We had to move an oem server installation of WS 2012 R2 to a virtual machine on another server because of hardware failure. Of course now its not activated. We have short term plans (about 1 year out to upgrade to a newer version of windows server but we need to activate this version on the VM unitil then and are wiling to incur the cost. My trouble is that I cannot find where to purchase a valid WS 2012 R2 license. Can you please advise?
If you purchase from microsoft or a microsoft partner then only the current version (Server 2022) is available. But ask your reseller to provide you with a downgrade product key. Also note that licensing is for the host only and goes by core count so you'll need to license for all the host cores.
Of course if your host happens to be DataCenter then you could use an AVMA product key.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/automatic-vm-activation#avma-keys
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Just checking if there's any progress or updates?
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I suppose I could upvote but its one of those answers I don't like. Many places can barely afford these licenses , the whole OEM situation is kind of a slap in the face.
Well it isn't about like / dislike. Q&A forums answers are more about correctness and accuracy to which both are met. There are also many third party sellers but just be sure to do research to avoid scamming.
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