The specific version number refers to the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) build of Microsoft SQL Server 2014 . This was the initial stable version of the product when it launched on April 1, 2014.

By storing frequently used tables in memory and compiling stored procedures natively into machine code, In-Memory OLTP can deliver dramatic performance improvements:

: Build 12.0.2000.8 is extremely outdated. If you are still running this RTM version, your server has missed over a decade of performance and security fixes.

Before moving to a newer major version of SQL Server, update your SQL Server 2014 instance to its final, most stable baseline. Download and install along with the latest security updates released up to July 2024. Step 2: Migrate to a Modern SQL Server Version

Are you planning an or a migration to a new server ?

Core database capabilities, basic reporting, and standard high-availability. Limited to 1 Socket / 4 Cores

Suitable for departmental or mid-tier applications, offering basic database, reporting, and analytics capabilities.

Before executing the setup interface for version 12.0.2000.8, ensure the host environment satisfies all hardware and software dependencies. Hardware Minimums

While this is the base release, it is highly recommended that users apply the latest Service Packs (SP3) and Cumulative Updates (CU) to ensure stability, security, and performance improvements, as the RTM version lacks later hotfixes. 2. Key Features and Enhancements in SQL Server 2014

For most paid editions of SQL Server 2014, the product key is often "pre-pidded," meaning it is embedded within the installation media ( DefaultSetup.ini ) and populates automatically during setup. If you are prompted for a key, it depends on the specific edition you are installing: :

The product key is stored, in an encoded binary format, in the Windows Registry. , as editing the registry incorrectly can cause system-wide issues. Navigate to the following registry path:

As this is the base RTM build, it lacks the subsequent performance improvements and T-SQL compatibility enhancements found in later Service Packs (SP1/SP2/SP3) and Cumulative Updates. For example, altering memory-optimized tables in this specific build requires dropping and recreating the table, as ALTER TABLE support for memory-optimized tables was significantly limited until later updates.

: For retail copies, check your original purchase confirmation email or the physical packaging. Management and Upgrades Create Primary Keys in SQL Server - Microsoft Learn

Note: As of May 2026, Microsoft offers modern, supported versions of SQL Server. Ensure your licensing complies with current Microsoft policies. 4. Installation and System Requirements (12.0.2000.8)