This post shows you Windows Server upgrade paths for all available Windows Server versions. To be specific, Partition Magic collects Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2/2012/2008 R2/2008 upgrade paths.

The upgrade is also known as an in-place upgrade. It is the process of moving from an older version of the operating system to a newer version with the original physical hardware maintained. You may be unable to conduct an in-place upgrade on any Windows Server configured to boot from VHD.

Besides, an in-place upgrade from Windows Storage Server Editions is not supported. If you want to upgrade the current Windows Server, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version so that you can use the newest features and obtain the best performance.

You should know the proper Windows Server upgrade paths before performing in-place upgrades. This post shows you the upgrade paths for Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2/2012/2008 R2/2008.

Tips:
No matter which Windows Server version you upgrade to, you’d better check the system requirements of the target Windows Server in advance and ensure that your PC meets these requirements. If necessary, increase disk space by using MiniTool Partition Wizard. To avoid data loss, it’s also recommended to back up Server before you update it.

MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Windows Server 2022 Upgrade Paths

Windows Server 2022 is the latest available version of Windows Server. It can be upgraded to the next two upcoming Windows Server versions. So, Windows Server 2022 upgrade paths can be shown as follows.

Tips:
Windows Server 2024/2025 is not available yet.
Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2022Windows Server 2024/2025Yes

Also read: Get Security Update KB5036909 for Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2019 Upgrade Paths

Windows Server 2019 can be upgraded to Windows Server 2022 and the upcoming version – either Windows Server 2024/2025. Windows Server 2019 upgrade paths are listed in the table below.

Tips:
You can upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2019.
Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2019Windows Server 2022Yes
Windows Server 2019Windows Server 2024/2025Yes
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Windows Server 2016 Upgrade Paths

If you plan to upgrade Windows Server 2016, you can refer to the Windows Server 2016 upgrade paths listed in the following table.

Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2019Yes
Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2022Yes

Windows Server 2012 R2 Upgrade Paths

Windows Server 2012 R2 upgrade paths are summarized in the table below.

Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2012 R2Windows Server 2016Yes
Windows Server 2012 R2Windows Server 2019Yes
Windows Server 2012 R2Windows Server 2022No

Also read: How to Upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019? [Step by Step]

Windows Server 2012 Upgrade Paths

All the direct Windows Server 2012 upgrade paths are displayed in the following table.

Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2012Windows Server 2012 R2Yes
Windows Server 2012Windows Server 2016Yes
Windows Server 2012Windows Server 2019No
Windows Server 2012Windows Server 2022No

If you want to upgrade Windows Server 2012 to Server 2019 successfully, you can upgrade it to Server 16 first and then upgrade to 2019.

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Windows Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Paths

In the table below, all the direct Windows Server 2008 R2 upgrade paths are listed.

Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2008 R2Windows Server 2012Yes
Windows Server 2008 R2Windows Server 2012 R2Yes
Windows Server 2008 R2Windows Server 2016No
Windows Server 2008 R2Windows Server 2019No
Windows Server 2008 R2Windows Server 2022No

To upgrade Windows Server 2008 R2 to Server 2019, upgrade to Windows Server 2012 > upgrade Server 2012 to Server 2016 > upgrade Server 2016 to 2019. You can follow this clue to upgrade other Windows Servers.

Also read: A Full Guide to Windows Server 2025 Preview Build 26227

Windows Server 2008 Upgrade Paths

Windows Server 2008 upgrade paths are listed as follows.

Tips:
As the support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 has ended, you’d better update the two versions to a more recent version as soon as possible.
Current Windows Server VersionUpgrade to Windows ServerSupport
Windows Server 2008Windows Server 2008 R2Yes
Windows Server 2008Windows Server 2012Yes
Windows Server 2008Windows Server 2012 R2No
Windows Server 2008Windows Server 2016No
Windows Server 2008Windows Server 2019No
Windows Server 2008Windows Server 2022No

Conclusion

Windows Server upgrade paths for Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2/2012/2008 R2/2008 have been shown to you in this post. If you need to update your Windows Server, you can refer to the offered upgrade paths in it.

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About The Author

Amy
Amy

Position: Columnist

Having writing articles about computer tech for a long time, I am rather experienced especially on the aspect of computer optimization, PC enhancement, as well as tech terms explanation. The habit of looking through tech forums makes me a great computer issues collector. And then, many articles related to these issues are released, which benefit plenty of users. Professional, effective, and innovative are always the pursuit of an editing worker.