Microsoft CRM 2013 running on Windows Server 2012 R2 and SQL Server 2012 SP1, Office 2013 and Windows 8.1

I was able to install Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013 (version 6.0.0.809) on Windows Server 2012 R2 and SQL Server 2012 SP1 over the weekend using my latest test environment.  I was also able to setup the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 for Microsoft Office Outlook (CRM Outlook Client) on Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Office 2013.  I am planning to use this setup for my own personal testing purposes.

Please note: Per the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Implementation Guide as of this writing – Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 are not listed as supported.  So you know what I’d say:  For production rollout – only deploy Microsoft CRM on supported platforms!  Since Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 were just released – I can bet both will be added to the supported list very soon.

While I’m on the subject of supported platforms – Microsoft CRM 2013 is not supported on Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP (CRM Web/Outlook Client).  I think Windows XP has enjoyed a long and successful run, but after running Windows 7 and now Windows 8 for some time (I’d prefer running Windows 8.1 personally) – it is time for your primary PCs to run on Windows 7 or higher and for any touch enabled PCs to run on Windows 8.1!

For the Apple/Mac users out there.  You can access Microsoft CRM 2013 Web Client using Apple Safari.  As for accessing the Microsoft CRM Outlook Client – I would recommend using a Virtual Machine (VM) such as Parallels or VMware Fusion.  I’ve supported users running both VMs and both work great for Microsoft CRM.

And lastly, if you have complained about the Microsoft CRM Outlook Client offline performance in the past – check and ensure your PC is running Solid State Drives (SSD) – the performance improvement is simply amazing for the SSD price these days.

Contact me if you need help with your Microsoft CRM questions.

Frank Lee, Microsoft CRM MVP
Workopia – Microsoft Dynamics CRM Keeping it Simple!