Azure
Batch Support for Windows Server 2012/2012R2 Marketplace images ending
Summary
Azure Batch regularly retires support for retired operating systems. Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 support were retired on 10 October 2023. Marketplace images for Windows Server 2012/2012R2 published by MicrosoftWindowsServer with the offer name of WindowsServer will no longer be available on 5 December 2024. These Marketplace image SKUs are:
- 2012-R2-Datacenter
- 2012-R2-Datacenter-smalldisk
- 2012-Datacenter
- 2012-Datacenter-smalldisk
If your workload still uses Batch pools based on these Windows Server 2012/2012R2 Marketplace images, migrate your workload to a supported Windows Server image no later than 5 December 2024.
After 5 December 2024, no new Batch pools will be able to be created with the Marketplace Windows Server 2012/2012R2 images. Existing pools with affected Windows Server 2012/2012R2 Marketplace images will no longer be able to scale out and will be subject to forced resize to zero nodes.
If your workload requires Windows Server 2012/2012R2, you may be able to migrate to a Windows Server 2012/2012R2 custom image with appropriate licensing and Azure ESU. Please visit this article for more information about this option. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Windows Server, if possible.
As a reminder, we recommend reviewing the Batch best practices guide which outlines support expectations, recommendations on Batch pool image freshness, and how to query for Batch image support end of life dates.
Required Action
To avoid service disruptions, migrate your Batch pools with affected Marketplace images to a supported image before 5 December 2024.
We recommend testing the migration before updating production configurations.
More information
Azure Batch VM Size and Image Guide Azure Batch Best Practices
