Windows Server 2012 Licensing

[notsogenius]

Hi all,

 

First question post!

 

Just a quick and easy one hopefully. Is it possible to activate Windows Server 2012 using a Windows Server 2012 R2 key. I'm under the impression you'd have to perform an upgrade on Server 2012 to push it to R2 and then activate as it's a major release but simply looking to confirm.

 

Thanks

[Norphy]

Server 2012 R2 is a full OS in itself, you don't need to upgrade from 2012 or earlier for a fresh install.

 

If you have a reason to use 2012, you will either need a KMS server with a Server 2012 or R2 key to activate it or you'll need a proper 2012 key. An R2 key won't activate 2012.

[notsogenius]

Was thinking that might be the case. I've just been left with a pair of Windows Server 2012 (not R2 - no idea why, they were created fairly recently) machines close to expiry on their evaluation licenses and it appears we have some 2012 R2 licenses intended for them but obviously not going to work if they're the wrong version. Looks like I'm off to buy some Server 2012 licenses.

[localzuk]

Was thinking that might be the case. I've just been left with a pair of Windows Server 2012 (not R2 - no idea why, they were created fairly recently) machines close to expiry on their evaluation licenses and it appears we have some 2012 R2 licenses intended for them but obviously not going to work if they're the wrong version. Looks like I'm off to buy some Server 2012 licenses.

 

Why not update to R2 on those servers?

[sparkeh]

Why not update to R2 on those servers?

Seems sensible, you have the licences and get a more recent OS with new features.

[Arthur]

and get a more recent OS with new features.

Upgrading to 2012 R2 is worth it for the Start button alone.

[notsogenius]

I'd ideally go down that route longer term, as it's a biometric server I won't have dedicated time to bring down normally until at least half term it'll have to bide on basic Server 2012. Don't understand why it was set to 2012 Standard rather than installing R2 on it and being done with it as it was a fairly recent bit of work. Got licensing sorted out though in the end, although had to DISM it up from Standard-Evaluation up to Standard.