Preparing for Windows Server 2012 R2 End of Life: What Dev Needs to Know

Greetings Dev! As you may know, Windows Server 2012 R2 has reached its end of life. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide updates or support for this operating system. Don’t worry, though – in this article, we’ll walk you through what this means for you, how to prepare, and what your options are moving forward.

What is Windows Server 2012 R2 End of Life?

Windows Server 2012 R2 was released in October 2013 and has been a popular operating system for many businesses. However, as with all technology, it has a lifespan. On October 10, 2018, Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows Server 2012 R2. This means that they will no longer be releasing updates or providing support for the operating system. Extended support ended on October 10, 2023.

What does this mean for Dev?

If your business is still running on Windows Server 2012 R2, it means that you will no longer be receiving updates or support from Microsoft. This can leave your business vulnerable to security threats and other issues.

To ensure the security and stability of your systems, it’s important to prepare for the end of life of Windows Server 2012 R2.

How to Prepare for Windows Server 2012 R2 End of Life

1. Determine your upgrade path

The first step in preparing for Windows Server 2012 R2 end of life is to determine your upgrade path. You have a few options:

2. Plan your migration

Once you’ve determined your upgrade path, it’s important to plan your migration. This includes:

• Identifying which applications and workloads will be affected
• Assessing compatibility with the new operating system
• Creating a timeline for the migration process
• Allocating resources for the migration

3. Test your migration

Before you make the switch, it’s important to test your migration. This can help identify potential issues and prevent downtime or data loss. Testing should include:

• Verifying compatibility with all applications and workloads
• Ensuring data is backed up and can be restored in case of issues
• Testing functionality and performance of the new operating system

4. Execute your migration

Once you’ve planned and tested your migration, it’s time to execute it. This includes:

• Deploying the new operating system
• Migrating your applications and workloads
• Verifying functionality and performance

5. Decommission Windows Server 2012 R2

After you’ve successfully migrated, it’s important to decommission Windows Server 2012 R2. This includes:

• Removing it from your network
• Ensuring data is securely erased
• Disposing of any hardware or software associated with Windows Server 2012 R2

FAQ about Windows Server 2012 R2 End of Life

What happens if I don’t upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2?

If you don’t upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2, your systems will no longer receive security updates or support from Microsoft. This can leave your business vulnerable to security threats and other issues.

Can I continue to use Windows Server 2012 R2 after end of life?

Yes, you can continue to use Windows Server 2012 R2 after end of life. However, it’s important to note that you will no longer receive updates or support from Microsoft. This can leave your business vulnerable to security threats and other issues.

What are the risks of not upgrading from Windows Server 2012 R2?

The risks of not upgrading from Windows Server 2012 R2 include:

• Lack of security updates
• Lack of support from Microsoft
• Potential compliance issues
• Potential downtime or data loss

How long can I continue to use Windows Server 2012 R2?

You can continue to use Windows Server 2012 R2 for as long as it meets your business needs. However, it’s important to note that you will no longer receive updates or support from Microsoft after end of life.

What are my options if I can’t upgrade to Windows Server 2019?

If you can’t upgrade to Windows Server 2019, you may consider moving to the cloud with Microsoft Azure or transitioning to a different operating system like Linux.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2012 R2 end of life is an important milestone for businesses running this operating system. By taking the time to plan and execute your migration, you can ensure the security and stability of your systems moving forward. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start preparing for Windows Server 2012 R2 end of life today.