--- title: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Reviews meta\_title: 'Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 3.9 review\_count: 8 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-07-19' parent\_category: name: Marketplace Apps url: https://www.g2.com/categories/marketplace-apps --- # Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Reviews & Product Details Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 is a robust server operating system designed to provide a dynamic, available, and cost-effective server platform for data centers and private clouds. Building upon the foundation of Windows Server 2012, this release introduces enhanced features that support scalable, multitenant-aware cloud infrastructures, enabling organizations to connect more securely across premises and respond to business needs with greater agility. Key Features and Functionality: - Automated Tiering: Optimizes storage performance by automatically moving frequently accessed files to faster storage media. - Deduplication for VHD: Reduces storage requirements by eliminating duplicate data within Virtual Hard Disk files. - Windows PowerShell v4 with Desired State Configuration (DSC: Enhances automation capabilities, allowing administrators to manage and maintain system configurations efficiently. - Integrated Office 365 Support (Essentials Edition: Simplifies integration with Office 365 services, facilitating seamless collaboration and communication. - User Interface Enhancements: Incorporates changes reflecting Windows 8.1, including a visible Start button for improved navigation. - UEFI-Based Virtual Machines: Supports virtual machines using Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, enhancing security and boot performance. - Improved Hyper-V Capabilities: Offers faster virtual machine deployment and support for UEFI-based virtual machines, enhancing virtualization performance. - Internet Information Services (IIS 8.5: Introduces support for logging to Event Tracing for Windows and the ability to log any request/response headers, improving web server management. - Server Message Block (SMB Enhancements: Improves performance and event logging, supports Hyper-V Live Migration over SMB, and allows bandwidth prioritization management. - Windows Defender Integration: Provides built-in malware protection, even in Server Core installations, enhancing system security. - IP Address Management (IPAM: Extends support for role-based access control, allowing fine-grained control over IP address configurations and integration with System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 R2. - Group Policy Improvements: Introduces a "Policy Cache" setting, enabling domain-joined machines to store a copy of group policy settings locally, reducing startup times. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: Windows Server 2012 R2 delivers a comprehensive server platform that enhances virtualization, storage, networking, and automation capabilities. By supporting scalable and secure cloud infrastructures, it enables organizations to manage workloads more efficiently, improve resource utilization, and ensure high availability of services. The integration of advanced features like automated storage tiering, deduplication, and enhanced Hyper-V support addresses the growing demands for performance and scalability in modern IT environments. Additionally, the inclusion of Windows PowerShell v4 with DSC and improved IPAM facilitates streamlined management and configuration, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing operational efficiency. * * * Seller [Amazon Web Services (AWS)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/amazon-web-services-aws-3e93cc28-2e9b-4961-b258-c6ce0feec7dd) Discussions [Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Community](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2012-r2/discuss) Show More ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![WordPress.org](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "WordPress.org") WordPress.org 4.4/5(9,544) ](https://www.g2.com/products/wordpress-org/reviews) [ ![TeamViewer](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "TeamViewer") TeamViewer 4.5/5(4,151) ](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) [ ![Okta](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Okta") Okta 4.5/5(1,366) ](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2012-r2/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 8 real user reviews. [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) MH Mitch H. System Administrator Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 7/29/2022 "Dont Look back" 2.5/5 What do you like best about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2? Server 2012 R2 provides the standard features for a Windows Server setup and all great management options. Active Directory tools simplify work place deployments and makes user management easy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2? Security issues are still quite present in this older operating system. The toolkits are dated and missing some of the more recent management features. This product is end of life soon and should be swapped out if possible. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 solving and how is that benefiting you? It helped us run our server based applications that require older versions of operating systems. It was useful 10 years ago but now the product doesnt provide our business with any sort of advantages. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Eder G.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Eder G.") EG Eder G. IT Manager Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 10/13/2021 "Server plataform" 3/5 What do you like best about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2? It has an impressive improvement on UI environment and a lot of security upgrades in 2008 comparison; it was really impressive how it works and how friendly on your business configuration needs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2? Even with the improvement, keep laking in some features or rolles. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2: is an excellent way to enter in business environments, create roles and policies Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 solving and how is that benefiting you? We were able to properly configure our AD, DHCP of companies in need of it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ## Questions about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2012-r2/discussions/new) GU Guest User What is Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 used for? 0 Upvotes 0 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-microsoft-windows-server-2012-r2-used-for) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2012-r2/discuss) ##### Pricing Pricing details for this product isn’t currently available. Visit the vendor’s website to learn more. [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2012-r2/pricing) ## Work at Amazon Web Services (AWS)? Claim this profile to respond to reviews, update product info, and reach in-market buyers. 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