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We have an unsupported SQL Server 2008 R2 database and application running on Windows Server 2008 R2. We need to continue using the application for a few more months, but there's a project to remove obsolete servers. The question is: will SQL Server 2008 R2 (standard) run on Windows Server 2016? Given that the rest of the system is unsupported, I just need to know if it's possible to run it successfully. I'm seeking advice from people with experience in this area. Please note that advising me to upgrade is good advice, but not relevant in these circumstances.
express version installs on server 2016 without a problem
oops.
I have not tried Windows Server 2016, but I'm running SQL 2008 (R1) on Windows 11, which is a lot newer without issues. Then again, that's only a lab instance.
Yes it can work but when you face a issue Microsoft support cannot help you because it's not supported.
Well, SQL 2008 R2 on any platform is unsupported...
Erland Sommarskog has offered the best answer so far. My instance has been running OK over the holiday, including optimization and audit jobs
I guess this is an unusual circumstance
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Hi @Ray Miller •
SQL 2008 R2 is not supported on windows 2016 by Microsoft:
I Invite you to read the following link to get more details about supported SQL version on Windows 2016
Please don't forget to accept helpful answer and close this thread
This is all very good advice. I am aware it's not supported. What I need to know is whether, empirically, it works?
so far the only issue is needing to use ssms 2008 r2 for some stuff, instead of ssms 19.2, but I knew that already
@Ray Miller •
Yes it can work but when you face a issue Microsoft support cannot help you because it's not supported.
Please don't forget to accept helpful answer and close the thread.
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Hi @Ray Miller
Just cheking if there is any prgress.
Please don't forget to accept helpful answer and close the thread.
Thank you for your feedback
Don't forget to upgrade your SQL soon as possible , because in case of issue you will be not supported by microsoft
Please don't forget to accept helpful answer and close this thread and close the thread
Ray, I have converted my Comment to an Answer in case you would like to formally Accept it.