Installing Microsoft SQL Server on Windows Server 2012R2 with required patches (KB291355) fails to install

When you are attempting to install Microsoft SQL Server onto a Windows Server 2012 R2 system, the MS SQL install fails, stating that a required patch is needed.

That patch is KB291355, and will not install by itself.

This has caused headaches for many users, and below you will find the step by step instructions to make your life easier.

Products Effected:
Mircosoft SQL Server 2012

Mircosoft SQL Server 2014

Mircosoft SQL Server 2016

Environment:
Windows Server 2012 R2 (I know right, but companies are still using this, even in 2019).

Problem:
Mircosoft SQL Server installer requires .net 4.6. For Windows server 2012 R2, to install .NET 4.6, it is required to have cumulative update KB2919355 installed first. In order to install the Windows update KB2919355, KB2919442 needs to be installed first.

The Fix:
1) Install KB2919442. The update install can be downloaded from Microsoft here: KB2919442. This link states that the update is for Windows 8.1 but this is also be applied to Windows Server 2012 R2.

2) Install KB2919355 (in the right order). The update install can be downloaded from KB2919355. Download all of the listed files. This link provides instructions on applying the update.
a) Click the download button and select the installers to download
b) Run/install the files in the following order:

  1. clearcompressionflag.exe
  2. KB2919355
  3. KB2932046
  4. KB2959977
  5. KB2937592
  6. KB2938439
  7. and KB2934018.

    Note:
    KB2919442 is a prerequisite for Windows Server 2012 R2 Update and should be installed before attempting to install KB2919355