Microsoft announces that Windows Server 2012 will reach end of support in October 2023

Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 will reach its extended end of support date next year, on October 10, 2023, according to BleepingComputer.

Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 was released in October 2012. This year it has already entered its tenth year of service. Over three years ago, on October 9, 2018, the server already reached the mainstream end date.

Additionally, according to a report by Bleeping Computer, Redmond also disclosed that the company’s relational database management system, Microsoft SQL Server 2012, will be retiring on July 12, 2022. This will be ten years after its release in May 2012.

What will happen once end of support is reached?

Microsoft will stop providing technical support and bug fixes for newly discovered issues once the end of support is reached. Usability or stability of servers running both products may be affected.

“Microsoft recommends that customers migrate applications and workloads to Azure for secure execution. Azure SQL Managed Instance is fully managed and always updated (PaaS),” Microsoft said.

The company added that: “Customers can also switch to Azure Virtual Machines, including Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMware Solution, and Azure Stack (Hub, HCI, Edge), for an additional three years of security updates. extended at no cost.”

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What can be done?

Since after the end of support, Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes or technical support, Microsoft advises customers to upgrade to Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019.

In July 2021, Redmond already reminded users that Windows Server 2012 and SQL Server 2012 will reach their extended support end dates in two years. To avoid compliance and security vulnerabilities, users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.

“We understand that SQL Server and Windows Server run many business-critical applications that can take longer to modernize,” Microsoft said.

Additionally, the company added that, “Customers who cannot meet the end of support deadline and who have Software Assurance or subscription licenses under an Enterprise Agreement will have the ability to purchase Extended Security Updates to get three additional years of security updates for SQL Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2.”

According to Microsoft, Extended Security Updates will only cost for on-premises deployments.

In Azure, Extended Security Updates will be free for customers running SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 in Azure. »

Meanwhile, on-premises customers with active Software Assurance or subscription licenses can receive Extended Security Updates annually for 75% of the license cost of the latest version of SQL Server or Windows Server for the first year.

Then, in the second year, they can avail 100% of the license, while in the third year, they can purchase 125% of the license cost.

Customers who want additional information regarding eligibility requirements and integration details can visit the Extended Security Updates Frequently Asked Questions page.

Additionally, SQL Server 2008/R2 will also reach end of support on July 12, 2022, while Windows Server 2008/R2 Extended Security Updates (ESU) will also be retired on January 10, 2023.

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