Step-by-Step Guide: Upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022

• Can I upgrade from Server 2012 R2 to 2022?
• Benefits of upgrading to Windows Server 2022
• How to upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022
• Bonus tip: Backup important files before Server 2012 R2 upgrade
• FAQs about upgrading Windows Server 2012 R2

Can I upgrade from Server 2012 R2 to 2022?

“We want to upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022. I have some hard drives (HDD & SSD) which have data, and I am wondering how can I complete the update keeping all files recognizable. Any help on this would be really great, Thanks.”

For individuals in the role of a business owner or manager, the significance of possessing a dependable and secure server operating system cannot be overstated. While Windows Server 2012 (R2) had been widely favored by numerous small businesses, the passage of time has ushered in a range of innovative technologies and features. Among these choices lies Windows Server 2022, presenting a compelling option for consideration.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why upgrading from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2022 and how to do it without losing files with a step-wise guide.

Note:✎...

Two common Windows Server upgrade paths include in-place upgrade and clean installation. What we are going to cover in this post is an in-place upgrade, which moves from an older version of the operating system to a newer version, while retaining the same physical hardware.

Benefits of upgrading to Windows Server 2022

What makes upgrading Server 2012 R2 to 2022 a popular choice? Numerous factors contribute to its appeal:

♦Heightened security: Windows Server 2022 surpasses Server 2012 R2 in terms of cybersecurity, possessing the ability to detect and counteract data breaches, zero-day threats, and network-based attacks effectively.

♦Superior performance and scalability: Compared to previous versions, Server 2022 supports higher memory limits, increased virtual machine density, and improved storage performance.

♦Streamlined remote working: With the inclusion of Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on Server 2022, remote workers gain seamless access to mission-critical applications and virtual desktops.

♦Enhanced cloud integration: Windows Server 2022 introduces advanced compatibility with cloud services like Microsoft Azure, enabling the harnessing of cloud scalability and flexibility.

How to upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022

Prior to proceeding with the steps for Windows Server 2012 R2 upgrade to 2022, it is crucial to ensure that your current operating system is up-to-date and to verify the system requirements for installing Windows Server 2022.

Additionally, it is highly recommended to create a server backup beforehand to prevent any potential data loss risks. Now, let us explore the process of performing an in-place upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2022.

Step 1. Start by obtaining the Windows Server 2022 media from the official website. Download it onto your Server 2012 R2 system and initiate the installer.

Step 2. On the Install Windows Server page, click Change how Setup downloads updates. Proceed by choosing the Download updates, drivers, and optional features option, then tap on Next.

Step 3. Enter the product key for your current server and click Next.

Note:✎...

The product key below is publicly available in the KMS client activation and setup keys.

Step 4. Choose the edition of Windows Server 2022 that corresponds to the edition of 2012 R2 currently installed. Click Next to proceed.

Step 5. Read the applicable notices and license terms and hit Accept.

Step 6. Then, On the Choose what to keep screen, select the Keep files, settings, and apps option to hit Next.

Step 7. Once the installer is ready to proceed, click Install. The installation process will commence, displaying the progress of Installing Windows Server. The server will automatically restart upon completion of the Windows Server 2012 R2 in-place upgrade to 2022 process.

Bonus tip: Backup important files before Server 2012 R2 upgrade

Do I need to backup my files before upgrading Server 2012 (R2)? The answer is absolutely YES. This is because, during an in-place upgrade, Windows attempts to transfer all data from the old version to the new one, leading to the accumulation of outdated and unnecessary files, remnants of uninstalled programs in the registry, and other types of clutter. Furthermore, certain programs may not be compatible with the new version.

For a convenient and efficient Windows Server backup process, AOMEI Backupper Server proves to be an exceptional tool. It offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive backup and recovery features. You can choose from various backup options, including system, disk, partition, file, and cloud backup. Also, This tool enables you to create server backups to USB, external hard drives, NAS, cloud storage, and various devices.

Now, you can download the AOMEI Backupper Server software (free for 30 days), and proceed with the tutorial below to create a Server backup now. If you require protection for valuable data and systems on unlimited PCs and Servers, consider trying AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper Server and navigate to the Backup tab. From there, select File Backup.

Step 2. Edit the task name as needed. Then, tap on Add Folder or Add File to select the stuff you want to back up. 

Step 3.  Select a destination location to store the file backup. 

Step 4. Once you have configured the backup destination and other backup settings, click Start Backup to initiate the process of backing up Windows files effortlessly before upgrading Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022.

★Additional features on AOMEI Backupper Server for easier backup:

Options: You have the flexibility to configure various task settings, including backup encryption, intelligent sector, VSS, compression level, image split, etc.

Schedule Backup: If you want to protect your data for a long time, you can set auto backups in daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, or even USB plug in.

Backup Scheme: You can choose to create a full backup, incremental backup, or differential backup. And it is able to automatically delete backup image files according to the type of scheme you choose.

FAQs about upgrading Windows Server 2012 R2

Here are some related questions to upgrading Server 2012 to 2022. You can check to see if there is something you are interested in.

★1. Is Windows Server 2012 R2 outdated?

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will end on October 10, 2023. Beyond this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.

★2. How to check if the Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022 upgrade is successful?

To verify if the upgrade to Server 2022 is successful, you could go to Registry Editor, head toward HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion, and check the edition of your Windows Server in ProductName.

Conclusion

The process of upgrading from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022 is typically straightforward. However, it is important to note that there is a potential for failure or the inadvertent loss of files during the update. To ensure the safety of your files, hard drives, and systems during Windows Server 2012 R2 migration to 2022, please consider utilizing AOMEI Backupper Server. This software provides a reliable solution for creating flexible backups.

With this tool, you can effortlessly backup and restore any items, including the ability to restore a system to a new hard drive or computer. Additionally, it facilitates automatic backup of Windows Server to cloud, allows for bare metal recovery of Windows Server to different hardware, enables the restoration of Windows Server to a virtual machine, etc.