Windows Server 2012 R2 Installation Guide

Do you want to install Windows Server 2012 R2, or upgrade a previous version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2012 R2? In this guide, we’ll discuss the installation of Windows Server 2012 R2, and cover the different steps you need to take during the installation process. In this guide, you’ll also learn how to:

Prepare for Windows Server 2012 R2 installation
Install Windows Server 2012 R2
Use the Automatic Setup Wizard and configure Windows settings
Manage Windows Server 2012 R2 installation

Whether you’re installing Windows Server 2012 R2 for the first time or upgrading an existing server to this new iteration of Microsoft’s server operating system, it is essential to follow a series of steps in order to ensure a smooth and successful installation process.

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What is Windows Server?

Windows Server is a Microsoft operating system designed to manage and provide various network services, resources, and infrastructure for businesses and organizations. It enables centralized server management, supports multiple users and devices, and offers features such as remote access, file and storage management, web services, and security enhancements. Windows Server editions support enterprise-level applications, virtualization, and cloud integration, helping companies efficiently manage their IT environments and protect data.

Windows Server Versions

Windows Server operating systems have evolved through multiple versions, each offering enhanced features and capabilities to meet the growing demands of enterprise IT environments.

Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 – Released in 2008 and 2009, these versions introduced significant improvements such as Server Core installation option, Hyper-V virtualization, and enhanced Active Directory features. Windows Server 2008 R2 was the first to be based on the Windows 7 codebase and was widely adopted for its stability and performance.
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 – Based on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, respectively, these versions focused heavily on cloud integration, virtualization, and automation. Windows Server 2012 introduced a redesigned Server Manager, an improved version of Hyper-V, and the Resilient File System (ReFS). The R2 update added further refinements, including enhanced storage and networking capabilities, and improvements to Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Windows Server 2016 – Building on the cloud-first approach, Windows Server 2016 introduced features like Nano Server for lightweight deployments, containers support including Windows Server Containers and Hyper-V Containers, and improved security with Shielded Virtual Machines. It also enhanced software-defined networking and storage.
Windows Server 2019 – This version focused on hybrid cloud scenarios, integrating more tightly with Microsoft Azure. It brought improvements in security, such as Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, enhanced Kubernetes support, and better support for Linux containers.
Windows Server 2022 – This is the latest Windows Server operating system release, emphasizing advanced multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure Arc, and flexible application platform enhancements. It offers improved performance, secured connectivity with TLS 1.3, and extended support for large-scale workloads.
Windows Server Essentials and Foundation Editions – Windows Server essential and Foundation Editions are tailored for small businesses. Windows Server Essentials is a simplified version of Windows Server designed for small businesses, supporting up to 25 users and 50 devices. Windows Server Foundation is a more basic edition with limitations on hardware and user counts.

Each Windows Server version operating system, whether an advanced version or Windows Server Essentials, is designed to provide customers with scalable, secure, and manageable platforms that support a wide range of workloads—from on-premises data centers to hybrid and cloud environments.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Versions and Editions

Windows Server 2012 R2 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft, released as an update to Windows Server 2012. It is built on the Windows 8.1 codebase and designed to provide robust, scalable, and flexible server management solutions for businesses of all sizes. Its versions and editions are tailored to different organizational needs:

Foundation: Designed for small businesses with basic server needs, supporting up to 15 users.
Essentials: Aimed at small businesses, supporting up to 25 users and 50 devices, offering simplified management and core server capabilities.
Standard: Suitable for physical or minimally virtualized environments, with licensing for two virtual instances.
Datacenter: Ideal for highly virtualized data centers and cloud environments.
MultiPoint Premium Server: Focused on educational environments, enabling multiple users to share a single computer.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Key Benefits

Windows Server 2012 R2 focuses on cloud integration, virtualization, automation, and enhanced and extended security updates:

Enhanced Virtualization: With an improved Hyper-V, it supports more virtual machines, better resource management, and features like live migration without shared storage.
Cloud Integration: Designed to work seamlessly with Microsoft Azure, it enables hybrid cloud deployments, allowing businesses to extend their on-premises infrastructure to the cloud.
Improved Storage and Networking: Features like Storage Spaces and SMB 3.0 provide scalable, flexible storage solutions and faster network performance.
Robust Security: Enhanced security features include Dynamic Access Control, improved Active Directory capabilities, and support for encrypted networks.
Simplified Management: The redesigned Server Manager allows administrators to manage multiple servers from a single interface, improving efficiency.
Remote Desktop Services: Improved Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) enhances remote access performance and usability.
Resilient File System (ReFS): Offers improved data integrity and availability for critical workloads.

How to Download Windows Server 2012 R2

To prepare for Windows Server 2012 R2 installation, you will need to ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements. The minimum system requirements for installing Windows Server 2012 R2 are as follows:

Processor: 1.4GHz 64-bit processor (Recommend: 2GHz or faster)
RAM: at least 512MB (Recommend: 2GB or more)
Hard Drive: At least 32GB available disk space (Recommend: 40GB or more)

After verifying that your system meets the minimum requirements, you can download and install Windows Server. Several methods exist, including downloading directly from Microsoft or purchasing a retail copy of the operating system.

How to Install Windows Server 2012 R2

After acquiring the installation media, begin the system installation and follow these steps:

Insert your Windows Server 2012 R2 DVD into the CD/DVD drive.
Power your computer on and ensure it boots from the installation media.
Follow the Windows Setup instructions and choose your preferred language, time zone, and keyboard input method.
Enter your product key and configure your installation, and wait for Windows Server 2012 R2 to install on your device.
Finish setting up your local administrator account.

After installing Windows Server 2012 R2, you may wish to configure some additional settings and features. You can also make modifications to settings you enabled during the setup process.

Step 1.

If you have the installation package on a DVD or bootable USB, you’ll first need to change your computer’s boot order so that it runs the installation package when you start it up. If the boot order isn’t changed, the computer will boot into your existing operating system instead.

You can change the boot order from your computer’s BIOS setup utility. To access the BIOS, restart your computer and press the appropriate key during the startup process.

Step 2.

Once you’ve changed your boot order, insert the Windows Server 2012 R2 installation media into your CD/DVD drive or connect your USB flash drive with the installation package on it, and then restart your computer again. You may be prompted to select a boot device, or your computer may automatically boot into the installation.

Step 3.

When your computer successfully boots from the installation media, you’ll see the Windows Setup wizard.

When you reach the Windows Setup screen, follow the prompts to begin installing Windows Server 2012 R2 on your system. This process will involve accepting the terms of use and selecting a language, time zone, and keyboard input method for your device. When you’re ready to continue, click the Install Now button.

Step 4.

After starting to copy temporary files, Windows will ask if you want updates installed for the setup process. If you’re connected to the internet, we recommend you do so now; it’ll be quicker than waiting until after installation.

When prompted, you’ll need to enter your product key. Find your valid product key and input the letters and numbers correctly in order to proceed. This is needed to verify and activate your copy of Windows Server 2012 R2.

Step 5.

Once the process is finished, you’ll be prompted to select the edition you want to install. If you’re installing either Standard or Datacenter editions, you’ll also need to pick if you wish to install as a Server Core or with Desktop Experience (which provides a GUI).

Server Core gives you a stripped-down version of Windows Server with a smaller footprint that takes up less CPU and RAM, but is designed to be managed remotely and can be harder to administer locally. Desktop Experience, on the other hand, gives you a user-friendly experience with a Graphical User Interface that’s easier to manage.

After you’ve chosen your desired installation option, press Next. You will then see the License terms. Read these carefully and check the “I accept the license terms” box before pressing Next again to continue.

Step 6.

Now, you get to choose how you’d like to install Windows Server. You can either Upgrade, which lets you keep your old files and settings, or do a clean installation by selecting Custom. The Upgrade option is only available if you’re installing from an earlier version of Windows Server (like 2008, 2008 R2, or 2012).

Step 7.

During the installation process, you will be prompted to select where you would like Windows Server installed. You can either choose an existing partition from the list of drives or create a new one by clicking on Drive Options and selecting New Partition.

Note: If you haven’t already, make sure you back up the contents of your hard drive before continuing, otherwise you may lose any data currently saved on the chosen drive or partition.

After you’ve chosen your Windows Server installation location, click Next. This could take some time, and your computer may restart during the installation process; this is normal.

Step 8.

Once you have finished the configuration, your computer will reboot and start Windows Server 2012 R2. This is an ideal time to create a secure username and password for your local administrator user, so make sure it’s something memorable but tricky for others to guess!

Step 9.

If you installed Server Core, next the system will appear as a command window. However, there won’t be a Start screen or desktop icons. This is Server Core’s standard interface. By default, Server Center usually sets the time zone to Pacific Time. If you want to change this, type “control timedate.cpl” and then follow the instructions to set the correct date and time.

If you want to change the randomly-assigned name that Server Core installations give your device, type “netdom renamecomputer %computername% /newname:computername” into Command Prompt and replace “computername” with the name you prefer.

A warning message may pop up telling you that changing the server’s name could cause some services to not work as intended. Type “Y” to confirm that you want to continue with this change. Afterward, the computer will prompt you to restart in order for the changes to take effect. To do so, type “shutdown /r /t 0” and press Enter.

Step 10.

After the server has restarted, use the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keyboard shortcut to log on with the username and password you created earlier. Now that Windows Server 2012 R2 is installed, you can begin using it!

Conclusion

In this guide, we discussed the installation of Windows Server 2012 R2 and walked through the different steps you need to take during the installation process.

If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, our team at FastSoftwares is always here to help!

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Written by:

Bazil Jabuto

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