Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 End of Life

DirectAccess on Microsoft Windows

I want to remind you of a critical upcoming milestone that may affect your business. In just 60 days, we will reach the end of support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. As of October 10, 2023, these operating systems will no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft.

End of Support

End of support means your servers will be more vulnerable to security risks and potential threats. It is essential to take action now to ensure your IT infrastructure’s continued security and stability. Upgrading to newer, supported operating systems will protect your data and systems from potential cyber threats and provide access to enhanced features and performance improvements.

Don’t Wait

Now is the time to migrate those remaining workloads for those still running Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2! Consider the following commonly deployed services that may still be running on Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 in your organization.

Remote Access – Windows Server Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) is commonly deployed to provide secure remote access for field-based workers. In addition, Absolute Secure Access (formerly NetMotion Mobility) is a widely implemented premium alternative to RRAS. Organizations may be hesitant to migrate these workloads because disrupting remote workers is painful.

DirectAccess – This remote access technology is widely deployed and extremely difficult to migrate. In addition, the complex nature of DirectAccess, with its many intricate interdependencies, poses a significant challenge to organizations migrating this role.

PKI – This is likely the most common enterprise service to be found running on Windows Server 2012 and 2012R2. Most organizations relying on Windows Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) to issue and manage enterprise certificates are reluctant to move this workload once it is deployed. This service is much easier to migrate than you might think! It can be done without disruption as well.

Consulting Services

We understand that upgrading might require careful planning and coordination, and our team is here to support you throughout the transition process. Don’t delay – take this opportunity to safeguard your organization’s data and systems by upgrading to the latest Windows Server version or exploring cloud-based solutions.

Get In Touch

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance or any questions regarding the upgrade process. Together, let’s ensure your business remains secure and productive. You can get started today by booking a free one-hour consultation to discuss your migration strategy. Just fill out the form below and I’ll provide more information.

Always On VPN Connection Issues After Sleep or Hibernate

Always On VPN Connection Issues After Sleep or HibernateLikely the single most common complaint about Windows 10 Always On VPN is that device tunnel or user tunnel VPN connections fail to reconnect automatically after a laptop computer wakes from sleep or hibernate. You will find many complaining about this issue and discussing various attempts at resolution on the Microsoft forums. And while Microsoft has released many fixes the last few years to improve connection reliability for Always On VPN, this one seems to continue to plague them. This issue is also prevalent with DirectAccess deployments.

Fix or Workaround?

Unfortunately, I do not have a specific fix or workaround to share that will magically resolve this ongoing issue. However, there are a few group policy settings that may prove effective in some cases.

Connected Standby Settings

To help address issues with Always On VPN connections failing after sleep or hibernate, open the group policy management console and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Sleep Settings and enable the following settings.

  • Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (plugged in)
  • Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (on battery)

Always On VPN Connection Issues After Sleep or Hibernate

Always On VPN Connection Issues After Sleep or Hibernate

Additional Information

Are you experiencing issues with Always On VPN reconnecting automatically after sleep or hibernate? Have you found an effective workaround? Share your experience in the comments below!

Enterprise Networking Magazine Top 10 VPN Consulting Services 2020

It is with great pleasure that I announce Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc. has been included in Enterprise Networking Magazine’s Top 10 VPN consulting services for 2020! Enterprise Networking Magazine is a leading magazine and web site dedicated to the enterprise networking industry and its professionals.

Enterprise Networking Magazine Top 10 VPN Consulting Services 2020

You can read the full write-up on Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc. at Enterprise Networking’s web site here.