How to Upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019? [Steps]

Can You Upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019?

Absolutely, the answer is YES. You can totally upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019. When you're updating your Windows Server, it lets you skip ahead two versions. So, if you're running Windows Server 2016, you've got the choice to directly upgrade to Windows Server 2019 or even jump straight to Windows Server 2022.

In this table, you can see the supported upgrade paths depending on the version you're currently running.

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Hardware Requirements for Windows Server 2019

If your computer falls short of the minimum requirements, you won't be able to install Windows Server 2019 properly.

Two Upgrade Options: In-place Upgrade or Clean Install.

通常有两种方法将Windows Server 2012 R2升级到2019：就地升级和干净安装。

"In-place upgrade": More details

This method allows you to upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019 while preserving your settings, server roles, and data. However, there might be complications due to compatibility issues or pre-existing system errors.

Clean installation: More details

This method calls for a brand new installation of Windows Server 2019. It's more work, but it ensures a clean slate with no leftover files from the old OS. If the in-place upgrade doesn't work, it's best to backup your data, do a fresh install, and then restore your data onto Windows Server 2019.

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How to upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019 in-place.

This guide'll help you upgrade smoothly from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019. Let's jump right in and make this upgrade a breeze.

Step 1. Gather diagnostic data

It's always a good idea to collect some data from your system and store it somewhere easy to reach. This can help diagnose and fix problems if there's an upgrade failure.

"To gather your system information:"

1. Launch an elevated PowerShell window, take note of your current directory, and run the commands that follow.

2. Using the File Explorer, locate the folder you noted earlier and move the files to either a USB drive or a network location outside of your computer.

*Just so you know, running any VMs isn't possible during the in-place upgrade.

Before the upgrade, it's highly recommended that you use a trustworthy backup software like Todo Backup Enterprise to back up your server's operating system, apps, and virtual machines all at once.

Step 2. Perform the upgrade 这句已经是标准的美语了，不需要额外翻译。在美语中，这个句子通常会用于技术指南或指示，意思是"第二步：进行升级"。

1. Use your File Explorer, locate the Windows Server installation media, and launch setup.exe.

2. Click on Yes to start the setup process.

3. Choose the option "Download updates, drivers, and optional features (recommended)" and hit "Next".

4. Wait for the setup to finish examining your device configuration, and then click **Next**.

5. Depending on the origin of your Windows Server media (whether it's retail, volume license, OEM, or ODM) and the server license you have, you might need to enter a license key to continue.

Select the edition of Windows Server 2019 you want to install, then click on Next.

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7. Click Accept to agree to the terms of your license agreement.

8. The setup will prompt you to uninstall Microsoft Endpoint Protection using the Add/Remove Programs feature, since it's not compatible with Windows Server 2019.

Choose "Keep personal files and apps" to opt for an in-place upgrade, and then click "Next".

10. Once Setup analyzes your device, it'll ask you to proceed with the upgrade by clicking Install.

The in-place upgrade commences, displaying the Upgrading Windows screen with its progress bar. Once the upgrade is finished, your server will automatically restart.

Verifying the success of your upgrade

Once you've upgraded to a newer version of Windows Server, it's crucial to make sure the upgrade went smoothly.

"To confirm the success of your upgrade:"

Open an elevated PowerShell window and run the following command to confirm that the version and edition match the media and choices you made during setup.

Make sure all your apps are running smoothly and that the connections from your client to these apps are successful.

"How to do a clean installation of Windows Server 2019"

If your in-place upgrade doesn't go as planned, or if your system isn't compatible with a direct upgrade to Windows 2019, you might want to consider doing a fresh install instead.

Step 1. Get ready with the Windows Server 2019 installation media.

Download the Windows Server 2019 ISO file from Microsoft's website, and then burn it onto a USB drive (make sure it's more than 8 GB) for the installation.

Don't forget to back up your Windows Server 2012 R2 regularly, just in case of any unexpected issues.

Step 2. Boot from the installation media. (This sentence is already in American English.)

Once you've inserted the prepared USB installation media, power on your computer and set the USB as the primary boot option in the BIOS.

1. At the first step, select your preferred installation language, time format, and keyboard layout, then click Next.

2. Click on Install Now to start the installation.

The setup should start shortly.

3. Choose the edition of Windows Server 2019 you want to install, and then click Next.

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4. Read and accept the license terms, then start the installation by checking the box I accept the license terms.

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5. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only".

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6. Select the partition where you want to install Windows Server. You can optionally create a new one from the available space, or use the entire available size by clicking Next.

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7. Wait for the installation process to finish.

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8. The system should automatically restart once the installation is complete. Enter your Administrator password when prompted on the next screen.

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9. Click Finish to complete the installation. Use the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys to log in as an Administrator.

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10. Type your Administrator Password and hit Enter.

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You can check the details of Windows Server in the settings section.

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Alright! You've successfully installed Windows Server 2019. Now you can start restoring your backed-up data to it.

确保数据安全：在升级Windows Server前进行备份

"To prevent data loss during the upgrade, utilize Todo Backup Enterprise. This tool provides a straightforward, efficient, and secure backup solution with scheduled backups, multiple backup options, and diverse destination choices."

By following the steps below, you can efficiently and easily create a system image using Todo Backup Enterprise.

1. Launch Todo Backup Enterprise, then click New Task to create a new backup job.

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2. In the pop-up Backup window, you can pick different types of backup sources. For this, we'll choose System Backup under the Disk/Volume category, and then click Browse to set a custom storage location.

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Click Proceed to start this backup task.

Conclusion

No matter if you go for an in-place upgrade or a clean install, backing up your data before upgrading from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019 is vital. The Todo Backup Enterprise tool makes this process easier, securing your data as you upgrade your Windows Server.

Frequently Asked Questions on Upgrading Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019

Q1. Can I upgrade my Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019 directly?
A: Yeah, you can definitely upgrade straight from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019. You can do this either with an in-place upgrade or a fresh installation.

Q2. What are the hardware requirements for Windows Server 2019?
A: Check out the specs outlined in the 'Hardware requirements for Windows Server 2019' section of this article.

Q3: What's the difference between an in-place upgrade and a clean installation?
A: An in-place upgrade lets you update your existing Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019, preserving your settings, server roles, and data. On the other hand, a clean install starts from zero, installing Windows Server 2019 fresh. It demands more work but ensures a pristine state with no leftover files or configurations.

Q4: How can I make sure my data is secure while upgrading?
A: To guarantee data safety during the upgrade, go with a trustworthy backup tool like Todo Backup Enterprise. It creates a system image, so your data is protected if anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.