8 Best-Selling Windows Server 2012 R2 Books Millions Love

Discover authoritative Windows Server 2012 R2 books written by leading experts including Matthew Hester, Mitch Tulloch, and Craig Zacker, all best-selling and widely trusted by IT professionals.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a field as vital as Windows Server 2012 R2. This platform remains a cornerstone for many IT environments, powering enterprise networks and demanding mastery from system administrators. These books have earned their place by providing practical, proven guidance that countless professionals have turned to for reliable solutions and certification success.

The authors behind these works bring decades of hands-on experience and deep expertise. Names like Matthew Hester, Mitch Tulloch, and Craig Zacker are synonymous with Windows Server knowledge. Their books don't just cover theory—they deliver actionable insights, real-world scenarios, and tools that seasoned pros and learners alike rely on to navigate complex server environments.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Windows Server 2012 R2 needs might consider creating a personalized Windows Server 2012 R2 book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you can focus exactly on the skills and topics that matter most for your goals.

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Administration Instant Reference offers fast, accurate answers tailored for the daily needs of IT professionals working with Windows Server 2012 R2. This book’s design emphasizes quick access to solutions, featuring thumb tabs, tables of contents, and clear headings that help you navigate complex administrative tasks with ease. Covering everything from server roles and user management to backup, recovery, and performance tuning, it serves as a handy companion for those managing Windows Server environments, addressing real challenges with practical, searchable content that supports efficient system administration.

Unlike most Windows Server books that focus heavily on theory, Matthew Hester and Chris Henley deliver a hands-on, instantly usable resource with this Instant Reference. The book zeroes in on practical solutions to everyday administrative challenges, guiding you through server roles, user management, directory replication, and backup procedures with clarity and speed. You’ll find quick-reference tables and navigational aids that make finding answers straightforward, especially when managing disk storage, folder security, and troubleshooting server performance. This book suits IT professionals and system administrators who need reliable, on-the-spot guidance for Windows Server 2012 tasks without wading through unnecessary detail.

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This book stands out in the Windows Server 2012 R2 field by focusing squarely on preparing IT professionals for Microsoft Exam 70-410. It offers a methodical approach to mastering server installation, configuration, and administration tasks critical for real-world environments. Its organization around exam objectives and inclusion of strategic scenarios provide you with a clear path to deepen your expertise in deploying server roles, managing Active Directory, and configuring Hyper-V. Designed for those ready to elevate their skills, it addresses the practical challenges faced in Windows Server 2012 R2 management with clarity and purpose.

Craig Zacker's extensive experience with Windows Server administration shines through in this guide tailored for IT professionals preparing for Microsoft Exam 70-410. The book zeroes in on crucial skills like installing and configuring servers, managing Active Directory, and deploying Hyper-V, all aligned with exam objectives that demand practical know-how rather than theory alone. You’ll find strategic scenarios that sharpen your decision-making, helping you grasp not just the how but the why behind configurations. This book suits those already familiar with server environments aiming to validate and deepen their expertise, though beginners may find the pace brisk without prior exposure.

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Best for tailored admin techniques
This AI-created book on Windows Server 2012 R2 administration is crafted based on your experience level and specific goals. You share which areas you want to focus on—whether it's Active Directory, PowerShell, or security—and the book is tailored to deliver exactly what you need. This personalized approach makes learning more efficient by concentrating on your interests and the real-world challenges you face as a system administrator.
2025·50-300 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Server Administration, Active Directory, Group Policy

This tailored book explores essential Windows Server 2012 R2 administration techniques refined through extensive practical experience. It examines core components like server roles, Active Directory, Group Policy, and PowerShell scripting, focusing on methods that align with your background and goals. By combining popular, validated knowledge with your specific interests, this personalized guide reveals how to manage and troubleshoot Windows Server environments effectively. The material covers deployment, configuration, maintenance, and security practices, helping you build confidence and skill in administering this critical platform. Through a tailored approach, the book matches your learning objectives and delivers a focused exploration of Windows Server management methods proven valuable by millions of IT professionals.

Tailored Guide
Server Management Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
J.C. Mackin, MCITP, MCSE, and MCT certified with over 10 years in Microsoft networks, brings his extensive consulting and training experience to this focused guide. His background as an IT consultant and author uniquely positions him to address the complexities of Windows Server 2012 R2 configurations. This book reflects his commitment to preparing professionals for the rigors of Microsoft certification exams while providing practical insights for enterprise environments.
2014·384 pages·Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Network Services, High Availability

J.C. Mackin, an IT consultant and trainer with over a decade of experience and multiple Microsoft certifications, crafted this book specifically for IT professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in Windows Server 2012 R2. You’ll find detailed guidance on configuring high availability, managing storage solutions, and implementing disaster recovery, all aligned with Microsoft Exam 70-412 objectives. The book challenges you with strategic scenarios that sharpen your decision-making in real enterprise environments. If you’re preparing for MCSA or MCSE certification and want to master advanced Windows Server infrastructure tasks, this book directs your focus precisely where it matters.

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Mitch Tulloch is a recognized authority in Windows administration and virtualization, honored twelve times as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his contributions to the global IT community. With a prolific output of articles and several dozen books, including the best-selling Windows 7 Resource Kit, Mitch brings his extensive experience to this training guide. His role as Senior Editor of WServerNews underlines his deep engagement with Windows Server technologies and cloud solutions, making this book a reliable and knowledgeable resource for mastering Windows Server 2012 R2.

Mitch Tulloch leverages decades of expertise in Windows administration to guide you through the complexities of deploying and managing Windows Server 2012 R2. This book drills into practical skills like server deployment, remote management, PowerShell usage, and Active Directory administration, all framed around real job roles. Chapters cover critical topics such as preparing servers, configuring network services, and advanced networking features, offering detailed exercises to sharpen your hands-on abilities. If you're aiming to build a solid foundation for Microsoft certification or to improve your daily sysadmin tasks, this guide delivers focused, applicable instruction without fluff.

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Best for infrastructure and security mastery
Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out: Services, Security, & Infrastructure, Volume 2 offers a meticulously organized resource tailored for professionals working with Windows Server 2012 R2. This book concentrates on core infrastructure components and security features, providing hundreds of solutions and troubleshooting tips to streamline management. Its detailed coverage of TCP/IP networking, Active Directory, Group Policy, and print services makes it indispensable for system administrators seeking to deepen their command of this platform. With its practical focus and extensive scope, it stands as a significant contribution to mastering Windows Server 2012 R2 environments.
2014·864 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server, Server Management, Networking

What started as a need to streamline complex Windows Server environments became William Stanek's comprehensive guide to Windows Server 2012 R2's infrastructure, services, and security. You’ll gain precise knowledge spanning TCP/IP networking, DHCP and DNS management, Active Directory architecture, Group Policy, and print services administration. Each chapter dives into practical management techniques, like deploying read-only domain controllers and handling site replication, offering you a reference that’s both detailed and approachable. If you manage or support Windows Server 2012 R2 systems, this book equips you with the tools to troubleshoot effectively and maintain robust network infrastructure.

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Best for rapid deployment plans
This AI-created book on Windows Server deployment is crafted based on your background and specific automation goals. By focusing on the areas you find most relevant, it offers a clear path through installing and automating Windows Server 2012 R2 tailored precisely to your experience level and interests. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary details while concentrating on practical deployment techniques that matter most to you. You'll get a custom resource designed to make your Windows Server setup more efficient and aligned with your objectives.
2025·50-300 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Server Deployment, Automation, PowerShell

This tailored book explores a step-by-step journey into deploying and automating Windows Server 2012 R2 environments with a focus on fast, efficient results. It examines core installation procedures, configuration nuances, and automation techniques designed to match your background and specific goals. By concentrating on your interests, it reveals practical approaches to streamline setup processes and integrate automation tools such as PowerShell and MDT, ensuring you grasp both foundational concepts and advanced deployment tactics. This personalized guide combines widely validated knowledge with your unique learning objectives, making complex procedures accessible and directly relevant to your needs.

Tailored Guide
Deployment Automation
3,000+ Books Created
Best for job-role specific administration
Orin Thomas is a respected consultant, Microsoft MVP for Consumer Security, and prolific author of Microsoft Press Training Kits focused on Windows Server. His role as series editor for Rapid Review and contributor to Windows IT Pro magazine underlines his deep expertise. This book reflects his commitment to equipping enterprise administrators with practical skills for managing Windows Server 2012 R2, providing you with a structured path to mastering core infrastructure tasks.

When Orin Thomas developed this guide, he drew from his extensive experience as a Microsoft MVP and contributor to Windows IT Pro magazine to focus on practical skills for administrators managing Windows Server 2012 R2 environments. You’ll find detailed lessons and exercises covering core infrastructure tasks such as Active Directory administration, Group Policy configuration, and network policy management, designed to build hands-on expertise at your own pace. The book is tailored for IT professionals preparing for Microsoft certification or those aiming to sharpen their job-role-specific abilities. While it’s thorough and technical, if you’re looking for a conceptual overview rather than operational mastery, this might not be your go-to.

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Greg Tomsho brings over 30 years of computer networking and cybersecurity experience as director at Yavapai College's Cisco Academy. His extensive industry certifications and hands-on teaching background shaped this guide, which aims to equip you with the skills necessary to install and configure Windows Server 2012 R2 effectively. Tomsho’s approach balances certification preparation with practical system management, making this book a reliable resource for IT professionals and students alike.
2014·656 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server, Server Management, Configuration

Greg Tomsho, leveraging over three decades of computer networking expertise and leadership in cybersecurity education, crafted this guide to address the practical challenges faced by IT professionals working with Windows Server 2012 R2. You’ll gain detailed knowledge of system installation and configuration, including managing Active Directory, Group Policy, and virtualization with Hyper-V, all aligned with the MCSE/MCSA certification objectives. The book’s structure, such as its chapter on TCP/IP and DNS configuration, offers clear, methodical instruction that benefits both certification candidates and IT practitioners seeking to deepen their operational skills with Windows Server environments. If you’re aiming to master Windows Server 2012 R2 administration with a focus on real-world application, this book fits the bill without unnecessary jargon or fluff.

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Best for infrastructure automation experts
This book offers an in-depth path to automating infrastructure deployment with Windows Server 2012 R2, combining the power of PowerShell and MDT 2013. It guides you from a completely fresh environment to a fully operational, production-quality setup using sample scripts and detailed instructions. Its focus on automation and repeatability addresses the core needs of modern data centers, making it a valuable resource for IT professionals seeking to build and manage Windows Server infrastructures efficiently.
2014·260 pages·Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server, Infrastructure, Automation, PowerShell

What started as a challenge to automate complex infrastructure deployment became a practical guide through the expertise of Johan Arwidmark and Mikael Nystrom. You learn how to build a complete, production-ready Windows Server 2012 R2 environment using PowerShell and MDT 2013 from the ground up, with detailed scripts and step-by-step instructions. This book walks you through core infrastructure installation and configuration, emphasizing automation and repeatability essential for modern data centers. If you're seeking to deepen your deployment skills with practical tools and clear examples, this book fits that need precisely, though it’s best suited for those already comfortable with Windows Server basics.

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Proven Windows Server 2012 R2 Methods Tailored

Get expert-backed Windows Server 2012 R2 strategies customized to your specific needs and goals.

Targeted learning focus
Practical server skills
Efficient knowledge gain

Trusted by thousands of IT professionals mastering Windows Server 2012 R2

Server Mastery Blueprint
90-Day Deployment Code
Infrastructure Foundations System
Success Secrets Formula

Conclusion

This collection highlights Windows Server 2012 R2 books that have stood the test of time through practical value and widespread adoption. They cover a spectrum from foundational installation skills to advanced infrastructure automation, reflecting the diverse needs of IT professionals managing these environments.

If you prefer proven methods, start with titles like "Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Administration Instant Reference" for hands-on solutions or "Exam Ref 70-410" for certification preparation. For validated approaches to automation and deployment, "Deployment Fundamentals, Volume 5" offers deep insights into scripting and infrastructure setup.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Windows Server 2012 R2 book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed navigating Windows Server 2012 R2 complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Administration Instant Reference" if you want quick, practical solutions. It’s designed for fast answers that help you manage daily tasks without getting bogged down in theory.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Windows Server 2012 R2?

Some books, like the Exam Ref series, assume familiarity with IT basics, but titles like Mitch Tulloch’s Training Guide provide hands-on instruction suitable for beginners building foundational skills.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with installation and configuration guides such as "Exam Ref 70-410," then progress to advanced topics like "Exam Ref 70-412" and infrastructure automation to deepen your expertise.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals: certification-focused readers might choose Exam Ref books, while sysadmins needing quick references should opt for the Instant Reference. It’s about matching the book to your needs.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out" offers detailed theory alongside practical tips, whereas "Deployment Fundamentals, Volume 5" emphasizes hands-on automation techniques with scripts and real-world examples.

How can I tailor these expert insights to my specific Windows Server 2012 R2 challenges?

While expert books provide solid foundations, personalized books can focus on your unique environment and goals, blending popular methods with your needs. Consider creating a personalized Windows Server 2012 R2 book for targeted learning.

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