Upgrade Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2012

Personally I always want to upgrade to the latest Microsoft product available but for stability reasons I always wait a few months before to make sure everything is strong & stable.  Today I present you a step by step guide on how to upgrade your current Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012.  This guide is made with a very basic version of Windows Server 2008 R2, but this will work with any version with any roles or features installed such as Active Directory.

1. First step is to insert Windows Server 2012 CD in disc drive or mount ISO file.  And Then click on ‘install’. 
   

   Install Windows Server 2012Windows Server 2012 setup starting
2. Setup will now ask you if you want to download windows updates while upgrading, click ‘no thanks’.  You can do them later, it is a long process.
   

   Windows Server 2012 install updates
3. Installer will now ask for your genuine product key, simply input it.
   

   Windows 2012 Server Product Key
4. On the next screen, you must select ‘with GUI’ otherwise you will not have a graphic interface to manage your server which is not really useful..
   

   Windows 2012 Standard server with GUI
5. On the next screen, since we are upgrading from Windows Server 2008 R2, we want to keep our settings and files.  So we select ‘upgrade’ instead of ‘custom’ installation.
   

   Windows Server 2012 upgrade options
6. Some software might not work with Windows Server 2012, so here’s the warning.
   

   Windows 2012 software compatibility warning
7. Windows is now upgrading, this step might take a while, so go grab a cup of coffee while you can.
   

   Windows Server 2012 is currently upgrading
8. Windows Server 2012 first boot, might take a little longer.  Be patient, everything is going fine.
   

   Windows Server 2012 getting devices ready
9. Finally, the boot screen.  You can now press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and logon using your previous credentials.
   

   First Windows 2012 logon screen
   

   Windows Server 2012 login screen