2019.

Mainstream Support

The mainstream support phase refers to the first 5 years of a product’s life cycle. During this period, the product receives feature updates, security patches, and service packs. Users can also request non-security updates, incident support, or product feature changes.

For Windows Server 2012 R2, the mainstream support phase was from 11/25/2013 to 10/9/2018.

Extended Support

The Extended Support phase is the final five years of a product's lifecycle. During this period, a product only receives security updates, and users can no longer request new design changes or non-security updates.

Windows Server 2012 R2 is currently in the extended support phase.

End of Support

As stated, after a product reaches the end-of-life phase, Microsoft will stop providing most forms of updates and support for it, making it a security risk.

For customers who are still in the upgrade process or those who need to keep using legacy products, Microsoft offers one final option: the Extended Security Update (ESU) program.

The end-of-life date for Windows Server 2012 R2 is October 10, 2023.

Why Can’t I Just Keep Using Windows Server 2012 R2?

As stated, once Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 reach the EOL phase, they will no longer receive critical security updates. This puts them at increased risk of cyberattacks and non-compliance. The option to receive a few more years of security updates comes with a premium.

To add to this, the newer versions like Windows Server 2019 and 2022 simply offer way more features and better performance.