Windows Server 2012 (R2)

What is Windows Server 2012? 

Windows Server 2012 is an operating system created by Microsoft and created to run servers. Servers are specialized computers that typically operate within the client-server network; the servers handle requests from clients on the network. Using a server operating system allows other applications to run on the server hardware, such as a mail server or a print server. 

What is Windows Server 2012 R2?

Windows Server 2012 R2 has several new features compared to the original Windows Server 2012. Notable additions to Windows Server 2012 R2 include Gen2 Virtual machines, Automatic VM activation and VM cloning. There are also various improvements to improve storage management, AD FS and Access Management. Next to the new additions and improvements compared to the older versions, Windows Server  2012 R2 also gets extended support until October 2023, which means there are still security updates rolling out till this date. In short: Windows Server 2012 R2 is an incremental update to WIndows Server 2012, introducing new features and improvements of existing ones to enhance the operating system’s performance and functionality. 

Windows Server 2012 Standard or Datacenter? 

Want to buy Windows 2012 Server but don't know which edition you need? Microsoft Windows 2012 Server license for businesses is available in two versions: Standard Edition and Datacenter Edition. One of the main differences between these versions of Windows Server is that the Datacenter option allows an unlimited number of virtual machines, while the Standard Edition allows only max 2.

Windows 2012 Server Standard vs Datacenter:

Check the table below for the differences between Windows Server 2012 Datacenter and Standard:

Upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012 R2

In-place upgrades from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012 R2 are possible. Upgrading Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012 R2 is an ideal solution for businesses seeking enhanced performance and functionality in their server environment. When you are running Windows Server 2012 R2 this opens up other upgrade possibilities to newer Windows Server versions as well.

When will support for Windows Server 2012 R2 end?

Make sure you purchase a version of Windows Server that receives adequate support from Microsoft. These include standard support (updates) and extended support (security). Basic support, that is, standard support, ends first. For Windows Server 2012 R2 the end of life dates are:

Standard support end date: already expired

Extended support end date: 10-10-2023

However if you still need to stay on the 2012 version, you can use an extended security upgrade which is free in Azure or can be purchased from on-premises deployments. These are the extended security update versions:

• Extended Security Update Year 1: Starts at 11-10-2023 & End at 08-10-2024
• Extended Security Update Year 2: Starts at 09-10-2024 & End at 14-10-2025
• Extended Security Update Year 3: Starts at 15-10-2025 & End at 13-10-2026

CALs for Windows Server 2012

The abbreviation CAL refers to "Client Access License" and describes a license that allows the customer (the business owner) to enable remote desktop for Windows Server 2012 to users or devices of the company. To do this, the customer has a choice of three options:

Windows Server 2012 (R2) User CALs 

With a User CAL license, you are responsible for paying for each user who makes use of the services via the server. A User CAL license is required, for instance, if one of your employees needs to access the server using a laptop, iPad, smartphone, and/or PC. Along with the Server license, this is also available for purchase. 

Windows Server 2012 (R2) Device CALs

You must pay for each device that uses the server to access services under device CAL licensing. This is useful because the license is less expensive if you only want to use the product on one device or if you have more devices than users. 

Note: CAL licenses are NOT included with Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019 or 2022 licenses and must be purchased separately.