How to automate your Microsoft Windows Server upgrades using AWS Systems Manager – Update
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This article explains how to automate Windows Server in-place upgrades on AWS EC2 instances using AWS Systems Manager Automation to address end-of-support deadlines.
- Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 reached end-of-support October 10, 2023; Windows Server 2016 support ends January 12, 2027
- Use AWS Systems Manager AWSEC2-CloneInstanceAndUpgradeWindows runbook to automate upgrades with minimal manual effort
- Prerequisites include SSM agent, TLS 1.2, 20GB free disk space, IAM role, and network connectivity to SSM endpoints
- Supports upgrade paths from Windows Server 2008 R2 through 2022 to newer versions up to 2025
- Does not support domain controllers, clusters, or instances with Remote Desktop roles installed
- Step-by-step process includes collecting instance details, executing automation, creating AMI, launching upgraded instance, and validating functionality
AWS Systems Manager automation provides a streamlined approach to upgrade Windows Server instances while minimizing downtime and manual intervention.
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