Windows Server 2012: The New Era of IT

Windows Server 2012 is the software that brings to life the recent innovations in cloud computing, memory, storage, devices and data, while improving management and efficiency.

Editor's Note: Windows Server 2012: The OS Built from the Cloud Up

The new Cloud OS is here, delivering the platform for the new era of IT.

Join in the Launch Fun

Windows Server 2012 Virtual Launch Event

Learn, connect and have some fun during our online launch event. See the keynotes and find customer experiences and direct engagement with engineering and program managers.

Register for the Cloud OS Signature Event Series

The Cloud OS Signature Event Series will give you the opportunity to engage with the Redmond product team experts and check out all the exciting products we’re launching, including Windows Server 2012. Register for an event in a city near you.

Find a Windows Server 2012 IT Camp in Your Area

Microsoft IT Camps are expert led, no cost, hands-on technical training events for IT professionals, from IT professionals centered on the issues and workloads you’re tackling in your environment today. At the Windows Server 2012 IT Camp, gain deep technical insight into the new features and functionalities of Windows Server 2012.

Try it Out

Evaluate Windows Server 2012

Windows Server 2012 offers businesses and service providers a scalable, dynamic, and multitenant-aware cloud-optimized infrastructure, helping organizations connect securely across premises and IT Professionals respond to business needs faster and more efficiently. Download now and receive resources from the experts.

Evaluation Versions and Upgrade Options for Windows Server 2012

Release Notes: Important Issues in Windows Server 2012

Configuring and Managing Server Core Installations

What's New in Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V

Assess Windows Server 2012 Readiness with MAP 7.0

Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 7.0 is now available for download with detailed and actionable recommendations, indicating the machines that meet Windows Server 2012 system requirements and which may require hardware updates. A comprehensive inventory of servers, operating systems, workloads, devices, and server roles is included to help in planning efforts.

Simplify Deployment of Windows Server 2012 with MDT 2012 Update 1

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Update 1 is now available and expands your deployment capabilities with support for the latest software releases, including Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP1 Community Technology Preview.

Migrating Roles and Features in Windows Server

This page contains links to information and tools that help guide you through the process of migrating roles and features to Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Download Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate Essentials

Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server Essentials) is a flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use server solution designed and priced for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices that helps them reduce costs and be more productive.

Training

MVA: Take Free, Online Windows Server Courses

Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers new Windows Server 2012 courses covering topics such as virtualization, server management and automation, networking, storage and more. Check back regularly as new modules like identity and access, web and application platform management, and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) are added.

Two New Windows Server 2012 Courses

Whether you are new to certification, already certified, or experienced in Windows Server 2008, we have the instructor-led training you need on Windows Server 2012. Introducing the first two Microsoft Official Courses (MOC) for Windows Server 2012.

Course 20410A: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012

Course 20417A: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

TechNet Radio: New Certifications for Windows Server 2012

In this episode, J. Seymour, Jim Clark and Chris Avis discuss the new certification exams that are available for Windows Server 2012. Tune in to learn what each exam covers as well as how the server infrastructure and private cloud exams differ and how each can help advance your IT skills.