<p>If you&#8217;re still running Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2 machines in your environment it would be wise to start planning the upgrade to a newer Windows Server version.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-550" src="https://www.wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/windows-server.jpg" alt="Windows Server,printer,hp,hp deskjet,kms,backup,notification area,update,wsus,illegaltag,printer port,scheduled task,root hints,installation file missing,spoolsv.exe,installer error,iis6,home server,print drivers, print spooler,windows update,metro apps,auto-login,standalone installer,iis6,ie11 compatibility view; cannot access template; group policy; .NET Framework 3.5; Licenses are not available for this Remote Desktop Session" width="720" height="340" /></p>
<p>According to the information posted on <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-US/lifecycle/announcements/windows-server-2012-r2-end-of-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">microsoft.com</a>, the company is cutting support for all the editions of Windows Server 2012 on October 10, 2023.</p>
<p>Initially, the end of support for Windows Server 2012 was set for 2018, but Microsoft decided to extend its support for additional five years. As it now seems, this support won&#8217;t be prolonged any more, meaning that these products won&#8217;t receive any security updates, bug fixes, or technical support after October 10, 2023.</p>
<p>In other words, if you continue to run Windows Server 2012 operating systems in your environment, you&#8217;ll be prone to phishing attacks and security breaches.</p>
<p>Microsoft recommends that system admins consider upgrading those systems to Windows Server 2022 or purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESUs) if they want to keep running their on-premises Windows Server 2012 and receive security updates.</p>
<p>If you decide to take the ESU, you can extend the support for another 3 years which can be renewed annually until October 13, 2026. Alternatively, you can migrate those machines to Azure and receive Extended Security Updates for free.</p>