Extended Security Updates (ESU) support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2!
Hello everyone,
As most of you are already aware, Microsoft ended support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 on October 10, 2023 . This means that Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 systems in your network won't be receiving further security updates or technical support.
Time to consider upgrading if you haven't already! The lack of security updates exposes your Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 machines to significant risks. There are two options to address this end-of-life scenario:
1) Migrate to newer versions of Windows Server.
2) Purchase Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Security Updates.
Migrate to Windows Server 2016
Refer to the provided Microsoft article for guidance on upgrading your system from Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 to Windows Server 2016:
Purchase Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Security Updates
Securing your environment on Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 can be achieved by considering the option of purchasing Extended Security Updates.
Editions that can avail ESUs
- Datacenter
- Essentials
- Foundation
- Standard
Upon purchasing Extended Security Updates licenses for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 from Microsoft, you'll receive a MAK key. Deploy this key to your endpoints to activate the license successfully. Refer the follow-up post to learn how to verify your ESU license activation:
We highly recommend that all users either migrate to Windows Server 2016 or to purchase Extended Security Updates licensing for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 from Microsoft. This will help to proactively address potential security vulnerabilities following the end-of-life phase for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2.
Cheers,
The ManageEngine Team