Leaked beta build screenshots of Microsoft Server 2012 showcase what could have been

Microsoft Server 2012, released in 2012, represented an important advancement in server operating systems. It included enhanced management capabilities, improved virtualization features, and expanded scalability.

The operating system reached its end-of-life cycle on October 10, 2023, so currently, there are no free updates, bug fixes, or technical support for it.

Recently, PhantomOcean3, a trusted source for Windows news and new developments, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter):

He shared the screenshots, showing us what Windows Server 2012 could have been. Let’s examine each one and see what it tells us.

The first one shows the About Windows dialog box for Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter, which seems to be a pre-release operating system version and is based on Windows Server 2008.

This one looks a lot like Windows 8, with a minimalistic design and Start apps in tiles. It features metro UI elements, and a desktop tile on the Start screen shows that you can switch to the Desktop with a single click.

This screenshot shows how the Control Panel would have a new, improved look and could have become a swift tool with an intuitive interface and easy navigation to control system settings.

Aren’t these looking ahead of their time? Especially in 2012, who could have thought Microsoft was testing these cool design elements?

If you think these screenshots are too good to be true and can’t believe their existence, PhantomOcean3 also mentioned that you can go to  Archive.org and download the Microsoft 2012 beta build; try it yourself.

A while ago, he also spotted Windows 11 Notepad getting its own spell-check feature, which Microsoft confirmed when it announced that it was being rolled out to Windows Insiders in Beta and Release Preview Channels on March 21, 2024.

Would you like to try Windows Server 2012 build 8019? Share your thoughts with our readers in the comments section below.