Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 will reach its extended end-of-support date next year, on October 10, 2023, according to the BleepingComputer.
Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 was released in October 2012. This year, it has entered its tenth year of service already. Over three years ago, on October 9, 2018, the server has already reached the mainstream end date.
In addition, according to a report by the Bleeping Computer, Redmond also revealed that the company's relational database management system, the Microsoft SQL Server 2012, will be retiring on July 12, 2022. It 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 end-of-support is reached. The usability or stability of servers running the two products may be affected.
"Microsoft recommends customers migrate applications and workloads to Azure to run securely. Azure SQL Managed Instance is fully managed and always updated (PaaS)," said Microsoft.
The company added that: "Customers can also lift-and-shift to Azure Virtual Machines, including Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMware Solution, and Azure Stack (Hub, HCI, Edge), to get three additional years of extended security updates 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 gaps, users are urged to upgrade as soon as possible.
"We understand that SQL Server and Windows Server run many business-critical applications that may take more time to modernize," Microsoft said.
Moreover, the company added that: "Customers that cannot meet the end of support deadline and have Software Assurance or subscription licenses under an enterprise agreement enrollment will have the option to buy Extended Security Updates to get three more 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 avail Extended Security Updates annually for 75 percent of the license cost of the latest version of SQL Server or Windows Server for the first year.
Then on the second year, they can avail 100 percent of the license while on the third year, they can purchase 125 percent of the license cost.
Customers who wants additional information regarding eligibility requirements and onboarding details may check the Extended Security Updates frequently asked questions page.
Moreover, SQL Server 2008/R2 will also reach it end-of-support on July 12, 2022, while Windows Server 2008/R2 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will also retire on January 10, 2023.
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