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Windows Server 2012 R2 upgrade path

Anonymous
2023-10-27T13:44:29+00:00

Hi,

A customer of ours has a HP Proliant server running Windows Server 2012 R2. We want to carry out an in-place upgrade, and according to Microsoft documentation, the most recent version we can upgrade to would be WS2019. However, our suppliers have told us that license keys suitable for an in-place upgrade are not generally available for purchase anymore and have been supplanted by WS2022 license keys instead. Could you please advise what version of Windows Server we should be upgrading to, and what type of license key would be suitable that is still actively on sale.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-10-31T08:00:22+00:00

    You cannot use any type of WS2019 license key. The following general guidelines are for in-place upgrade paths where Windows Server is already licensed.

    HP ROK keys are designed to work with HP servers and are typically sold with the server hardware. However, they may not be suitable for an in-place upgrade. It is recommended that you purchase a retail license key for the version of Windows Server you are upgrading to.

    Reference from:

    Upgrade and conversion options for Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

    Best Regards,

    Hania Lian

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-09-05T23:53:18+00:00

    My company has only 1 Dell T320 Server running MS Server 2012 r2 operating Active Directory for a Domain with 5 CAL. The Dell Server is not verified by Dell to run 2019 but is verified to upgrade to MS Server 2016. We need to upgrade to MS Server 2016 in order to maintain compatibility with our main Software program. Our Chiropractic office runs ChiroTouch software.

    We have the Server 2012 r2 activation keys. I found a source for a Server 2016 digital license and download. How could we create the needed media to upgrade in place or could we run directly from the running current server? I have found online many different paths to follow. One source stated Microsoft offers the upgrade from a licensed activated 2012 installation to 2016 for free. Another source claimed an evaluation copy could be downloaded and used for an in place upgrade. Thereafter the upgrade could be licensed before the 90 day evaluation period ended. Could you tell us the best way to proceed. Our small office would really appreciate the help and we need to move quickly. thank you.

    Robert Heath

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T09:23:31+00:00

    Hi Hania,

    Thanks for the reply, can I use any kind of WS2019 license key? I wanted to purchase a HP ROK key but was advised by our supplier (Servers Direct) that this kind of key may not work for an in-place upgrade.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T01:36:40+00:00

    Hello!

    According to Microsoft's documentation, the upgrade path for Windows Server 2012 R2 is to Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019.

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    We recommend that you purchase Windows Server 2019 license from an authorized Microsoft reseller to perform an in-place upgrade.

    To perform an in-place upgrade, please refer to this link:

    Perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

    Note: It's a good idea to back up your important data before upgrade.

    Best Regards，

    Hania Lian

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