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Upgrading a Server 2012 R2 to 2025
Hi everyone, sadly I was unable to locate any kind of search feature so I apologize in advance for potentially repeating this question. I have an old VM with Server 2012 R2 with a self contained AD...
- Direct Upgrade: Microsoft typically supports upgrade paths from older server versions to newer ones. For example, upgrading from Server 2012 R2 to Server 2016/2019/2022 is possible and documented, but information for Server 2025 would need to be confirmed with Microsoft’s official documentation for that version.
- Incremental Upgrades: If direct upgrades from 2012 R2 to 2025 aren't supported, you may need to consider an intermediate upgrade (e.g., from 2012 R2 to 2019/2022, and then to 2025).
- Microsoft Evaluation Center: For testing purposes, Microsoft provides trial versions of server operating systems on the Microsoft Evaluation Center
- You can download these versions to verify upgrade compatibility before purchasing a license.
- Volume Licensing Center: If you have access to the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) through your organization, you can download full ISO versions of the software there.
- Resellers: If you don’t have access to these centers, consider reaching out to official Microsoft partners or authorized resellers for a legitimate copy of the ISO.
- Backup: Ensure you have a full backup of your server, including all AD, DNS, and OneIdentity Manager data.
- Check Compatibility: Run the Windows Server Upgrade Advisor or Server Manager to check for any potential compatibility issues.
- Review Services: Check if OneIdentity Manager is compatible with the newer server version. Third-party applications may require updates or reconfiguration after an OS upgrade.
- Create a Test Environment: If possible, clone the VM and perform a test upgrade in a non-production environment to identify any issues.
- In-Place Upgrade: Launch the setup from the ISO within Windows Server 2012 R2, and choose the option to upgrade, preserving existing roles and features.
- License Purchase Considerations:
- Trial First: Utilize the trial period of the server OS to test the upgrade process before purchasing the license.
- Subscription Models: Microsoft often offers subscription-based licenses or cloud-based server options (such as Azure VM hosting) that may be more cost-effective depending on your needs.
Final Steps:
- Activate the OS: Once the upgrade is confirmed to work and you have tested it thoroughly, proceed with purchasing a valid license and activating your server.
- Reconfigure Services: Check the configuration of AD, DNS, and OneIdentity Manager post-upgrade to ensure everything functions as expected.