Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter, Lifetime License

Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter: for existing Hyper-V hosts

The Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2012 R2 allows unlimited Windows Server virtual machines on the licensed server. It is mainly used to extend or restore existing Hyper-V 2012 R2 clusters that have not yet been migrated.

Important before you buy

Microsoft support for Windows Server 2012 R2 ended in October 2023 and the version no longer receives free security updates. It is recommended only for specific scenarios: applications that do not run on newer versions, isolated networks, test labs or extending existing 2012 R2 infrastructure until migration. For any new installation we recommend Windows Server 2022 or 2025.

What it includes

• Unlimited Windows Server virtual machines.
• Automatic Virtual Machine Activation: Windows Server 2012 R2 virtual machines activate automatically through the host, without separate keys.
• Hyper-V Replica for replicating virtual machines to a second server.
• Storage Spaces with storage tiering across SSDs and hard drives.

Per-processor licensing

Unlike newer versions, Windows Server 2012 R2 is licensed per physical processor: each license covers up to two processors in the same server, regardless of core count.

Minimum requirements

• 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor with virtualisation support
• 512 MB RAM (far more in practice for a host) and 32 GB storage

Installation and activation

1. After payment you receive the product key by email.
2. Install the server from an official Microsoft ISO image, on physical hardware or a virtual machine.
3. Enter the key during setup or later in the activation settings.

If you have already installed the Evaluation edition, convert it to the full version without reinstalling, from an elevated command prompt:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

Under Microsoft terms, each user or device accessing the server also needs a Windows Server access license (CAL), in addition to RDS CALs where Remote Desktop Services are used.