If Microsoft were to pursue its original plan, Windows Server 2012 would no longer be supported after October 10, 2023. However, it seems that many enterprise customers still need some time to make the transition. Therefore, the support for Windows Server 2012 is extended for an additional three years. The new end date is now October 13, 2026.
During this period, the operating system will only receive essential security updates aimed at reducing known security risks. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) also apply to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Embedded Server on Azure. “You can now receive three more years of ESUs,” Microsoft writes in the announcement. Like previous extended updates, they will not be offered for free in most situations.
Individual Update Years for Purchase
Instead, Microsoft offers special ESU keys that can be purchased within the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Customers always receive one year of extended support with each key and must buy three times in total for the full three-year extension. According to Microsoft, this does not apply to Windows Server 2012 hosted on Azure servers. Such customers are expected to receive the updates for free.
Customers opting for an Extended Security Update must first bring their operating system up to a fairly recent state before installation. Microsoft specifies that update KB50229368 from August 2023 is mandatory for Server 2012 R2 and Embedded Server 2012 R2. Windows Server 2012 should be updated to at least KB50229369, also from August 2012.
Customers can follow a complete installation guide from Microsoft if they choose extended security updates. However, starting from October 2026, there will be no more new updates for the server operating system.
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