Sound Familiar?
Five Signs Your Windows Servers Are Holding You Back
Some servers still run Windows Server 2012, every application has its own SQL Server and nobody is sure which licenses can move. Windows Server migration to the cloud moves these servers, their databases and the sign-in they depend on to Azure or AWS, with licenses checked and each application tested. Signisys, an IT services company in Noida, helps businesses across Delhi NCR and India plan and run Windows Server and SQL Server moves to Azure and AWS.
Where It Applies
Six Windows Server Problems and What Fixes Them
Find the problem closest to yours, what it puts at risk and what fixes it.
The Risk
Servers with no security fixes.
What Reduces It
An upgrade or move before support ends.
The Risk
Paying twice or breaking terms.
What Reduces It
A license review before any cloud quote.
The Risk
Servers moved into weak accounts.
What Reduces It
A landing zone (a prepared cloud setup) built before servers move.
The Risk
Data exposed through known flaws.
What Reduces It
Managed databases or a fixed patch schedule.
The Risk
Data lost after a failure or attack.
What Reduces It
Cloud backups with tested restores.
The Risk
Cloud bills higher than planned.
What Reduces It
Sizing from measured use after the move.
Why Now
When Windows Workloads Need to Move
Four moments when moving Windows Server and SQL Server deserves a decision.
Security Updates Have Ended
Extended Security Updates (the extra period of security fixes after support ends) for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 ended on October 13, 2026, so servers still on them get no security fixes and need a plan now.
A Microsoft Agreement Is Renewed
The renewal is the moment to decide which licenses move to the cloud and which are dropped.
The Server Hardware Is Due for Refresh
Buying new hardware for aging Windows servers means paying again for the same problem.
A Data Center Contract Ends
The room or facility that holds the servers is closing or up for renewal.
The Outcomes
What Changes After Windows Server Migration
Five changes to look for once Windows and SQL Server run in the cloud, and how to check each one.
Our Approach
How We’d Migrate Your Windows Workloads
We start with your server versions, licenses and dependencies, plan sign-in and network with your team and move servers in small tested groups.
Assess
Map Servers, Databases and Licenses We list every Windows server and SQL Server instance with its version, load and dependencies, and match it to your license position.
You receive Servers ranked by readiness, with license notes. The Windows Workloads Review covers this step.
Plan
Choose the Target for Each Server We help decide which servers move as they are, which upgrade and which databases go to a managed service, and plan Active Directory and network.
You receive A move plan with targets, license use and a cloud setup ready for Windows.
Implement
Move in Tested Groups We help move dependent servers together, test each group with its users and keep the old servers ready until the new ones run cleanly.
You receive Workloads moved, with a fallback at each step.
Govern
Set Patching and License Rules We help set patching, backups, access and license tracking for the moved servers.
You receive Patching, backup and license rules with named owners.
Optimize and Manage
Right-Size and Upgrade Where ongoing support is agreed, we resize servers, plan version upgrades and report on cost and patching.
You receive Windows workload reports on an agreed schedule.
Want to understand how we deliver? Explore our Technology Delivery Methodology
Services
Services to Plan, Implement and Support Your Environment
The services behind the approach. Engagements include only what you need.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your goals and we will recommend the right mix of services for your business.
How It All Works Together
How Windows Workloads Run After the Move
Windows servers and databases run inside a prepared cloud foundation. Active Directory reaches them in the cloud, and a planned network link connects them to your offices.
One Windows Workload Standard
- Supported versions, license rules, patching, backups and sizing, agreed with your infrastructure lead and finance.
- Reviewed at each Microsoft agreement renewal and each year.
Check Your Servers
Active Directory
Sign-in and policy available in the cloud as well as the office.
Signs in
Windows Servers
Application servers on supported versions, sized from measured use.
Connect to
SQL Server Databases
Databases on virtual machines (cloud servers) or a managed service, with backups.
Serve
Users and Offices
Staff reach applications over a planned network link.
Patching, license and usage reports update sizing and the workload standard
A Version Nears End of Support
A Windows Server or SQL Server version is close to its support end date.
Owner alerted
An Upgrade Is Scheduled
The server is upgraded or replaced before security updates stop.
Works With What You Have
- Reuses eligible Microsoft licenses where the terms allow.
- Keeps applications on their current versions where an upgrade is not yet safe.
Security and Governance
- Admin access limited to named staff.
- Patching and backups on a fixed schedule.
- Old trusts and service accounts removed.
What Is Covered
- Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure or AWS.
- Active Directory, network links, licenses and backups.
Solutions
Solutions That Support Your Business Objectives
The solutions that address the gaps above.
Identity and Access Management
For sign-in: Active Directory in the cloud.
Data Protection and Cyber Recovery
For backups: tested restores for servers and databases.
Technologies
Tools Behind a Windows Server Move
Each part below covers one job in moving and running Windows workloads in the cloud, from the standard to the cost report. If a tool you already pay for covers a part, we use it first.
Your First Step
Start with a Windows Workloads Review
We look at your Windows Server and SQL Server versions, licenses and dependencies, and show the cloud option that fits each workload. Nothing is changed during the review. You get servers ranked by readiness, license reuse options for Azure and AWS and a first view of running costs. The findings are yours to keep.
Book a Windows Workloads Review
- We walk you through the findings on a call.
- Then it’s your decision, with no obligation to go further.
Scope
- Windows Server and SQL Server estate
- Licenses, versions and dependencies
You Provide
- A server list or discovery tool access
- Your Microsoft licensing summary
- Time with your infrastructure lead
You Receive
- Workloads ranked by readiness to move
- License reuse options for AWS and Azure
- A first view of cloud running costs
Cost and Timing
- No charge, with a fixed scope
- Timing depends on the number of servers and databases involved, so talk to us
Keep Reading
Explore Insights and Resources
FAQs
Windows Server Migration: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Windows Server migration to the cloud?
It moves Windows servers, the SQL Server databases on them and the Active Directory sign-in they depend on from your own hardware to a cloud provider such as Azure or AWS. Applications keep running, on supported versions where possible.
Can we use our existing Windows Server licenses in Azure?
Yes, if they qualify. Microsoft’s Azure Hybrid Benefit guide requires Windows Server core licenses with active Software Assurance or qualifying subscription licenses, with at least 8 core licenses for each virtual machine.
What happens when Software Assurance ends?
Servers using Azure Hybrid Benefit can run with it only during the Software Assurance or subscription term. At the end you renew, switch the server to pay-as-you-go pricing or remove it, so track the end date.
Can existing licenses be used on AWS?
Some can, and the rules differ by product. SQL Server licenses with active Software Assurance can move to AWS under Microsoft’s License Mobility rules. Windows Server is not covered by License Mobility; AWS allows Windows Server licenses bought before October 1, 2019 only on dedicated hosts. The review checks each license against your agreement before any cost estimate.
What happens to Windows Server 2012 now that security updates have ended?
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates overview lists October 13, 2026 as the end date for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, and Microsoft no longer provides updates for them. Servers still on these versions need an upgrade or replacement.
Can old servers be upgraded straight to Windows Server 2025?
Microsoft notes that from Windows Server 2025, an in-place upgrade (upgrading on the same server) of a server outside a cluster can jump up to four versions at a time, so Windows Server 2012 R2 can go directly to 2025. Test the applications on a copy before upgrading production.
Should we upgrade Windows Server during or after the move?
It depends on the application. Some move as they are and upgrade after the move. Others are rebuilt on a current version during the move. Testing each one decides which is safer.
Should SQL Server move to a virtual machine or a managed service?
A managed service, such as Azure SQL Managed Instance or Amazon RDS for SQL Server, takes care of patching and backups. Applications that need full control of the server suit a virtual machine. Each database is tested before the choice is made.
Can we combine SQL Server instances during the move?
Yes, where the databases are lightly used and their applications allow it. Fewer instances mean less patching and fewer licenses. Check versions, security and the times each database can go offline for maintenance before combining.
What happens to Active Directory?
Active Directory is extended into the cloud, through domain controllers there or a managed directory service, so moved servers keep signing in and getting policy. Old trusts and unused service accounts are removed along the way.
How do we find which servers depend on each other?
Run a dependency scan with the cloud provider’s discovery tools, then confirm the results with application owners. Servers that talk to each other move in the same group.
Do file shares move too?
Yes. File shares can move to cloud file services or to Windows file servers in the cloud. Permissions and drive mappings (the drive letters users see) are checked so users find their files in the same place.
How do we keep cloud costs under control after the move?
Size servers from measured use, apply eligible licenses, switch off test servers out of hours and review the bill each month. Our Cloud Cost Optimization and FinOps solution covers this in detail.
Should we choose Azure or AWS for Windows workloads?
Both run Windows Server and SQL Server. The choice depends on your license position, existing cloud use, skills and the services each application needs. The review compares both for your servers.
Who manages the servers after they move?
Your infrastructure team runs them day to day, using the written steps and handover sessions from the project. Where ongoing support is agreed, Signisys can help with patching, backups and right-sizing.
How is this different from migrating legacy applications?
This page covers Windows Server and SQL Server, where versions, licenses and Active Directory shape the plan. Our Migrate Legacy Applications to the Cloud use case covers older applications on any platform.
Which platforms do you work with?
We work with Microsoft and AWS as a Technology Partner, moving Windows Server and SQL Server workloads to Azure and AWS.
What happens in the Windows Workloads Review, and what does it need?
The Windows Workloads Review looks at your Windows Server and SQL Server versions, licenses and dependencies, and ranks the servers by readiness to move. It needs a server list or discovery tool access, your Microsoft licensing summary and time with your infrastructure lead. We walk you through the findings on a call. Signisys is based in Noida and works with businesses in Delhi NCR and across India; book through this page or call +91 7669 966 966. A Signisys specialist responds within 1 business day, and there is no obligation to go further.
Discuss a Project
Move Windows Workloads
A free review checks your Windows and SQL Server versions, licenses and dependencies, and ranks what to move first.
What happens next?
- We Get in TouchA technology specialist contacts you within 1 business day.
- We Understand Your NeedsWe arrange a 60-minute discovery session to understand your requirements.
- We Assess Your EnvironmentWe evaluate your needs, identify opportunities and recommend the right approach.
- We Define the Way ForwardWe present a tailored proposal with clear scope, deliverables and expected outcomes.
Existing Clients
Already Working with Signisys?
For questions about an ongoing engagement, contact your Signisys account team, or reach us directly by phone or email.
What happens next?
- We Acknowledge Your RequestYour account team responds within 1 business day.
- We Establish OwnershipWe understand your requirement and connect you with the right team.
- We Work on Your RequestThe relevant specialist coordinates with you to address your requirement.
- We Ensure ClosureWe follow through, confirm resolution and keep you informed.
Call Us
+91 7669 966 966Email Us
connect@signisys.comResponse within 1 business day
Visit or Write
Contact PageOffice address and message form
Careers
Build Your Future with Signisys
Explore meaningful opportunities, work on diverse technology challenges, and grow alongside people who are passionate about making a difference.
Open Positions
Explore OpportunitiesDiscover roles across technology, consulting, engineering and business.
Life at Signisys
Our People & CultureGet to know our culture, how we collaborate and how our teams grow.
Benefits
Benefits & WellbeingExplore the benefits, flexibility and support we offer our people.