Server 2012 R2 guest on an ESXi 5.1.0 host

[msaetta]

Hello,

I just built a new domain controller running on Server 2012R2. I know that this version is support on ESXi 5.1.0, but I was concerned because 2012 R2 was not available in the drop down list when I created the VM, so I just used 2012. Is this OK? Should I worry about any of the drivers or other software in the VMware Tools install?

Thanks!

[DavoudTeimouri]

What's ESXi build number?
May be, you have to update your ESXi.

[nkrishnan]

Currently released ESXi5.1 update02 support upto Windows 2012 and no support for 2012R2. But i have seen its working perfectly fine and VM tools get installed. But hopefully upcoming version of ESXi 5.1 will support windows 2012R2 and please upgrade once its released to continue the support.

[MKguy]

Objection.

The official VMware Guest OS support list shows that Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 are fully supported on ESXi 5.1 (even GA) and 5.0 U2 onwards.

See:

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=software&testConfig=16&produ...

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=software&testConfig=16&produ...

That there is no specific dropdown option for differentiating between 2012 and 2012 R2 is normal and not a problem, as explained in this KB article:

VMware KB: Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 guest operating system option is not available 

[admin]

Hello, There is no drop down for windows 2012 R2 , you have to use the windows 2012.The reason being both are actually 64 bot OS and we do not have a 32 bit.

You are OK and it should work good.

Thanks,
Avinash

[hannes1980]

Hello,

Has anyone verfied this? I'm using ESXi 5.1 hosts and I miss windows 2012R2 in the dropdown menue, too.

Best wishes,

Hannes

/edit: I just found out that users of ESXi 5.5 are facing the same issue. I guess you are right and one can choose 2012 for a 2012R2-Guest.

[MKguy]

It's not an issue.

As the KB article linked above explains, this is normal and supported as ESXi does not need to differentiate between a 2012 and 2012R2 Guest OS:

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2069889

A unique guest operating system option is not available for Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 (64-bit). Use the Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (64-bit) guest operating system option when installing Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2.

Notes:

    VMware products do not need to differentiate between these OS releases in a virtual machine.