Version of the Windows NT operating system | |
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![]() Screenshot of Windows Server 2012, showing the Server Manager application which is automatically opened when an administrator logs on, taskbar, and the blue color of Aero Lite | |
Developer | Microsoft |
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OS family | Windows Server |
Working state | Current |
Source model | |
Released to manufacturing | August 1, 2012 |
General availability | September 4, 2012 [1] |
Latest release | 6.2 (Build 9200) / August 1, 2012 [2] |
Marketing target | Business |
Update method | Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services, SCCM |
Platforms | x86-64 |
Kernel type | Hybrid (Windows NT kernel) |
Default user interface | Windows shell (GUI) |
License | Commercial proprietary software |
Preceded by | Windows Server 2008 R2 (2009) |
Succeeded by | Windows Server 2012 R2 (2013) |
Official website | Windows Server 2012 (archived at Wayback Machine)) |
Support status | |
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Windows Server 2012, codenamed "Windows Server 8", is the ninth version of the Windows Server operating system by Microsoft, as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It is the server version of Windows based on Windows 8 and succeeds Windows Server 2008 R2, which is derived from the Windows 7 codebase, released nearly three years earlier. Two pre-release versions, a developer preview and a beta version, were released during development. The software was officially launched on September 4, 2012, which was the month before the release of Windows 8. [4] It was succeeded by Windows Server 2012 R2 in 2013. Mainstream support for Windows Server 2012 ended on October 9, 2018, and extended support ended on October 10, 2023. Windows Server 2012 is eligible for the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers continued security updates until October 13, 2026.
Windows Server 2012 removed support for Itanium and processors without PAE, SSE2 and NX. [5] Four editions were released. Various features were added or improved over Windows Server 2008 R2 (with many placing an emphasis on cloud computing), such as an updated version of Hyper-V, an IP address management role, a new version of Windows Task Manager, and ReFS, a new file system. Windows Server 2012 received generally good reviews in spite of having included the same controversial Metro-based user interface seen in Windows 8, which includes the Charms Bar for quick access to settings in the desktop environment.
Windows Server 2012 is the final version of Windows Server that supports processors without CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, LAHF and SAHF. Its successor, Windows Server 2012 R2, requires a processor with CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, LAHF and SAHF in any supported architecture.
As of April 2017, 35% of servers were running Windows Server 2012, surpassing usage share of Windows Server 2008. [6]
Windows Server 2012, codenamed "Windows Server 8", [7] is the fifth release of Windows Server family of operating systems developed concurrently with Windows 8. [8] [9]
Microsoft introduced Windows Server 2012 and its developer preview in the BUILD 2011 conference on September 9, 2011. [10] However, unlike Windows 8, the developer preview of Windows Server 2012 was only made available to MSDN subscribers. [11] It included a graphical user interface (GUI) based on Metro design language and a new Server Manager, a graphical application used for server management. [12] On February 16, 2012, Microsoft released an update for developer preview build that extended its expiry date from April 8, 2012 to January 15, 2013. [13]
Before Windows Server 2012 was finalized, two test builds were made public. A public beta version of Windows Server 2012 was released along with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview on February 29, 2012. [8] On April 17, 2012, Microsoft revealed "Windows Server 2012" as the final name for the operating system. [7] The release candidate of Windows Server 2012 was released on May 31, 2012, along with the Windows 8 Release Preview. [9]
The product was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012 (along with Windows 8) and became generally available on September 4, that year. [4] However, not all editions of Windows Server 2012 were released at the same time. Windows Server 2012 Essentials was released to manufacturing on October 9, 2012 [14] and was made generally available on November 1, 2012. [15] As of September 23, 2012, all students subscribed to DreamSpark program can download Windows Server 2012 Standard or Datacenter free of charge. [16]
Windows Server 2012 is based on Windows 8 and is the second version of Windows Server which runs only on 64-bit CPUs. [17] Coupled with fundamental changes in the structure of the client backups and the shared folders, there is no clear method for migrating from the previous version to Windows Server 2012.
Unlike its predecessor, Windows Server 2012 users can switch between "Server Core" and "Server with a GUI" installation options without a full re-installation. Server Core – an option with a command-line interface only – is now the recommended configuration. There is also a third installation option that allows some GUI elements such as MMC and Server Manager to run, but without the normal desktop, shell or default programs like File Explorer. [12]
Server Manager has been redesigned with an emphasis on easing management of multiple servers. [18] The operating system, like Windows 8, uses the Metro-based user interface unless installed in Server Core mode. [19] The Windows Store is available by installing the desktop experience feature from the server manager, but is not installed by default. [20] Windows PowerShell in this version has over 2300 commandlets, compared to around 200 in Windows Server 2008 R2. [21]
Windows Server 2012 includes a new version of Windows Task Manager together with the old version. [22] In the new version the tabs are hidden by default, showing applications only. In the new Processes tab, the processes are displayed in varying shades of yellow, with darker shades representing heavier resource use. [23] Information found in the older versions are now moved to the new Details tab. The Performance tab shows "CPU", "Memory", "Disk", "Wi-Fi" and "Ethernet" graphs. Unlike the Windows 8 version of Task Manager (which looks similar), the "Disk" activity graph is not enabled by default. The CPU tab no longer displays individual graphs for every logical processor on the system by default, although that remains an option. Additionally, it can display data for each non-uniform memory access (NUMA) node. When displaying data for each logical processor for machines with more than 64 logical processors, the CPU tab now displays simple utilization percentages on heat-mapping tiles. [24] The color used for these heat maps is blue, with darker shades again indicating heavier utilization. Hovering the cursor over any logical processor's data now shows the NUMA node of that processor and its ID, if applicable. Additionally, a new Startup tab has been added that lists startup applications, [25] however this tab does not exist in Windows Server 2012. [26] The new task manager recognizes when a Windows Store app has the "Suspended" status.
Windows Server 2012 has an IP address management role for discovering, monitoring, auditing, and managing the IP address space used on a corporate network. The IPAM is used for the management and monitoring of Domain Name System (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. Both IPv4 and IPv6 are fully supported. [27]
Windows Server 2012 has a number of changes to Active Directory from the version shipped with Windows Server 2008 R2. The Active Directory Domain Services installation wizard has been replaced by a new section in Server Manager, and a GUI has been added to the Active Directory Recycle Bin. [28] Multiple password policies can be set in the same domain. [29] Active Directory in Windows Server 2012 is now aware of any changes resulting from virtualization, and virtualized domain controllers can be safely cloned. Upgrades of the domain functional level to Windows Server 2012 are simplified; it can be performed entirely in Server Manager. Active Directory Federation Services is no longer required to be downloaded when installed as a role, and claims which can be used by the Active Directory Federation Services have been introduced into the Kerberos token. Windows Powershell commands used by Active Directory Administrative Center can be viewed in a "Powershell History Viewer". [30] [31]
Windows Server 2012, along with Windows 8, includes a new version of Hyper-V, [32] as presented at the Microsoft BUILD event. [33] Many new features have been added to Hyper-V, including network virtualization, multi-tenancy, storage resource pools, cross-premises connectivity, and cloud backup. Additionally, many of the former restrictions on resource consumption have been greatly lifted. Each virtual machine in this version of Hyper-V can access up to 64 virtual processors, up to 1 terabyte of memory, and up to 64 terabytes of virtual disk space per virtual hard disk (using a new .vhdx format). [34] [35] Up to 1024 virtual machines can be active per host, and up to 8000 can be active per failover cluster. [36] SLAT is a required processor feature for Hyper-V on Windows 8, while for Windows Server 2012 it is only required for the supplementary RemoteFX role. [37]
Resilient File System (ReFS), [38] codenamed "Protogon", [39] is a new file system in Windows Server 2012 initially intended for file servers that improves on NTFS in some respects. Major new features of ReFS include: [40] [41]
Some NTFS features are not supported in ReFS, including object IDs, short names, file compression, file level encryption (EFS), user data transactions, hard links, extended attributes, and disk quotas. [39] [40] Sparse files are supported. [44] [45] Support for named streams is not implemented in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, though it was later added in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. [46] ReFS does not itself offer data deduplication. [40] Dynamic disks with mirrored or striped volumes are replaced with mirrored or striped storage pools provided by Storage Spaces. In Windows Server 2012, automated error-correction with integrity streams is only supported on mirrored spaces; automatic recovery on parity spaces was added in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. [46] Booting from ReFS is not supported either.
Windows Server 2012 includes version 8.0 of Internet Information Services (IIS). The new version contains new features such as SNI, CPU usage caps for particular websites, [47] centralized management of SSL certificates, WebSocket support and improved support for NUMA, but few other substantial changes were made. [48]
Remote Desktop Protocol has new functions such as Adaptive Graphics (progressive rendering and related techniques), automatic selection of TCP or UDP as transport protocol, multi touch support, DirectX 11 support for vGPU, USB redirection supported independently of vGPU support, etc. [49] A "connection quality" button is displayed in the RDP client connection bar for RDP 8.0 connections; clicking on it provides further information about connection, including whether UDP is in use or not. [50]
Windows Server 2012 supports the following maximum hardware specifications. [35] [51] Windows Server 2012 improves over its predecessor Windows Server 2008 R2:
Specification | Windows Server 2012 | Windows Server 2008 R2 |
---|---|---|
Physical processors [lower-alpha 1] | 64 | 64 |
Logical processors when Hyper-V is disabled | 640 | 256 |
Logical processors when Hyper-V is enabled | 320 [lower-alpha 2] | 64 |
Memory | 4 TB | 2 TB |
Failover cluster nodes (in any single cluster) | 64 | 16 |
Processor | 1.4 GHz, x64 |
---|---|
Memory | 512 MB |
Free disk space | 32 GB (more if there is at least 16 GB of RAM) |
Windows Server 2012 runs only on x86-64 processors. Unlike older versions, Windows Server 2012 does not support Itanium. [5]
Upgrades from Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are supported, although upgrades from prior releases are not. [53]
Windows Server 2012 has four editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard and Datacenter. [54] [55] [56] [57] [51]
Specifications | Foundation [58] | Essentials | Standard | Datacenter |
---|---|---|---|---|
Distribution | OEM only | Retail, volume licensing, OEM | Volume licensing and OEM | |
Licensing model | Per server | Per CPU pair [lower-alpha 3] + CAL [lower-alpha 4] | ||
Processor chip limit [51] | 1 | 2 | 64 [lower-alpha 5] | |
Memory limit | 32 GB | 64 GB | 4 TB | |
User limit | 15 | 25 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
File sharing limits | 1 standalone DFS root | 1 standalone DFS root | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Network Policy and Access Services limits | 50 RRAS connections and 10 IAS connections | 250 RRAS connections, 50 IAS connections, and 2 IAS Server Groups | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Remote Desktop Services limits | 50 Remote Desktop Services connections | Gateway only | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Virtualization rights | — | Either in 1 VM or 1 physical server, but not both at once | 2 VMs [lower-alpha 3] | Unlimited |
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory Federation Services | Yes [59] | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory Rights Management Services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Application server role | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes |
DHCP role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS server role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fax server role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Print and document services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Server Manager | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UDDI services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Web services (Internet Information Services) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Windows Deployment Services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Windows Powershell | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory Domain Services | Must be root of forest and domain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory Certificate Services | Certificate Authorities only | Certificate Authorities only | Yes | Yes |
Hyper-V | No | R2 onwards | Yes | Yes |
Server Core mode | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Windows Server Update Services | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Reviews of Windows Server 2012 have been generally positive. [60] [61] [62] Simon Bisson of ZDNet described it as "ready for the datacenter, today," [60] while Tim Anderson of The Register said that "The move towards greater modularity, stronger automation and improved virtualisation makes perfect sense in a world of public and private clouds" but remarked that "That said, the capability of Windows to deliver obscure and time-consuming errors is unchanged" and concluded that "Nevertheless, this is a strong upgrade overall." [61]
InfoWorld noted that Server 2012's use of Windows 8's panned "Metro" user interface was countered by Microsoft's increasing emphasis on the Server Core mode, which had been "fleshed out with new depth and ease-of-use features" and increased use of the "practically mandatory" PowerShell. [63] However, Michael Otey of Windows IT Pro expressed dislike with the new Metro interface and the lack of ability to use the older desktop interface alone, saying that most users of Windows Server manage their servers using the graphical user interface rather than PowerShell. [64]
Paul Ferrill wrote that "Windows Server 2012 Essentials provides all the pieces necessary to provide centralized file storage, client backups, and remote access," [65] but Tim Anderson contended that "Many businesses that are using SBS2011 and earlier will want to stick with what they have", citing the absence of Exchange, the lack of ability to synchronize with Active Directory Federation Services and the 25-user limit, [66] while Paul Thurott wrote "you should choose Foundation only if you have at least some in-company IT staff and/or are comfortable outsourcing management to a Microsoft partner or solution provider" and "Essentials is, in my mind, ideal for any modern startup of just a few people." [67]
A second release, Windows Server 2012 R2, which is derived from the Windows 8.1 codebase, was released to manufacturing on August 27, 2013 [68] and became generally available on October 18, 2013, by Microsoft. [69] An updated version, formally designated Windows Server 2012 R2 Update, was released in April 2014. [70] [71]
Microsoft originally planned to end mainstream support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 on January 9, 2018, with extended support ending on January 10, 2023. In order to provide customers the standard transition lifecycle timeline, Microsoft extended Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 support in March 2017 by 9 months. Windows Server 2012 reached the end of mainstream support on October 9, 2018 and entered the extended support phase, which ended on October 10, 2023. [72] [73] [74]
Microsoft announced in July 2021 that they will distribute paid Extended Security Updates for volume licensed editions of Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 for up to 3 years after the end of extended support. [75] For Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2, these updates will last until October 13, 2026. This will mark the final end of all security updates for the Windows NT 6.2 product line after 14 years, 2 months and 12 days and will also mark the final end of all security updates for the Windows NT 6.3 product line after 13 years, 1 month and 16 days.
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