Server 2012 is end of life: Act now!

Microsoft’s support for Windows Server 2012 ended in October 2023. That means it is vitally important to take action now to protect the cybersecurity stance of your business.

In 2021, Microsoft announced the end-of-life timescale for its Windows Server 2012. It advised that support would come to an end on October 10, 2023.

That time has now passed, which means that your Windows Server 2012 is no longer supported.

What does out of support mean for Windows Server 2012?

Being out of support means that Windows Server 2012 is no longer receiving: 

•    Security updates

•    Non-security updates

•    Bug fixes

•    Technical support

•    Online technical content updates

This means that continuing to use your Windows Server 2012 poses security risks for your organisation.

What should you do if you are still using Windows Server 2012?

If you are still using Windows Server 2012, Grant McGregor suggests three possible routes:

•    Replace your server with Windows 2022.

•    Migrate your server workloads to Microsoft Azure.

•    Certain workloads can be migrated onto Microsoft SharePoint.

Why upgrade to Windows Server 2022?

There are compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows Server 2022. It introduces advanced multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities and enhancements to enable you to modernise your applications through the use of containers.

You can run your Windows Server 2022 workloads in Microsoft Azure. In this way, you benefit from the reliability, security, scalability and agility of the Azure cloud. 

You can also leverage tools like Azure Automanage for Windows Server and Windows Admin Centre in Azure to help you manage your server workloads in Azure. You should also think about whether or not reserved instances could work for you and help you lower your overall Azure bill.

What is the best way to migrate your server workloads into Azure?

The best first step is to contact the Grant McGregor team. There are a variety of ways to approach a cloud migration. For example, you could choose to simply replace your existing servers in Azure or you could take the opportunity to rationalise using native Azure cloud services. 

These choices can affect the cost of your cloud tenancy each month, so it will certainly pay dividends to plan carefully and seek expert advice.

You can move your legacy applications and databases in Azure onto compliant operating systems including Windows Server 2016, 2019 or 2022. It is advisable to first set up a test environment in Microsoft Azure so that you can run the two environments in parallel during the testing phase. This way you can confirm functionality and compatibility before moving fully into Azure, thereby minimising disruption and downtime for the business.

What next?

If you do have workloads running on Windows Server 2012, we urge you to get in touch with our team as soon as possible. 

We can help you develop a migration strategy that works for you, your business and your workloads.

Call us: 0808 164 4142

Message us: https://www.grantmcgregor.co.uk/contact-us

Further reading

Discover more of our thoughts and advice about cybersecurity and technology topics on our blog:

•    Why you must start planning early for Windows 10 end of life

•    Is your organisation doing enough on supply chain security?

•    How to minimise the risk from phishing

•    The biggest tech stories of 2023: Our recap of a game-changing year

•    Is dark data killing the planet?

•    How should risk managers address cyber risk?