Microsoft Windows Server 2012 End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 reached end of life on 10 Oct 2023. Standard support is over — security updates now require extended support, which runs to 13 Oct 2026.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Microsoft Windows Server release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 30 Oct 2012 | — |
| End of life | 10 Oct 2023 | 2.8 years ago |
| Active support ended | 9 Oct 2018 | security fixes only after this |
| Extended support ends | 13 Oct 2026 | 65 days left |
| Latest release | 6.2.9200 | final |
Where to go from 2012
Recommended target: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (supported until 14 Nov 2034).
The newest actively supported branch is Microsoft Windows Server 2025 (latest release 10.0.26100).
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Windows Server 2012 still safe to use?
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 left standard support on 10 Oct 2023. It still receives security updates under extended support until 13 Oct 2026 — 65 days from now — but only if you are enrolled. Without it, no fixes reach you.
Can I still download Microsoft Windows Server 2012?
Yes — the final release (6.2.9200) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Microsoft Windows Server 2012 to?
Upgrade to Microsoft Windows Server 2025, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 14 Nov 2034).