How to Migrate Windows Server 2012 to 2016/2019 [Step by Step Guide]

The methods on this page are also applicable to various versions of Windows Server, including 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, and 2019. Additionally, they can be used to upgrade and migrate Windows Server Essentials to a standard version.

How to Successfully Migrate Windows Server 2012 to 2016?

Microsoft is ending support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 on October 10th, 2023, and recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2016 or 2019 for continued support and security.

To successfully migrate your Windows Server 2012 to 2016, follow these tips. Stay calm and avoid common doubts, such as worrying about application compatibility, data transfer, and account migration. Instead, plan ahead, ensure all applications and software are compatible with Windows Server 2016, and use tools like USMT (User State Migration Tool) to transfer data and user accounts.

• 1. Migrating from Windows Server 2012 to 2016 will not inherently cause data loss. However, if you're using any third-party software or applications that are not compatible with Windows Server 2016, you might experience issues or data loss during the migration process.
• 2. How do I upgrade Windows Server 2012 to 2019?
• 3. To migrate Windows Server 2012 to 2016 or 2019 while keeping applications, data, and accounts intact, follow these steps:

Windows Server Migration Checklist (2 Steps)

To upgrade and migrate Windows Servers applications, data, and accounts, etc., for all Windows Server users, follow this checklist: first, get the right tool and resolution for Windows Server Migration by taking the following two steps.

• #1. Download Essential Windows Server Migration Tool

For Windows Server users, the biggest challenge of migrating to a new server is transferring data, installed applications, and Windows Server accounts. Advanced software like Qiling Disk Master Technician specializes in migrating data, apps, accounts, and settings between Windows Servers, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Qiling Disk Master Technician allows data, applications, and accounts to be transferred via network or image on various Windows Server versions, including Windows Server 2019/2016/2012/2012 R2/2008/2008 R2, and others.

• #2. Find Out Your Goals in Windows Server Migration

To migrate Windows Server correctly, it's essential to first identify your goals, such as reducing costs, improving security, or increasing scalability. Once you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, you can then choose the most suitable migration method, whether it's an in-place upgrade, a virtualization-based migration, or a cloud-based migration.

• If you want to transfer a Windows Server OS to a new computer, using the Qiling Windows Server Migration Tool is a good option. This tool enables you to successfully migrate the Windows Server OS to the new computer without having to reinstall the Server OS.
• If you only want to transfer Windows Server 2012 data, installed applications, account and settings to Windows Server 2016/2019 computer, follow the steps below for help.
• If you want to perform an in-To upgrade from Windows Server 2012 to 2016/2019 or perform a fresh install of Windows Server 2016/2019 on an old Windows Server 2012 system while preserving all data, installed applications, and user accounts, follow Solution 2 on this page for guidance.

Solution 1. Migrate Windows Server 2012 to New Server 2016/2019 (Data, Apps, Account)

You can transfer data, installed applications, account and settings from a Windows Server 2012 computer to a new Windows Server 2016/2019 computer without reinstalling anything.

To transfer data, applications, and accounts from a Windows Server 2012 computer to a new Windows server like 2016 or 2019, a reliable PC transfer software is needed. Qiling Disk Master Technician is a suitable option that allows users of all levels to efficiently transfer everything from the old server to the new one via a network connection.

To migrate Windows Server 2012 data, application, and account to a new Server, follow these steps: Identify the data and applications to be migrated, and ensure they are compatible with the new Server. Use tools like robocopy or third-party software to transfer data, and reinstall applications on the new Server.

Step 1. Launch Qiling Disk Master on your source and target computers, and connect both PCs via the internet.

1. At the "Backup and recovery" section, click the "File sync" option to proceed.

2. Select your target computer via its device name, then enter its account password or verification code, select the transfer direction, and click "Connect" to continue.

You can check the verification code on the top right of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target computer.

Step 2. To transfer data via the internet, select the categories of Applications, Files, and Accounts. This will allow you to move various types of data, including installed programs, stored files, and online account information, to a new device or location.

To transfer data selectively, click on the "Edit" option under each category and select the specific items you want to transfer.

Step 3. To transfer your apps, files, and accounts from one computer to another via the internet, click "Proceed" to initiate the process.

After migrating to a new Windows Server 2016 or 2019 computer, restart the system and reactivate any applications that require it using your old product key. This ensures a smooth transition and minimizes disruptions.

Solution 2. In-place Upgrade Windows Server 2012 to 2016/2019, Keep Everything on Server

Applies to: In-Upgrading Windows Server 2012 to 2016 or 2019 involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition while preserving all data, applications, and accounts. This process typically begins with a thorough assessment of the current server's hardware, software, and configuration.

If you need to in-To upgrade Windows Server 2012 to a newer version while keeping everything on the machine, follow these steps carefully.

Step 1. To create an image of all important data, apps, and even accounts on Windows Server 2012, you can use the built-in System Image Backup feature. This feature allows you to capture a snapshot of your entire system, including all installed apps, user accounts, and settings, at a specific point in time.

Qiling Disk Master allows you to create an image backup of your Windows Server 2012 system, including all data, applications, and accounts, and save it to an external hard drive using its Backup and Restore feature.

Video Tutorial of Image Transfer using Qiling Disk Master:

Step 2. To upgrade an existing Windows Server 2012 to 2016 or 2019, or to install Windows Server 2016 on an older Server PC, you can perform an in-place upgrade or a fresh install. This involves upgrading the operating system to the latest version while keeping the existing data and applications intact, or reinstalling Windows Server 2016 on the PC and then transferring the data and applications to the new system.

If you're unsure about how to perform a Windows Server in-place upgrade, you can refer to the Microsoft tutorial on upgrading Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2016 for guidance.

To fresh install Windows Server 2016 or 2019 on an old server machine, start by downloading the Windows Server ISO. Then, follow the steps outlined in the provided video to clean install the Windows Server.

Server Academy's YouTube video tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows Server 2016. The tutorial covers the entire installation process, from preparing the environment to finalizing the setup.

Step 3.To restore data, applications, and accounts to a new Windows Server, use Qiling Disk Master's Image Transfer feature. This will allow you to transfer the entire system, including data and applications, to the new server, and also restore accounts and settings, effectively restoring the system to its previous state.

If you've lost some apps or data, you can use Qiling Disk Master Technician to selectively restore applications, data, and accounts to your new Windows Server 2016/2019 setup.

Conclusion

To migrate Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2016/2019, users can rely on Qiling Disk Master for a reliable PC transfer, helping to move data, applications, and accounts from the older server to the newer one.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

We also provide extra tips to help users perform an in-place upgrade or fresh install of Windows Server 2016/2019 on an old Windows Server machine. By following these tips, users can easily move everything to a new Windows Server computer.

Windows Server 2012 Migration FAQs

If you have more questions about Windows Server migration, check the following questions and find answers here immediately.

1. Can Windows Server 2012 be upgraded to 2016?

Here are the possible ways to upgrade from Windows Server 2012 to 2016 in one paragraph:

• To migrate from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2012, you can use the Windows Server migration tool, which involves backing up the 2016 OS and then restoring it to the 2012 server.
• Method 2. Perform in-place Windows Server upgrade from 2012 to 2016.
• To upgrade the old Windows Server 2012 computer to Windows Server 2016, you can first backup all data and then upgrade to Windows Server 2016 using the built-in upgrade tool. If the upgrade fails, you can try to upgrade the system using a Windows Server 2016 installation media. If the upgrade still fails, you can try to clean install Windows Server 2016 on the old computer, which will erase all data and settings.

2. Can Windows Server 2008 r2 be upgraded to 2016?

You can upgrade Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2016 by either doing an in-place upgrade or fresh installing Windows Server 2016 on the computer. If you need to move data, applications, and accounts from the old server to the new one, you can refer to a step-by-step guide on migrating from Windows Server 2008 R2 to 2016 for assistance.

3. How do I migrate Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019?

Migrating Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019 is similar to migrating Windows Server 2012 to 2016, with similar methods and recommendations.

First, You need a reliable Windows PC transfer software that enables you to migrate old Windows Server data, apps, and accounts to a new server computer, ensuring a seamless transition.

Next, confirm your goals - to transfer data, apps, accounts between server machines, or to upgrade Windows server to 2019 but keep everything on the computer.

Last, To migrate Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2019, follow these steps:

• To migrate everything to a new Server computer, use the PC to PC feature in Qiling Disk Master Technician to transfer data, apps, and accounts to Windows Server 2019 without losing any information.
• If you need to perform in-To upgrade or clean install Windows Server 2019 on an old Server 2012 R2 computer, create an image of all important data and settings using the Image Transfer feature in Qiling Disk Master. Then, perform an in-place upgrade or fresh install the new Server, and finally recover the image back to the computer, restoring all important data and settings.

Related Articles

• Move Programs/Apps/Software from C Drive to Second Hard Drive in Windows 10/8/7
• How to Change Adobe Photoshop CC Install Location?
• (Four Ways) Move Users Folder to Another Drive Windows 10 or Windows 11
• 7 Best Windows Easy Transfer Alternative Free Download [2022 Best Review: Free & Paid]

Is this information helpful?   Yes   No

This information is not relevant.

This information is not easy to understand.

This information is not deep enough.

What can we do to improve this information? (Optional)

Refresh Please enter the verification code!