Are you aware that the end is near for the extended support of Windows Server 2012 R2, the server operating system that has been operating quietly in the background for over ten years? Standard support for this system concluded on October 10, 2023. For companies wishing to continue using it, Microsoft offered an extension for a fee, which only covers critical security updates. However, this extended support will cease entirely on October 13, 2026.<\/p>\n
To illustrate, think of it as a car with an expired inspection for which you’ve been paying only for essential repairs. Soon, this repair shop will close permanently.<\/p>\n
One notable aspect is that there is no option to extend support for just one more year. The extended support can only last a maximum of three years, regardless of whether the server remains on-site or is migrated to Microsoft’s cloud. Transitioning to the cloud will only gain you a small extension, possibly just a few weeks.<\/p>\n
Moreover, if you apply for this extension now, you are required by the rules to retroactively pay for the months you previously didn\u2019t cover. This means that if you opt to extend your support on a yearly basis while keeping it on-premises, you will incur costs equivalent to the standard fee during those three years, for just a few weeks of additional service.<\/p>\n
You have three main options: upgrading to a new operating system, disconnecting the server from the network to mitigate risk, or migrating it to the cloud. However, disconnecting, while reducing immediate risk, does not resolve the issue of lacking security updates.<\/p>\n
A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 10% of companies chose to "continue using it as is" during their migration decision-making. For those relying on the three-year extension, the expiration date is fast approaching.<\/p>\n