The latest generation featuring hotpatching, enhanced NVMe storage performance, and next-gen Active Directory security.

If you must run it, look into Extended Security Updates (ESU) through Azure or volume licensing to receive critical patches. Installation Tips

Even though the product is EOL, Microsoft still hosts the ISOs for Evaluation purposes (usually 180-day trial).

Organizations with Volume Licensing agreements can activate Windows Server 2012 using KMS (Key Management Service) or MAK (Multiple Activation Key) keys. KMS is ideal for larger environments where you can maintain an activation server locally.

The most interesting report here is that savvy IT pros are not running 2012 on bare metal. They download the ISO to do one thing: Azure allows you to upload your own 2012 VHD (created from the ISO) and grants you free security updates for three years post-EOL as an incentive to migrate.

Insert the media, restart the server, and enter the BIOS/UEFI to select the appropriate boot device.

Disclaimer: Ensure you have valid licensing before deploying Windows Server in a production environment.