14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has issued a new warning to tell IT admins that both Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 are approaching the end of support.
The whole thing is projected to happen on October 10 this year, but given the ones impacted by the EOL date is a server version of Windows, Microsoft needs to give customers enough time to migrate.
Just like in the case of client versions of Windows, sticking with an unsupported version of Windows Server is a huge no-no.
Because the operating systems would be left without security patches, every single vulnerability discovered in the two platforms would remain unpatched.
Customers are provided with two migration options: move everything to the cloud or stay on-premises by switching to Windows Server 2022.
There’s also a more expensive solution, and this one comes to buying extended security updates, though worth knowing is that these patches are gradually more expensive.
“Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will end on October 10, 2023. After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates. Microsoft has migration guidance for both cloud and on-premises solutions,” Microsoft says.
“Remain on-premises by upgrading to Windows Server 2022 or purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESUs). Customers needing to stay on-premises can upgrade to Windows Server 2022, or purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows Server 2012 – providing up to three years of security updates only. ESUs will continue for three years, renewable on an annual basis, until October 13, 2026.”
Hopefully, most admins would complete the upgrade to one of the provided solutions by the time the deadline is reached, as keeping servers secure helps not only then but also the clients connecting to them.