In place upgrade Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2012 R2 with Hyper-V

Fresh install. At least your VM would still be there, but you should probably export it so you can easily import it again. :-( Why are you looking to switch?

I have a Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 host which I'd like to upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2 with Hyper-V

Do you have 2012 plain and wanted to upgrade to 2012 R2 or what?
This is doable.

OR

Do you want to install 2012 R2 hyper-v edition (Free)?
In that case fresh install is the only option

IMHO, even if a direct update/upgrade is possible, the risk that "Murphy's Law" rears its implication when most unwanted and  unexpected should encourage any to handle transitions in a methodical way that allows for a way back should anything go wrong. reinstalling on the same system Is the same thing.  If you have the option to install on a new platform, you should consider doing that.

It sounds as though the Hyper-V VMs are fine, but you have another task that would benefit from running on the host?

Sorry for the delay in responding but I've been away for long weekend.

kevinhsieh & Arnold  - I want to use the GUI and take advantage of additional features which I understand are not available with Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 e.g. Windows Server Backup.

Mahesh - I have Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 (free edition) installed and but now want to use Windows Server 2012 R2 with Hyper-V instead.

Hyper-v (free) has an option to install windows backup. And has a mechanism.  Setting up a fully functional server with hyper-v role solely seemingly for convenience of invoking the various tools means you would be sacrificing the additional resources that would have been available to the VMs.


Ocsetup, oclist
Wbadmin

Arnold - yes I'd rather keep the host resource requirements to a minimum and stay with Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 if possible.

Could you give me a steer on how to install/access Windows Server Backup please?

Thanks
Ross