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  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Windows Server 2012 R2
Logo of Windows Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2

byMicrosoft
in IT Infrastructure and IoT
4.5

Overview

Product Information on Windows Server 2012 R2

Updated 13th October 2025

What is Windows Server 2012 R2?

Windows Server 2012 R2 is a software that offers operating system capabilities for managing server infrastructure across physical and virtual environments. The software provides features such as server virtualization, storage management, networking, remote access, and identity and access control. It supports running applications and workloads, enables centralized management, and helps organizations improve scalability and performance of their IT operations. With built-in support for cloud integration and automation, the software allows administrators to deploy, configure, and maintain servers efficiently, addressing the business need for reliable and flexible server management.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Pricing

Windows Server 2012 R2 software utilizes a licensing model based on editions and access, where users can choose from Standard or Datacenter editions. Pricing structures are determined by the number of physical processors and virtual instances permitted per license, with additional costs for client access licenses required for devices or users connecting to the server software.

Overall experience with Windows Server 2012 R2

IT SYSTEM ARCHITECT
500M - 1B USD, Insurance (except health)
FAVORABLE

“Lack of Security Updates Limits Ongoing Value of Windows Server 2012 R2”

5.0
Sep 25, 2025
Windows Server 2012 R2 offers significant improvements in virtualization, storage, networking and management. It has better integration with Active Directory and Powershell automation.
IT ASSOCIATE
50M - 250M USD, Energy and Utilities
CRITICAL

“Windows Server 2012 R2 : Reliable and Powerful, but lacking modern Cloud integration.”

3.0
Dec 5, 2024
It was a good OS back in the day. It still has support, but not for long. I just lack the new features that the newer Windows Servers have.

About Company

Company Description

Updated 11th August 2023

Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft is dedicated to advancing human and organizational achievement. Microsoft Security helps protect people and data against cyberthreats to give peace of mind.

Company Details

Updated 25th March 2024
Company type
Public
Year Founded
1975
Head office location
Redmond, Washington, United States
Number of employees
10000+
Annual Revenue
30B+ USD
Website
https://microsoft.com

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Key Insights

A Snapshot of What Matters - Based on Validated User Reviews

Reviewer Insights for: Windows Server 2012 R2
Deciding Factors: Windows Server 2012 R2 Vs. Market Average

Windows Server 2012 R2 Likes & Dislikes

Like

Microsoft added live migration enhancements and support for larger workfloads. Expanded PowerShell capabilities improve scripting, automation, and repeatable configuration management.

Like

The things I like the most are it's stability, the powerful Hyper-V virtualisation and the enhanced management tools like Active Directory and Powershell.

Like

Stable. Has plenty of features. Comes with builtin HyperV. Can be easily upgraded to newer OS.

Dislike

It no longer receives regular security updates, exposing organizations to unpatched vulnerabilities.

Dislike

The things I dislike most are the limited support for modern cloud integration and the need for frequent updates to address security vulnerabilities.

Dislike

It is a very old OS and have reached its end of life. Cost of ESU very expensive. Newer applications may not run on it.

Top Windows Server 2012 R2 Alternatives

Peer Discussions

Windows Server 2012 R2 Reviews and Ratings

4.5

(284 Ratings)

Rating Distribution

5 Star
55%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Why ratings and reviews count differ?

Customer Experience

Evaluation & Contracting

4.5

Integration & Deployment

4.6

Service & Support

4.5

Product Capabilities

4.5

Filter Reviews
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Most helpful
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Star Rating
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  • IT SYSTEM ARCHITECT
    50M-1B USD
    Insurance (except health)
    Review Source

    Lack of Security Updates Limits Ongoing Value of Windows Server 2012 R2

    5.0
    Sep 25, 2025
    Windows Server 2012 R2 offers significant improvements in virtualization, storage, networking and management. It has better integration with Active Directory and Powershell automation.
  • It Associate
    50M-1B USD
    Services (non-Government)
    Review Source

    Operating System Offers Stability and Features Amid Concerns About Its Age

    4.0
    Feb 20, 2026
    We have been using the OS for a long time and have served us well. It does what it is supposed to do.
  • Customer Service & Support Associate
    <50M USD
    Software
    Review Source

    Obsolete Technology Offers Easy Configuration but Limited Compatibility Today

    4.0
    Jun 20, 2025
    A good product in its category, but only it its time. Novadays, it can only be used with solutions that are no longer supported.
  • IT MANAGER
    1B-10B USD
    Manufacturing
    Review Source

    Window Server 2012 - Hybrid Environment Support

    5.0
    Jan 31, 2025
    It plays a critical role in managing IT infrastructure in an enterprise environment.
  • IT ASSOCIATE
    50M-1B USD
    Energy and Utilities
    Review Source

    Windows Server 2012 R2 : Reliable and Powerful, but lacking modern Cloud integration.

    3.0
    Dec 5, 2024
    It was a good OS back in the day. It still has support, but not for long. I just lack the new features that the newer Windows Servers have.
...
Showing Result 1-5 of 286

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