Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 reached its end of life on October 10, 2023. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for this version of Microsoft Windows Server.
There are several reasons why you should upgrade to a newer version of Windows Server Operating System that includes:
- Security: Microsoft regularly releases security updates for Windows Server to protect it from known vulnerabilities. Without these updates, your server is at risk of being hacked or exploited.
- Performance: Newer versions of Windows Server are designed to be more efficient and faster than older versions. This can improve the performance of your applications and workloads.
- Software support expires: Many software applications require specific versions of server operating system. If you do not upgrade your operating system, you may not be able to run the latest versions of these applications.
- Features: Newer versions of Windows Server often include new features and functionality that can help you improve your IT operations.
- Compliance: Some regulations and standards require you to use a specific version of Windows Server. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
If you are running Windows Server 2012 R2, you should start planning your upgrade now.
Chances are that if you are running Windows Server 2012 R2 then it is very likely that your hardware is also near or at its end of life as they both would have been deployed at the same time.
The lifespan of a server depends on several factors, including the type of server, the workload it is under, and the environment it is in. However, as a general rule of thumb you should replace your server hardware every 3-5 years.
There are several reasons why you should replace your server hardware every 3-5 years including:
- Hardware becomes outdated: As new technologies emerge, server hardware becomes outdated. This can lead to performance problems and security vulnerabilities.
- Hardware warranty expires: Most server hardware comes with a manufacturer warranty that expires after 3 years.
- Performance requirements increase: As your business grows, your server requirements will increase. You will need to upgrade your hardware to meet these increasing demands.
Microsoft advises admins who want to keep their on-premises Windows Server 2012 servers running and receiving bug fixes and security updates to upgrade to Windows Server 2022 or purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs).
ESUs will provide them with up to three more years of security updates, renewable every year until October 13, 2026.
The other option is to migrate their databases and applications to Azure Virtual Machines, which will also provide them with free ESUs for three years after the end of support.
“For on-premises servers, customers can use Azure Arc to receive automated/scheduled ESU updates and installation as well as the security and governance capabilities in Azure,” Microsoft said.
If you would like to discuss the impact on your business or are unsure whether it is time to replace your server hardware, then please get in touch with us today.
