Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials - Perpetual License

Windows Server 2012 R2 is the server operating system developed by Microsoft and released in October 2013 on the same code base as Windows 8.1: it runs file, print, web and application services, domain controllers and Hyper-V virtual machines. Today it is used mainly to keep existing servers and older business applications running, or in test and lab environments; Microsoft's extended support ended in October 2023, so the system no longer receives regular security updates. What you buy is a product key for Windows Server 2012 R2: the key is entered during installation or afterwards and activates the copy on the server.

This product is a perpetual license key for Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials: it does not expire and can be used on 1 PC running Windows. The key is delivered by email together with the activation instructions.

A common use is reactivating or rebuilding a server that hosts Active Directory, a file share or a legacy application that has not yet been migrated to a newer version. The Essentials edition is aimed at small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices, while Standard and Datacenter are the general-purpose editions.

Key Features:

• Hyper-V virtualisation: Standard and Datacenter include the Hyper-V role with Generation 2 virtual machines, live migration and Hyper-V Replica; the number of virtual instances follows Microsoft's licensing terms for the edition.
• Server roles and Active Directory: Domain controller, DNS, DHCP, file and print server, IIS 8.5 web server, Remote Desktop Services and other roles are added from Server Manager.
• Storage Spaces: Local disks are grouped into resilient pools, with storage tiering that keeps frequently used data on faster SSD drives.
• PowerShell 4.0 and remote management: Windows PowerShell 4.0 with Desired State Configuration and Server Manager let administrators configure and manage several servers from one console.
• Work Folders: Users can keep their work files synchronised between the company file server and their own devices.

Product Details:

• Product: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Version: Windows Server 2012 R2, 64-bit only
• License Type: perpetual license key, no expiry
• Platform: Windows
• Devices: 1 PC
• Language: Multilingual (English, German, French, Italian, Russian and other languages; the language depends on the installation media used)
• Delivery: license key and instructions by email after payment confirmation (usually within a few hours)
• Activation: online, license key entered in the application
• Activation deadline: the code must be redeemed within 7 days of purchase
• Notes: multilingual interface; retail license, as stated by the supplier
• Publisher: Microsoft

System Requirements:

• Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor (x64)
• Memory: 512 MB of RAM (more is recommended for the installation with graphical interface)
• Storage: 32 GB of free disk space
• Other: Gigabit Ethernet network adapter and an internet connection for online activation

How to Activate:

1. Install Windows Server 2012 R2 from the installation media of the edition you purchased (a USB stick or ISO file), with or without the graphical interface.
2. After signing in open Control Panel, System and Security, System and click Activate Windows or Change product key, or run slmgr /ipk followed by the key from an administrator command prompt.
3. Enter the 25-character key and confirm; with the command line, run slmgr /ato to complete activation online.
4. Check in the System window that Windows is activated, then install the updates available for the system.

Delivery:

This product is delivered digitally. After your purchase is confirmed, the license key and activation guidance are sent to the email address provided at checkout. Delivery times may vary depending on the product type.