As October begins, one of Microsoft's longest-supported versions of Windows Server is ending its official support. The life cycle of Windows Server 2012 and its Windows Server 2012 R2 update will end on October 10, 2023.
Microsoft's lifecycle support page reads:
After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.
Windows Server 2012, originally based on Windows 8, entered the RTM stage on August 1, 2012, and was officially launched to the public on September 4, 2012. Interestingly, Windows Server 2012 has a much longer life cycle than Windows 8, which ended its life in 2016. It even outlasts Windows 8.1. Microsoft ended official support for it in January 2023.
Microsoft offers four different SKUs for Windows Server 2012. Essentials is the cheapest at $425, followed by Standard at $882, and then the Datacenter SKU at $4,809. There is also a SKU, Foundation, which is designed for OEM companies and has no public price.
Just like Microsoft quickly released Windows 8.1 one year after launching Windows 8, Microsoft also launched Windows Server 2021R2 at the same time and was officially released on October 14, 2013.
While official support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 will end in a few days, businesses that still need time to transition to newer server operating systems still have options. One is that they can get extended security updates for up to three years through Microsoft's Azure cloud service.
Enterprises that require on-site access to Windows Server 2012 can also get Extended Security Updates (ESU) for three years until October 13, 2026, for an undisclosed fee. Finally, enterprises can directly update to the latest version of the operating system, Windows Server 2022, which will be launched in September 2022.