Is your firm still running Microsoft Server 2012? If so, your support has officially ended and you need to make a ...
Is your firm still running Microsoft Server 2012? If so, your support has officially ended and you need to make a change.
Once Microsoft Server 2012 officially reaches end of life (EOL) for extended support on October 10, 2023, you’ll be left without access to technical support, software upgrades, security patches, and bug fixes. Lack of extended support won’t only impact usability and stability; it will also significantly increase risks to your business from both a compliance and security standpoint.
With October mere months away, you have some decisions to make:
- Should you migrate to newer, supported versions of Microsoft Server?
Or consider an alternative option that would more fully meet your future and long-term needs? Here is what you need to know if you are still running Microsoft Server 2012.
First, it's important to understand the risks involved with continuing to use an unsupported product. Without updates or security patches, your system will be vulnerable to cyber attacks and other security threats. This can be especially dangerous for businesses that handle sensitive data or financial information. As a result, it's crucial to start planning for either a transition to a newer version of Microsoft before the end of life deadline approaches or another option.
What Options Do You Have?
Now is the time to plan your next steps so you can avoid potential security breaches and remain compliant with industry regulations and your client’s requirements. Should your firm migrate to newer, supported versions? Or perhaps it’s time to consider an alternative option that would more fully meet your future needs.
One option is to pay for extended support. This is extremely expensive and is merely a short-term solution. You will eventually need to make a decision and move on from Microsoft Server 2012.
Another option is to maintain your data center and on-premise infrastructure by doing a full upgrade to Windows Server 2022. This option is costly and time consuming. Newer operating systems require more processing power and server space. If your server hardware is more than 5 years old, it may need to be replaced due to age and capacity.
Another option is to move to the cloud and switch to a cloud-based solution, such as Microsoft 365. This option is becoming increasingly popular as it offers flexibility, scalability, and lower costs. A cloud-based solution also takes away the burden of managing and maintaining a physical IT infrastructure.
In addition to upgrading your software, it's also important to ensure your hardware is up to par. As newer software versions require more powerful hardware, you may need to invest in upgrading your servers and workstations. This will also help ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently.
If you're not sure which option is right for your business, let us know. We can go over the benefits, drawbacks and costs, upfront and long term to see what works best for your company. Get in touch and set up a call, time is running out.
Frequently Asked Questions: Windows Server 2012 End-of-Life (EOL)
When did Microsoft Windows Server 2012 reach End-of-Life (EOL)?
Microsoft ended extended support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 on October 10, 2023. After this date, these systems no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or standard technical support.
Why is running Windows Server 2012 after EOL risky for my business?
Once support ends, newly discovered vulnerabilities are never patched, which makes Server 2012 a growing security liability. Over time, this can lead to:
- Higher risk of ransomware and data breaches
- Compliance problems with regulators and auditors
- Increased likelihood of outages due to unsupported software
What options do I have if my workloads are still on Server 2012?
Typical options include:
- Upgrading on-prem to a supported version (like Windows Server 2022)
- Migrating to Azure or other cloud platforms and taking advantage of cloud security and extended security update programs
- In limited cases, purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a short-term bridge while you complete a migration
Is paying for Extended Security Updates a long-term solution?
No. ESUs are designed as a temporary safety net, not a permanent fix. They’re time-limited, can be expensive, and only cover critical/important security patches, no new features or non-security fixes. The Cloud Cover guidance is to use ESUs only while you finalize a real migration plan.
