I guess this first question: is it free to upgrade from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2012 R2?

Where do I download the media to do so?

Thanks!

Ryan

No, unlike Windows 8 to 8.1, Server 2012 to 2012 R2 isn't a free upgrade. Unless you're a software assurance customer you'd need to purchase a 2012 R2 licence and media to upgrade, just like you would if you were for instance upgrading from 2008 R2.

See http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/77383dd3-dcfb-41dd-9a0c-6a890bb7d440/windows-server-2012-standard-to-r2-standard?forum=winservergen for a similar question confirmed by MSFT staff.

• Marked as answer by Ryan Smith Wednesday, February 12, 2014 9:09 PM

Well that is a real bummer. Is it worth the upgrade?

Tough one, personally I like it, there are a few tweaks that definitely improve things but I guess the real question comes down to whether you make use of the new features in there. Check out http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn250019.aspx which lists all the areas which have been improved, and from there all the individual bits which have either been added or improved.

For instance in Hyper-V there are a lot of improvements and additional features which might make it worthwhile, but obviously if the server you're looking to upgrade doesn't use any of those new / improved features then it might not be worth it.

In my case fortunately our licensing is such that it makes no real difference as we're not using retail versions of 2012, but I think if that wasn't the case we'd certainly upgrade some of our servers, while others would be left with 2012.

I just want to correct one little detail here... 8 to 8.1 is a free upgrade. I am a builder and have taken older copies of Windows 8 to 8.1 for free.

However, yes R2 seems to require a new purchase or preexisting Software Assurance contract.

I just want to correct one little detail here... 8 to 8.1 is a free upgrade.

Yes, as I stated in the first sentence of my first reply!

I Quickly have to add that Windows Server 2012 was a push release just as was Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. If you work with These Systems as much as me than you also know that Server 2012 is pretty much exactly Windows 8. and that Windows Server R2 is the equivalent of the Windows 8.1 Release. The feel, The Performance, The tools and behavior  that Windows Server 2012 R2 has in comparison to Server 2012 is just to drastic. I can understand its business. but Microsoft knew themselves that the public would not open up to it in that state.  so they included that update for The Desktops Running Windows 8.  I just feel let down by my investment in Server 2012, and after working with Server 2012 R2 for awhile. I am just shocked They are just leaving us stick with it like it is windows vista. We buy servers, and expect Nothing but best from especially Microsoft when building our configurations. Its ok to get the feed back and release to help build the actual RTM Version of the Operating System. But to Leave The People that Rely on Quality and compatibility the most with the beta version ("Server 2012"). I just am pretty much disappointed with the situation.

TakeCare

Julowsky

Just found out the same. I got a VPS from a cloud service provider. Too late I found out it was 2012, not 2012 R2.

Everyting is already set up. No upgrade.

:(

• Edited by Egbert Nierop 1 hour 22 minutes ago