Learn about available Dell™ server support for Microsoft® Windows Server® 2012 — the latest server operating system (OS) that comes with key enhancements to transform your IT infrastructure into a versatile data center. Dell has worked extensively with Microsoft during the development phase of this OS to:

  • Ensure that all OS features work seamlessly on a wide array of Dell server platforms
  • Provide rich management experience with Dell OpenManage™ support for Microsoft Windows Server 2012

Dell supports Microsoft Windows Server 2012 on a wide array of PowerEdge™ and PowerEdge C server platforms across four server generations. These servers can be categorized into:

  • Dell Qualified — PowerEdge servers that are successfully tested and validated to ensure compatibility with the current and immediately preceding released OS. Dell provides full technical support for the Dell hardware components running on the OS. Servers under these category feature OpenManage support. Dell 11th- and 12th-generation servers are classified under this category.
  • Dell Supported — PowerEdge servers that are tested with the current OS version to ensure compatibility. Servers under this category may not have OpenManage support, and updated drivers may not be available from Dell for these systems. Dell 9th- and 10th-generation servers are classified under this category.

The following information can help you configure your existing Dell support system to run on Microsoft Windows Server 2012:

  • Dell Software RAID Controller — Only PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller (PERC) S110 is supported with Microsoft Windows Server 2012. To install this OS on Dell servers using PERC S100 and S300 controllers, convert PERC S100 into on-board serial ATA (SATA) controller or switch to on-board SATA controller from PERC S300.
  • Dell OpenManage — Dell OpenManage 7.1 and later versions provide partial support for Microsoft Windows Server 2012. To upgrade a system to the current OS version, uninstall the existing OpenManage software, upgrade the OS to Microsoft Windows Server 2012, and then install Dell OpenManage 7.1 or later.

Dell is all set to enable the Microsoft Windows Server System 2012 to operate on its wide range of products.