Can Windows Server 2022 be upgraded to 2022?

we want to upgrade our windows server 2012 R2 to windows server 2022, looks like we would have to do a clean install.

I have some hard drives (HDD & SSD) which have data, if we remove all the data drives, install windows server 2022 on a new drive and connect the data drives back to the server, would the drives be recognised by the new windows server version? or we would need to format all data drives and restore them with a backup post the server upgrade.

Any help on this would be really great, Thanks.

asked Apr 6 at 9:32

2012R2->2019->2022 is an allowed path using inplace-upgrades (this does not require a server 2019 license). Normally, forums are full of warnings "don't you dare to inplace-upgrade", while my experience is very good (do that all the time). If this server is easy to reinstall cleanly, of course a clean setup is always preferred.

answered Apr 7 at 14:27

1

Yes, any (supported) Windows Server will recognize any NTFS/ReFS/exFAT volumes. Even when attached later.

When using a standalone server and not a domain member, you may need to reset your NTFS ACL on it, though.

answered Apr 7 at 17:07

bjosterbjoster

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Let’s have a look at how to upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to Server 2022. Generally upgrading a Windows operating system allows the Administrator to upgrade the current version of Windows Server to a new version without changing the existing system features and settings.

Download Windows Server 2022 from Microsoft’s Official Website

Upgrade Steps

I am using VMware Workstation on my Windows 11 desktop computer to test these installations and upgrades. I have installed a fresh ISO of Windows Server 2012 R2 (Desktop Experience) and then update the Windows Server to the latest patches.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard.

I have copied some folders to the desktop before upgrading the Server.

Using the in-place upgrade to move to Windows Server 2022, use the CD/DVD, ISO, USB media Server 2022 to start the installation.

The installation won’t take longer than 10 minutes, but it all depends on the speed of the system and running roles, and features.

The below steps show an in-place upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2022 using an ISO file.

Mount the server ISO file and then run the upgrade setup

Upgrade Windows server, click on the change new setup download updates.

Get the updates window, click the next button to start (Download and install updates as recommended).

Now enter the Windows server product key and then click Next.

Here you can choose the Desktop Experience or Core operating system and then click next.

Accept the license

Select the option for keeping your personal files and programs/apps because we intend to upgrade the Server. Choose Next.

Here, Windows Setup is attracting the Windows Update engine and downloading any Windows updates. After completing the Windows Setup, it will update itself from the current version to a later revision.

Installing Windows Server 20222.

Updating Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 was successfully upgraded.

Windows Server 2022 Standard Desktop with folders.

How to upgrade Windows Server 2022?

Can I upgrade to Server 2022?

Can I upgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2022?

How to upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 to 2022?