
More specifically, these operating systems are released under what’s known as Microsoft’s Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). Unlike its higher-profile software offerings, like Microsoft 365, Microsoft has a specific lifecycle for its Windows Server products. When does Windows Server 2012 R2 go end-of-life? What do mean by that? And what’s the difference between mainstream and extended support? With that in mind, let’s consider one particular version of Microsoft’s server OS, Windows Server 2012 R2, and its upcoming “true” end-of-life status. While server operating systems do have very long product lifecycles – 10 years on average – it’s also easy to miss these key dates. If you have an on-site network based on a Windows network, there’s a good chance you also have a server with a flavour of Windows Server running on it. While Windows gets all of the accolades, Windows Server is something of a hidden workhorse, especially for businesses. Windows Server is the unsung hero of Microsoft’s operating system line-up.
