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

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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:

 

• Azure App Service to modernize your .NET apps
  
• Azure Kubernetes Service to manage workloads you decide to containerize
  
• Azure SQL, a PaaS service for SQL Server databases that makes patching and upgrades a thing of the past
  
• Azure Virtual Desktop for your Windows Server RDS-based VDI environments
  
• Azure Automanage to simplify configuration and management of Windows Server with automated operations.
  

 

 

 

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.

 

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