Windows Server 2012 end of support came and went on 10 October 2023. Microsoft no longer ships security patches, bug fixes or phone help for it. If your company files, log-ins or business apps still sit on that operating system, you run them on borrowed time.
What that server does for you
The grey box in your comms cupboard keeps documents in one place, controls printers, runs Sage or bespoke software and checks every user password before they reach Microsoft 365. In short, it touches almost every task your staff perform.
The risk you take each day
Unpatched flaws are public knowledge, so attackers write scripts that scan the internet for servers like yours. In May 2017 the NHS learned this the hard way: ransomware called WannaCry forced 80 hospital trusts to cancel appointments and divert ambulances. A few weeks later shipping giant Maersk spent about £230 million cleaning up after the NotPetya worm ripped through an outdated server. Today the threats keep rising; a June 2025 survey found 27 % of UK firms suffered a cyber-attack in the past year, with many blaming out-of-date systems.
“But it still works and upgrades cost money”
That view feels logical until you add up the hidden costs.
Microsoft’s stop-gap “Extended Security Updates” now cost the full licence fee each year and jumps to 125% by year three, so you pay for the same software twice, while still running outdated code.
Cyber insurers also pay attention to unsupported systems and have started raising premiums; recent UK cases show rises of about ten per cent after attacks where old kit was a factor.
If trouble strikes, the government puts the average clean-up bill at roughly £1,205 for a small firm and £10,830 for a medium one
The ICO can also fine up to £17.5 million or four per cent of turnover when customer data leaks. Add in lost staff hours and damaged reputation, and waiting quickly becomes the priciest option.
Potential upgrade paths
Most SMEs pick one of three routes:
– Swap the hardware and install Windows Server 2022 on-site for the same roles.
– Keep local file storage but move apps to Microsoft 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop.
– Go full cloud and retire the box completely.
When you’re ready (sooner rather than later) plan the moves in stages to keep minimal interruptions to your team.
Check in with your IT support to do a quick self-audit. the server warranty, confirm backups run daily, note the last Windows update date and list any software that still demands Server 2012. If any of those checks fail you need a plan now, not later.
You deserve reliable systems and predictable bills, not firefighting tech troubles that are easily preventable. Call or email Lee at Clearsky IT to map out an upgrade, backup and continuity plan that fits your budget and timetable.
Further reading: Windows 10 End of Support
