New Retail licence · Digital delivery
A legacy Datacenter licence with clear delivery and local support
Deploy a verified legacy Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter environment with a new Retail product key, an official Microsoft download link and local installation support. Delivered by email, typically within 1–10 minutes.
- New, unused Retail key
- Official Microsoft download link
- Instructions included
- Remote, chat, email and phone support
Know before you buy
Quick product facts
Legacy workload check
Is this the right product for your environment?
A considered fit when
- A required legacy application is certified for Windows Server 2012 R2.
- You are maintaining an established 2012 R2 server or virtualisation environment.
- Your hardware, backup, security and application vendors still support the deployment.
- You have confirmed the required server licences and CALs.
Choose another option when
- You are building a new general-purpose server that needs an actively supported OS.
- You need Software Mart to guarantee reactivation after moving to another physical server.
- You plan to replace the motherboard or processors.
- You expect CALs, RDS CALs, ESUs or Software Assurance to be included.
Unsure? Tell us about your server and planned VMs before ordering.
Straightforward fulfilment
What you receive
- 1
Retail product key
A new Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter Retail key.
- 2
Microsoft download
An official Microsoft download link with the available language choices.
- 3
Clear instructions
Installation and activation instructions sent with the order.
- 4
Local support
Remote assistance, live chat, email and phone help if you need it.
Delivery is typically completed within 1–10 minutes after payment. Payment verification or order review can occasionally require additional time.
2012 R2 Datacenter capabilities
Built for the virtualised datacentre of its generation
Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter provides the full feature set shared by the Standard and Datacenter editions of this generation. Its principal edition-level distinction is the virtual operating system entitlement available when the physical server is correctly licensed.
Virtualisation
Hyper-V, Generation 2 virtual machines, dynamic memory and live-migration improvements.
Storage
Storage Spaces, storage tiering, data deduplication, ReFS and SMB 3.0 file services.
Resilience
Failover clustering, Hyper-V Replica and recovery capabilities for planned environments.
Access & security
Dynamic Access Control, BitLocker, DirectAccess and identity-based access controls.
Networking
IP Address Management and networking improvements for physical and virtual workloads.
Administration
PowerShell-based automation plus Server Core or Server with a GUI installation options.
Confirm every required role and third-party application against the vendor's current compatibility information.
Licence scope
Check the physical server, VMs and CALs together
Microsoft licensed Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter under a processor-plus-CAL model. Microsoft's general model can provide unlimited Windows Server virtual operating system environments when the assigned physical server is fully and correctly licensed. The exact licence quantity required depends on the physical-server configuration and applicable use rights.
Confirm server and processor configuration.
Confirm the intended Windows Server VMs.
Add required Server and RDS CALs.
Contact us before you purchase.
This product page does not promise a fixed processor or VM entitlement. Contact Software Mart before ordering so the intended configuration and required licence count can be checked.
Windows Server CALs are not included. Remote Desktop Services normally requires an RDS CAL in addition to the underlying Windows Server CAL. View Windows Server 2012 RDS CAL options.
Device lifetime expectations
Activation, reinstallation and hardware restrictions
Same-server reinstall
The key may be reinstalled on the same physical server.
Move to another server
Software Mart's activation guarantee does not cover reactivation on another physical server.
Major hardware change
Replacing the motherboard or processors may invalidate activation and reactivation is not covered by the guarantee.
Microsoft's published Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter terms describe licence reassignment subject to conditions, including a general 90-day restriction and an earlier permanent-hardware-failure exception. Review the terms supplied with the product before reassignment. Read Microsoft's published licence terms.
If activation does not complete, contact Software Mart before repeated activation attempts or hardware changes. We troubleshoot first, provide a replacement key where appropriate and issue a 100% refund if activation still cannot be completed after available support and replacement options are exhausted.
Microsoft installation minimums
System requirements
| Component | Microsoft minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM |
| System partition | 32 GB minimum |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet adapter |
| Display | Super VGA 1024 × 768 or higher for graphical use |
| Other | Keyboard, compatible pointing device and internet access where required |
These are installation minimums, not recommended production specifications. Microsoft says requirements vary by configuration and installed roles. A virtual machine configured with only 512 MB RAM can fail during setup; Microsoft advises allocating more than 800 MB during installation.
Plan before production use
Installation and activation overview
- 1
Check compatibility. Confirm hardware, application, backup and CAL requirements.
- 2
Protect the environment. Back up existing systems and configuration data.
- 3
Use the supplied Microsoft link. Download the correct 64-bit Datacenter media and language.
- 4
Install the chosen interface. Select Server Core or Server with a GUI as required.
- 5
Activate. Enter the supplied Retail key and complete activation.
- 6
Secure and configure. Install updates and configure roles, backup and monitoring.
Edition comparison
Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter or Standard?
| Consideration | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| Core feature set | Same principal 2012 R2 feature set | Same principal 2012 R2 feature set |
| Virtualisation focus | Physical or lightly virtualised | Highly virtualised |
| General Microsoft model | Up to two virtual OSEs per correctly assigned licence | Unlimited virtual OSEs when the physical server is fully licensed |
| Typical fit | A small number of Windows Server workloads | Multiple Windows Server VMs on a licensed host |
This table describes Microsoft's general edition model, not the quantity included in this specific offer. View the Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard product or contact us for configuration guidance.
Software Mart Australia
Support from licence check to activation
We troubleshoot activation first and provide a replacement key where appropriate. If activation still cannot be completed after available support and replacement options are exhausted, we provide a 100% refund. Review the refund policy or contact our team before ordering.
Buyer questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this a new Retail key?
Yes. This offer is for a new, unused Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter Retail key.
Is Windows Server 2012 R2 still supported by Microsoft?
The original product reached the end of extended support in October 2023. Microsoft lists Extended Security Update Year 3 through October 2026 for eligible deployments. ESU entitlement is separate and is not included.
How many processors or virtual machines does this purchase cover?
The page does not promise a fixed processor or VM entitlement. Contact Software Mart with the intended physical-server and virtualisation configuration before ordering so the required licence count can be checked.
Are Windows Server CALs included?
No. Windows Server User or Device CALs are not included. RDS CALs are also not included and may be required in addition to Windows Server CALs when you deploy Remote Desktop Services.
Can I reinstall it on the same server?
Yes. Reinstallation on the same physical server is permitted.
Can I move it to a different physical server?
Software Mart's activation guarantee does not cover reactivation on another physical server. Microsoft's published licence terms describe reassignment rights subject to conditions, including a general 90-day rule. Review the applicable terms and contact us before making any change.
What happens after a motherboard or processor replacement?
A motherboard or processor replacement may invalidate activation and reactivation is not covered by this offer's activation guarantee. Microsoft terms include provisions for permanent hardware failure, so review the applicable terms and contact Software Mart before making major hardware changes.
What arrives by email and how quickly?
You receive the product key, an official Microsoft download link and installation/activation instructions, typically within 1–10 minutes after payment.
Which countries and languages are supported?
The key is valid worldwide. You may choose from the languages available through the supplied Microsoft download.
What happens if activation fails?
Software Mart first helps troubleshoot the installation. Where appropriate, a replacement key is provided. If activation still cannot be completed after available support and replacement options are exhausted, you receive a 100% refund.
Check first. Purchase confidently.
Need Windows Server 2012 R2 for a confirmed legacy workload?
Contact Software Mart before ordering if you are unsure about processor coverage, VM rights, CALs or hardware compatibility. Once the configuration is checked, order online for email delivery typically within 1–10 minutes.
Contact Software Mart
