Is it possible to upgrade server 2012R2 to Server 2016 by using a mounted ISO

EditingLeader88
EditingLeader88 used Ask the Experts™
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We would like to try upgrading one of our servers at a remote site (in another state) to server 2016.  The server is a new build of Server 2012R2 so it doesn't currently have any roles or features installed making it a good candidate for an upgrade.  Is it possible to upgrade the server using a mounted ISO of Server 2016 since they do not have any installation media at their site?  I am sure the installation would kick off but I am concerned that it would hang when it rebooted.
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Chris NienaberSCCMCanuck

Commented:
i wouldnt be worried about this at all, i do this all the time with client upgrades:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/get-started/supported-upgrade-paths
Chris NienaberSCCMCanuck

Commented:
just as an fyi...as much as Microsoft has come a long way with their in-place upgrade technologies, i would never do an inplace upgrade of server OS unless i absolutely had to. A Server OS is something you want to run optimally. Just personal preference. The fact that your example does not have many roles and features installed makes it an ideal candidate for a clean install as well :p
McKnife
Distinguished Expert 2018

Commented:
I can only agree with all that's been written.
SCCMCanuck
Commented:
One last thing id like to point out, you had mentioned the following in your original post:

"I am sure the installation would kick off but I am concerned that it would hang when it rebooted"

If setup is run it should copy the setup files to the local disk as part of its staging process so the machine being upgraded is not likely to freeze when it reboots due to 'media' not being available.
McKnife
Distinguished Expert 2018
Commented:
"it should copy the setup files to the local disk" - it does, definitely.

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