How can I tell if I have Windows 2012 R2 (vs the 'R1' original release')?

Solution 1:

Drop into a command prompt and issue either of the following commands;

systeminfo | findstr OS

Or

winver

You can then use this table to determine the version;

Operating System Version

Which shows:

Operating system            Version number
Windows 8.1                 6.3*
Windows Server 2012 R2      6.3*
Windows 8                   6.2
Windows Server 2012         6.2
Windows 7                   6.1
Windows Server 2008 R2      6.1
Windows Server 2008         6.0
Windows Vista               6.0
Windows Server 2003 R2      5.2
Windows Server 2003         5.2
Windows XP 64-Bit Edition   5.2
Windows XP                  5.1
Windows 2000                5.0

Based on your comment, it would appear you're running Windows Server 2012 as opposed to Windows Server 2012 R2

Solution 2:

If you have the GUI installed an instant visual clue will be the absence (Server 2012) or presence (Server 2012 R2) of an actual Start button on the taskbar.

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Solution 3:

In GUI it's easy to check the version: Control Panel > System and Security > System