Upgrading Windows Server 2012 to 2022

Question

Hello,

We are trying to upgrade a physical Windows server 2012 to Windows Server 2022 and already have purchased the license with 5 CAL.

Looking up online on this process is very vague and controversial as some people say it is possible to upgrade straight to 2022 by booting to the 2022 ISO on a USB and others say you need to purchase an ADDITIONAL license for 2016/2019 (as eval copies won't work for upgrades) to get it there first, THEN go to 2022.

What is the truth on this matter, is it possible and safe to just upgrade straight to 2022? We have a backup of everything already and would prefer to steer clear of a fresh install unless that is the only option.

One other question is when you purchased Server 2022, we did not receive an email with a link for download. Where do we go to get the purchased .ISO instead of the trial version?

Thank you for your time,

Auren Frost

Answer 1

Hello Auren Frost

You can only upgrade to up to two versions of Windows Server at a time. Therefore, the upgrade path supported by Windows Server 2012 is Windows Server 2012R2 or Windows Server 2016. Therefore, it is recommended that you upgrade to Windows Server 2016 first, and then upgrade to Windows Server 2022.

About how to perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server, please refer to this official document:

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

However, Microsoft does not recommend performing an in-place upgrade of any server, as it can cause compatibility issues, performance degradation, and potential data loss. A clean install is the preferred method, as it ensures a fresh and stable system.

You can download the purchased ISO from the Volume Licensing Service Center (microsoft.com) (VLSC) website. You will need to have a valid license agreement and be registered in the VLSC to access the downloads.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

Answer 2

The license was purchased through Microsoft with 5 CAL on their website through a personal email/Microsoft account as I recall it would not let us use a business account.

We got a receipt of purchase, is there anything else that needs to be done to get the "valid license agreement" besides purchase? I have not registered in the VLSC yet.

Answer 3

You can try to register in the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) to get a valid license agreement. Note that you will need to sign up with the same Microsoft account that you used to make the purchase.

Once you register and log in to VLSC, you should be able to find your Server 2022 license key and download link.

Best Regards，

Hania Lian

Answer 4

I have registered on the VLSC website with the same account used to purchase Win Server 2022 and it says "The Business Email address provided during registration is not affiliated with an Open license and/or Volume License Agreement." but it clearly shows in order history on the MS account. Any idea how this could happen?

Answer 5

I recommend contacting Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center support directly to resolve this issue. They will be able to assist you in verifying your account information and ensuring that your purchase is properly associated with your account.

VLSC Support: Support Center Contact Info. | Microsoft Learn