# Windows Server migration to Azure

URL: https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/windows-server/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> Windows Server migration to Azure for UK organisations: 2012, 2016 and 2019 servers moved and upgraded before 2016 support ends on 12 January 2027.

Windows Server migration to Azure moves your 2012, 2016 and 2019 servers onto Azure virtual machines in UK South or UK West, and onto a supported version. Windows Server 2016 support ends on **12 January 2027**. We start with a free assessment, then plan a route for every server.

- Windows Server 2012, 2016 and 2019
- Upgrade, rehost, rebuild or retire, per server
- Azure Hybrid Benefit checked

## Is this you?

- Windows Server 2016 support is ending: [Your 2016 options](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/windows-server-2016-end-of-support-options/)
- Windows Server 2012 has no more updates: [Your 2012 options](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/windows-server-2012-end-of-life/)
- Old PHP sites still run on IIS: [PHP2Shell on IIS](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/php2shell-cve-2026-109618-109619/)
- Staff run Office on a 2016 remote desktop server: [Virtual Desktop](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/virtual-desktop/)

## What you get and how it works

1. **Free assessment.** You get: Scope and ballpark costs, with your 2012 and 2016 servers flagged.
2. **Discovery with Azure Migrate.** You get: Every Windows server, its version, real usage and dependencies.
3. **A route for each server.** You get: Upgrade, rehost, rebuild, retire or ESUs, with both costs in writing.
4. **Test, upgrade and move in waves.** You get: Each server tested in an isolated network, upgraded where the app allows, then cut over in a window you agree.
5. **Hand-over.** You get: Documentation and runbooks, with [managed Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/managed-services/) afterwards if you want it.

## Why ComputeCloud

- UK regions by default
- A route for every server, in writing
- Honest advice on what not to move
- Delivered in partnership with Focus Group, our Microsoft delivery partner.

## Start your free assessment

Two fields now, about 2 minutes in all. A specialist then gets in touch.

Start here: https://computecloud.co.uk/assessment/

## Sources

- [Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2016](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2016)
- [Microsoft Learn: prepare to deliver ESUs through Azure Arc (2012 and 2016)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-arc/servers/prepare-extended-security-updates)
- [Microsoft Learn: upgrade Windows Server during migration with Azure Migrate](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/how-to-upgrade-windows)
- [Microsoft Learn: in-place upgrade of Azure VMs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows-in-place-upgrade)
- [Microsoft Learn: agentless VMware migration with Azure Migrate](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/migrate/tutorial-migrate-vmware)
- [Microsoft Learn: Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/hybrid-use-benefit-licensing)
- [Microsoft Learn: Azure regions list (UK South, UK West)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/reliability/regions-list)

Facts checked 25 October 2026.

See also: [Guide: Windows Server 2016 end of life](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/windows-server-2016-end-of-support-options/) · [Guide: Windows Server 2012 end of life](https://computecloud.co.uk/blog/windows-server-2012-end-of-life/) · [SQL Server migration](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/sql-server/) · [VMware to Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/vmware/) · [Azure migration services](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/migration/) · [Azure landing zone design](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/landing-zone/) · [Managed Azure](https://computecloud.co.uk/azure/managed-services/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Do we have to upgrade Windows Server when we move to Azure?

Not on the day, but it's the lasting fix. Azure Migrate can upgrade 2016 to 2019 or 2022 as it moves, and an Azure VM can later go to 2025 in place. Left on 2016, a server needs paid Extended Security Updates from 12 January 2027.

### Can we reuse our Windows Server licences in Azure?

Often. Azure Hybrid Benefit covers Windows Server licences with Software Assurance or a qualifying subscription, with at least 8 core licences per VM. [Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/hybrid-use-benefit-licensing)

### Will there be downtime?

A short planned outage per server. Azure Migrate copies each server while it runs, then shuts it down for a final sync at cut-over, in a window you agree.

### What if our application vendor doesn't support Azure?

We check vendor requirements in the assessment and, if needed, test the application in Azure before you commit.

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Get a free Azure migration assessment: https://computecloud.co.uk/assessment/