From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Windows Server
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Source model |
|
| Initial release | July 27, 1993; 31 years ago |
| Latest preview | vNext (10.0.26280) / September 6, 2024; 7 months ago[1] |
| Update method |
|
| Default user interface |
|
| License | Trialware, SaaS, or volume licensing |
| Official website | www |
Windows Server (formerly Windows NT Server) is a brand name for server-oriented releases of the Windows NT operating system (OS) that have been developed by Microsoft since 1993. The first release under this brand name is Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server, an edition of Windows NT 3.1. With the release of Windows Server 2003, Microsoft started releasing new versions under the name Windows Server. The latest release of Windows NT under the Windows Server brand is Windows Server 2025.[2]
Microsoft’s history of developing operating systems for servers goes back to Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server. Windows 2000 Server is the first release to include Active Directory, DNS Server, DHCP Server, and Group Policy.
History
Windows NT Server 3.x
Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server was released on July 27, 1993[citation needed] as an edition of Windows NT 3.1, an operating system aimed towards business and server use. As with its Workstation counterpart, Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server was a 32 bit rewrite of the Windows kernel that retained a similar use interface to Windows 3.1. Unlike the latter, however, Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server was a complete operating system that did not need to be run from DOS. Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server, like its Workstation counterpart, featured new features such as multiuser support and preemptive multitasking.[3]
In 1994, Microsoft released Windows NT Server 3.5. It introduced TCP/IP and Winsock support integrated into the operating system, alongside the ability to use FTP. It also supported VFAT.[citation needed]
In 1995, Microsoft released Windows NT Server 3.51, an update to Windows NT Server 3.5, which added NTFS compression and support for the PowerPC architecture.[citation needed]
Windows NT Server 4.0
In 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT Server 4.0. It added the new user interface introduced in Windows 95 the previous year. In addition, it dropped support for the PowerPC, Alpha, and MIPS architectures. Microsoft updated Winsock to version 2 and IIS 2.0 and FrontPage are included.[citation needed]
Windows 2000 Server
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 is based on a modified version of Windows XP.
Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 is based on Windows Vista SP1, while Windows Server 2008 R2 is based on Windows 7.
Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 is based on Windows 8, while Windows Server 2012 R2 is based on Windows 8.1.
Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022
These versions of Windows Server are all based on Windows 10. Windows Server 2016 is based on Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2019 is based on Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2022 is based on a modified version of Windows 10, version 21H2.
Windows Server 2025
This version of Windows Server is based on Windows 11. Windows Server 2025 is based on Windows 11, version 24H2.[4]
Members
Main releases
Main releases include:
- Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server (July 27, 1993)
- Windows NT Server 3.5 (September 21, 1994)
- Windows NT Server 3.51 (May 30, 1995)
- Windows NT 4.0 Server (August 24, 1996)
- Windows 2000 Server (December 15, 1999)
- Windows Server 2003 (April 24, 2003)[5]
- Windows Server 2003 R2 (December 6, 2005)[6]
- Windows Server 2008 (February 27, 2008)[7]
- Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 22, 2009)[8]
- Windows Server 2012 (September 4, 2012)[9]
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (October 17, 2013)[10]
- Windows Server 2016 (October 12, 2016)[11]
- Windows Server 2019 (October 2, 2018)[12]
- Windows Server 2022 (August 18, 2021)[13]
- Windows Server 2025 (November 1, 2024)[14]
Traditionally, Microsoft supports Windows Server for 10 years, with five years of mainstream support and an additional five years of extended support. These releases also offer a complete desktop experience. Starting with Windows Server 2008, Server Core and Nano Server configurations were made available to reduce the OS footprint.[15][16] Between 2015 and 2021, Microsoft referred to these releases as «long-term support» releases to set them apart from semi-annual releases (see below.)
For sixteen years, Microsoft released a major version of Windows Server every four years, with one minor version released two years after a major release. The minor versions had an «R2» suffix in their names. In October 2018, Microsoft broke this tradition with the release of Windows Server 2019, which would have been «Windows Server 2016 R2». Windows Server 2022 is also a minor upgrade over its predecessor.[17][18]
Branded releases
Certain editions of Windows Server have a customized name:
- Windows Storage Server (editions of Windows Server 2003 through 2016; editions of Windows Server IoT 2019 and its successors)[19][20][21]
- Windows HPC Server 2008
- Windows HPC Server 2008 R2
- Windows Home Server (an edition of Windows Server 2003)
- Windows Home Server 2011 (an edition of Windows Server 2008 R2)
- Hyper-V Server (a discontinued,[22] freeware edition of Windows Server 2008 through 2019)[23]
- Windows MultiPoint Server
- Windows Server Essentials[24][25]
- Windows Essential Business Server (discontinued)[26]
- Azure Stack HCI (an edition of Windows Server 2019 and later)[27]
Semi-Annual releases (discontinued)
Following the release of Windows Server 2016, Microsoft attempted to mirror the lifecycle of Windows 10 in the Windows Server family, releasing new versions twice a year which were supported for 18 months. These semi-annual versions were only available as part of Microsoft subscription services, including Software Assurance, Azure Marketplace, and Visual Studio subscriptions,[28] until their discontinuation in July 2021.[29][28]
The semi-annual releases do not include any desktop environments. Instead, they are restricted to the Nano Server configuration installed in a Docker container,[16][28] and the Server Core configuration, licensed only to serve as a container host.[16][28]
Semi-Annual releases include:[30]
- Windows Server, version 1709 (unsupported as of April 9, 2019; 6 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1803 (unsupported as of November 12, 2019; 5 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1809 (unsupported as of November 10, 2020; 4 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1903 (unsupported as of December 8, 2020; 4 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 1909 (unsupported as of May 11, 2021; 3 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 2004 (unsupported as of December 14, 2021; 3 years ago)
- Windows Server, version 20H2 (unsupported as of August 9, 2022; 2 years ago)[31][32][33][34]
Annual releases
The Annual Channel was first announced in July 2023, with the first version being released on September the same year. Unlike the Semi-Annual releases, each Annual Channel release would receive six months of extended support in addition to the 18 months of regular support. Annual releases are made available every twelve months, hence the name. Datacenter is the only edition available.
Annual releases include:[35]
- Windows Server, version 23H2
See also
- List of Microsoft Windows versions
- Microsoft Servers
- Linux range of use § Servers, mainframes and supercomputers
- NetWare
- Open Enterprise Server
References
- ^ «Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26280». Microsoft Tech Community. September 6, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
when reporting issues please refer to «VNext» rather than Windows Server 2025 which is currently in market.
- ^ «Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility». Microsoft Windows Server Blog. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- ^ «30 years of Windows Server». TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
- ^ Woolsey, Jeff. «Introducing Windows Server 2025! — Microsoft Tech Community». Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ «Windows Server 2003 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. March 8, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server 2003 R2 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. March 8, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server 2008 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ «Windows Server 2008 R2 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ «Windows Server 2012 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. January 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ «Windows Server 2012 R2 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ «Windows Server 2016 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ «Windows Server 2019 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server 2022 – Microsoft Lifecycle». Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ Woolsey, Jeff. «Introducing Windows Server 2025». Microsoft Tech Community Hub. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ «What is Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)? – Definition from WhatIs.com». SearchWindowsServer. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ a b c «Windows Server – Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) vs Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) – Thomas Maurer». Thomas Maurer. November 19, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ Sommergut, Wolfgang (August 24, 2021). «Windows Server 2022 released: Overview of new features». 4sysops. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021.
- ^ Foley, Mary Jo (August 20, 2021). «Microsoft’s Windows Server 2022 is rolling out to mainstream users». ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Storage Server Lifecycle (EOL)». EndOfLife.Software.
- ^ «Windows Server IoT 2019 for Storage». Microsoft.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows Server IoT 2022». Microsoft.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ Christensen, Elden (March 25, 2022). «Hyper-V in the 2022 Wave». Microsoft Tech Community. Self-published.
- ^ «Hyper-V Server». Search Product and Services Lifecycle Information. Microsoft. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Small Business Server 2008 Technical FAQ». Windows Server Essentials documentations. Microsoft. December 14, 2010 – via Microsoft Docs.
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (September 3, 2011). «Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials». Supersite for Windows. Penton Media. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
- ^ «Windows Essential Business Server». TechNet Archive. Microsoft. February 7, 2012 – via Microsoft Docs.
- ^ «Deploy the Azure Stack HCI operating system». Azure Docs. Microsoft. October 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c d «Windows Server servicing channels». Windows Server Library. Microsoft. July 5, 2022. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022.
- ^ «Microsoft to retire semi-annual Windows Server updates, will move entirely to LTSC releases». Neowin. July 28, 2021.
- ^ «Windows Server». Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel. Microsoft. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ «Windows message center: Windows Server, version 20H2 has reached end of servicing». August 9, 2022. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows Server release information». docs.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows Server, version 20H2». docs.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ Popa, Bogdan. «Microsoft Retires Windows Server Version 20H2». news.softpedia.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
- ^ «Windows Server». Windows Server Annual Channel. Microsoft. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
External links
- Official website
Помимо обычной Windows, которая стоит почти на всех домашних компьютерах, есть версия с названием Windows Server, которая используется для серверов. О ней и поговорим.
Windows Server — это целая линейка операционных систем, которые Microsoft специально создает для использования на серверах. Windows Server выпускается под этим названием с момента выпуска Windows Server 2003. Однако даже до этого были доступны серверные версии Windows, например, Windows NT 4.0 была доступна как для обычных домашних компьютеров, так и для серверов.
Обычно каждый выпуск Windows Server соответствует обычной пользовательской версии Windows. Например, Windows Server 2003 — это серверная версия Windows XP, Windows Server 2016 основана на Windows 10 Anniversary Update, а Windows Server 2019, основана на версии Windows 10 версии 1809.
С первого взгляда не поймешь, чем Windows Server отличается от обычных версий Windows — рабочий стол выглядит так же, есть значки и даже есть кнопка Пуск. Поскольку Windows Server и обычная версия имеют общую базу кода, многие вещи можно делать одинаково и там, и там, например, загружать и устанавливать программы, а многие основные функции включены в Windows Server. Однако в Windows Server не получится найти различные свистелки для пользователя — например Microsoft Store или браузер Edge. Скажем так — серверная версия Windows отлично подходит для корпоративных целей, когда компании нужно создать внутренний или внешний сервис, который будет решать конкретную бизнес задачу.
Давайте теперь про основные различия: первое, что Windows Server включает в себя, это специальное корпоративное программное обеспечение, которое называется Enterprise Management Software
С помощью него можно давать серверу различные роли, например:
- Роль Active Directory: это готовая роль, в которой сервер, сможет выступать как контроллер домена, и будет выполнять всю проверку подлинности учетных записей пользователей в компании.
- Роль DHCP и DNS Server: сервер может автоматически назначать IP-адреса всем устройствам в сети, и резолвить адреса.
- Быть файловым хранилищем: хранить важные файлы и устанавливать порядок доступа к ним.
- Службы печати: позволяет обеспечивать общий доступ к принтерам и сканнерам.
- Службы обновления Windows: можно направлять все обновления рабочей станции через этот сервер и настраивать определенные правила их работы.
- Веб сервер: позволяет поднимать на этом сервере сервисы, которые будут доступны для других пользователей через web-доступ.
И это лишь малая часть возможных ролей в Windows Server. Очень часто кампании имеют больше одного сервера, и конечно же разделяют разные роли между ними.
Еще одним важным отличие серверной Windows от пользовательской, это меньшее количество аппаратных ограничений. Например, Windows 10 позволяет юзерам устанавливать 2 ТБ оперативной памяти, что кажется и так очень много, но Windows Server предоставляет до 24 ТБ ОЗУ, потому что компаниям нужны большие мощности. Представь сервер, на котором крутятся десятки виртуальных машин! Конечно ему потребуется много оперативной памяти. А еще Windows Server может обрабатывать больше ядер и процессоров, так как имеет 64 сокета.
Помнишь мы сказали, что Windows Server выглядит так же как обычный Windows? Да, но серверная Windows может вообще работать без графической оболочки! Windows Server можно установить двух формах — Server Core или Desktop Experience.
Если вы отдадите предпочтение Windows Server Core без графического интерфейса, то будете наслаждаться управлением сервером через командную строку PowerShell, или сможете накатить инструмент с графическим интерфейсом, например RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) или Windows Admin Center. Не подумайте, это не мазохизм — это позволяет снизить нагрузку на сервер убрав “тяжелый” интерфейс. А еще многим администраторам, зачастую, удобнее работать с конмадной строке.
Что выбрать под мой сервак, спросишь ты? Linux или Windows? Зависит от цели: Linux экономичнее и по деньгам, и по ресурсам, но если ты работаешь с инфраструктурой Microsoft, то тут нужно определенно выбирать Windows Server.
If you’re a regular computer user, you may have only come across the consumer-facing editions of Windows. But did you know that Microsoft also publishes an entire Windows Server line of its operating system?
Let’s take a look at the differences between Windows Server and regular Windows. We’ll see what Windows Server includes, what it leaves out, and why it’s so different.
What Is Windows Server?
In case you’ve never heard of Windows Server, we’ll first explain what it is. Essentially, Windows Server is a line of operating systems that Microsoft specifically creates for use on a server. Servers are extremely powerful machines that are designed to run constantly and provide resources for other computers. This means in almost all cases, Windows Server is only used in business settings.
Microsoft has published Windows Server under this name since Windows Server 2003 launched in April 2003. However, even before this, server versions of Windows were available. For instance, Windows NT 4.0 was available in both workstation (for general use) and server flavors.
In almost all cases, normal users don’t need to worry about Windows Server. You won’t find it on the shelf in stores or accidentally download it from Microsoft when you mean to get the standard version of Windows. But it’s still interesting to learn about so you’re aware.
Windows Server vs. Regular Windows: The Basics
With just a quick glance, you might have trouble telling the difference between Windows Server and normal versions of Windows. The desktop looks the same, including the taskbar, desktop icons, and Start button.
As it turns out, every Windows Server release corresponds to a consumer version of Windows. Windows Server 2003, for instance, is the server version of Windows XP. Current versions include Windows Server 2016, which is based on the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, and Windows Server 2019, based on version 1809 of Windows 10.
Because Windows Server and Windows share a code base, you can perform many of the same functions on both. You can download and install programs like browsers and photo editors on Windows Server, and many Windows basics like Notepad are included in Windows Server.
However, Windows Server and Windows Pro/Home have more differences than similarities. Let’s review some of them.
Windows Server Includes Enterprise Management Software
Because Windows Server is intended for businesses, it includes plenty of enterprise software. Below are a few roles that a server can perform thanks to these tools:
- Active Directory: Active Directory is a user management service that allows a server to act as a domain controller. Instead of each user logging into a local computer, the domain controller handles all user account authentication. See our explanation of Windows domains for more on this.
- DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a protocol that lets a server automatically assign IP addresses to all devices on the network. At home, your router probably handles this. But in a business setting, IT staff can take advantage of the greater DHCP functionality in Windows Server.
- File and Storage: Having a file server for your company is another common use. This allows you to keep important data in a central location and set permissions to control who can access which files.
- Print Services: If a business has dozens of printers across the building, it’s a waste of time for IT staff to configure them individually for each new workstation. Setting up a print server allows you to easily map printers to computers and reduce redundant work.
- Windows Update Services: Often, businesses don’t want all Windows updates to come through right away. By setting up a server as a Windows Update controller, you can route all workstation updates through that server and configure specific rules for how they should work.
These are only a few of the server roles Windows Server can handle. Often, a company will have more than one server and split the above roles across multiple devices.
Standard copies of Windows don’t include these capabilities out of the box. You can install some third-party tools to replicate some of this functionality, but it won’t be as robust.
Windows Server Has Fewer Hardware Limitations
Most people don’t worry about the maximum amount of RAM they can put in their computer. A 64-bit installation of Windows 10 Pro allows you to install up to a huge 2TB of RAM. However, the majority of users don’t have more than 32GB of RAM in their systems, so even installing 1TB of RAM is far out of the question.
Knowing this, can you believe that Windows Server supports up to 24TB of RAM? It also allows you to use up to 64 CPU sockets, which is much greater than the two sockets that Windows 10 Pro supports.
This might sound ridiculous, but there are good reasons for these high hardware caps. A server can power important functionality for hundreds of people in a business, so it often needs to be extremely powerful.
For instance, a server running dozens of virtual machines needs loads of RAM in order to keep them all running smoothly at the same time. This points out another important factor of Windows Server: it doesn’t always run on physical hardware. Some businesses purchase a few physical servers, then run many virtual machines (with Windows Server) on them to handle different functions, like those discussed above.
As you’d expect, Windows Server retains power user features like the Command Prompt and other administrative tools. However, Server editions of Windows strip out a lot of the quality-of-life features that Windows 10 includes.
For example, in Windows Server 2016 and 2019, you won’t see the Microsoft Store, Cortana, and other new Windows 10 features. It doesn’t bundle in apps like Your Phone, and even on Windows Server 2019, you have to download Microsoft Edge separately.
Windows Server OSes also don’t let you log in with a Microsoft account. Because they’re designed for enterprise use, you don’t need these consumer-facing tools on a server OS.
Additionally, some apps check to see if you’re using Windows Server before you install them. In some cases, the app won’t work on a server version of Windows.
Windows Server is also much more locked down by default. It still uses Internet Explorer as the default browser, but the security settings are much more restrictive than usual. This makes sense, as having a server compromised would be catastrophic, compared to just one workstation.
Windows Server’s Pricing Differs
As you may expect from a business-oriented product, Windows Server doesn’t come cheap. It’s much more expensive than a consumer version of Windows, and comes in various flavors depending on your needs.
Microsoft’s Windows Server 2019 pricing page gives an idea of what you might pay for the server OS. Depending on how many people will access the server, you also need to pay for CALs (Client Access Licenses) to use the services legally.
Businesses historically installed Windows Server on a physical onsite server, which has much greater hardware capabilities than a workstation as mentioned above. However, you also have the option of running Windows Server in a cloud service like Microsoft Azure.
This allows you to offload the burden of maintaining a physical server to a cloud provider like Microsoft. In addition, this enables companies to spread the cost of upgrading out over a subscription instead of paying all at once for a new physical server. What works best depends on the specific organization’s needs.
Now You Understand Windows Server
In the end, though Windows Server and regular Windows share common code and look similar, they’re for totally different uses.
Consumer editions of Windows 10 are designed for maximum usability and don’t include software intended for enterprise use. Meanwhile, Windows Server isn’t concerned with looking pretty. Its purpose is to run many services reliably that enterprise users need.
These are far from the only Windows versions, either. For example, Microsoft offers Windows 10 Enterprise that includes more functionality than Windows 10 Pro.
We are all familiar with Microsoft Windows. Often referred to as Windows, it is the most popular operating system for desktop PCs. It is one of the most popular graphical operating systems developed by Microsoft. This OS allows storing files, playing video games, running various software, watching videos, and connecting to the internet. Windows Server is its specialized version of the popular operating system for server use, which we are going to discuss in this blog.
Microsoft released the first version of Windows, i.e., version 1.0, in November 1983. After that, the company released multiple versions, and the latest version of the popular operating system is Windows 11, released in October 2021.
Windows Server is yet another well-known product of Microsoft, but many individuals get confused between the two operating systems. Your desktop will appear the same with either of them. This is because they both share the same codebase. However, there are many differences between them.
Through this article, we shall introduce you to the popular Windows OS for servers, along with its history and key features. Also, we shall make you familiar with the differences between Windows Server and Windows.
So, let us get started!
Before we proceed to the actual definition of Windows Server, let us first understand what a server operating system is.
A
server operating system
is an OS that needs to be installed and used on a system that acts as a server. It is an advanced version of a standard operating system, and it provides services to multiple clients at the same time. It is a group of enterprise-level server operating systems that supports data storage and management of applications and communications.
Microsoft has been developing operating systems for servers since 2003, and Windows Server is the brand name for all those operating systems. The tech giant released the first server operating system — Server 2003 — in April 2003.
However, before it, Microsoft developed the Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server edition. Also, the company developed Windows 2000 Server edition, which was the first edition to incorporate DHCP Server, DNS Server, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
History
The history of Microsoft’s operating systems for servers started with the release of Windows NT. There were four versions of Windows NT, as follows:
- 3.1 Advanced Server
- 3.5 Server
- Server 3.51
- Server 4.0
After Windows NT, came Windows 2000. In 2003, with the release of Server 2003, Microsoft introduced the brand name for its range of operating systems for servers called, Windows Server.
-
Windows Server 2003
It is the first version of Microsoft’s server operating system that was released in April 2003. Also, it is a part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and successor or follow-up to Windows 2000. It included security improvements over its predecessor. Moreover, Microsoft introduced various server roles that allow administrators to assign a particular function to a server, such as a DNS server or domain controller.
-
Windows Server 2003 R2
R2 stands for Release 2. Instead of using the version number, Microsoft started using R2 for the second release of Server 2003. It is an improved version of Server 2003.
Some major features in this release are
Active Directory
Federation Services and Active Directory Application Mode. Moreover, it added improvements to file replication and data compression. This version also introduced Security Configuration Wizard, where administrators can change the server’s default security settings.
-
Windows Server 2008
In 2008, the company released Server 2008 with various new features, including failover clustering, Hyper-V virtualization software, server manager console, server core, disk management and file storage, and event viewer.
This version comes in four different editions, namely Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, and Web.
-
Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft introduced the second release of Server 2008 in 2009. In this version, Microsoft improved the Active Directory for managing user accounts with ease. They also upgraded Terminal Services functionality and named it Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
Moreover, this version incorporated new features, such as BranchCache and DirectAccess. Both these features intend to help users get their work done from remote locations.
-
Windows Server 2012
The year 2012 witnessed the release of Server 2012. This version primarily included cloud-related features to make it easy for organizations to run services in public or private clouds. In addition, this release saw a significant update to the storage infrastructure of the operating system and Hyper-V virtualization platform.
Other new features in this version were Hyper-V Replica, Hyper-V virtual switch, ReFS file system, and Storage Spaces. There were four different editions of this version, namely Essentials, Foundation, Standard, and Datacenter.
-
Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft introduced the second release of Server 2012 in 2013. This release witnessed updates to various existing features, such as storage, virtualization, networking, web services, and information security.
Some new notable features included in this version were:
-
- Desired State Configuration (DSC) to maintain consistency across all the machines of an organization and prevent configuration drift.
- Storage tiering to Storage Spaces moves frequently called data blocks to SSD and boosts performance.
- Work Folders enable users to replicate the company’s files to the server present in the data center and retrieve them on work and personal devices.
-
Windows Server 2016
Server 2016 is the seventh release of Microsoft’s server operating system. It included several new features, including Active Directory Federation Services, Windows Defender, Storage Services, Remote Desktop Services, Failover Clustering, and Web Application Proxy.
The company also introduced a new installation option called Nano Server. It is the minimal-footprint headless version of Windows Server. It does not have a graphical user interface, WoW64, and Windows Installer. Moreover, Nano Server intended to improve security by narrowing the attack vendor.
-
Windows Server 2019
Microsoft released Server 2019 in October 2018. There are three different editions of Server 2019; Essential, Standard, and Datacenter. The following are the new features introduced in this version:
-
-
Container services:
Support forKubernetes
and Tigera Calico for Windows.
-
Storage:
Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Migration Service, Storage Replica, and System Insights. -
Security:
Shielded Virtual Machines and improved Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). -
Administration:
Windows Admin Center, SetupDiag, and OpenSSH.
-
-
Windows Server 2022
It is the latest and major release of Microsoft’s server operating system. The company released Server 2022 in August 2021. It comes in four different editions, namely Standard, Datacenter, Essentials, and Azure Datacenter. Moreover, the features included in this version are Storage Migration Service, Storage Security and Performance, SMB Compression, Credential Guard and HVCI, and Azure hybrid capabilities.
How do Windows Server and Windows Differ?
Since the two operating systems share the same codebase, the desktop appears the same. You will have the same Start button, desktop icons, and taskbar. In addition, you can perform the same functions on both the operating systems since they both support installing various software programs.
Despite their similarities, there are a lot of differences between Windows and Windows Server. Let us discuss some of those most important differences below.
1. Enterprise Management Software
Windows Server is intended for businesses, and hence, it comes with a plethora of enterprise software. The following are the few services that the server OS can handle:
-
Active Directory:
Active Directory is a user management service. This service enables the server to act as a domain controller. The domain controller manages the authentication of all user accounts. -
DHCP:
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol that enables the server to automatically assignIP addresses
to all the devices over a network. Generally, the router manages this task at home. However, businesses and enterprises can leverage DHCP functionality in the server operating system to assign IP addresses.
-
File and Storage:
This service enables businesses to maintain their important files and documents in a centralized location. Moreover, they can control the access to data by setting permissions. -
Print Server:
If your organization has multiple printers, it becomes pretty tedious for the IT staff to configure each printer for a new workstation. The printer server enables the IT staff to map the printers to the desired computers and eliminates redundant work.
Windows Server supports a wide range of features, but these services do not come out of the box with Windows. You need to install third-party tools on Windows to enable services that the server operating system provides by default.
2. Fewer Hardware Limitations
On a 64-bit installation of Windows 10 Pro, you can install up to 2 TB of RAM. However, most users do not even have 32 GB of RAM in their systems. The most interesting thing about Windows Server is that it supports up to 24 TB of RAM. In addition, it allows you to use up to 64 CPU sockets. Comparatively, Windows 10 Pro supports only 2 CPU sockets.
It is essential for a server to have such high hardware capabilities because it provides services and functionalities to hundreds of virtual machines running over a network.
3. No GUI
Requirement
Windows 10 requires a graphical user interface that allows users to navigate the operating system. However, it is not the case with Windows Server. You can download the server OS in two forms, namely Server Core and Desktop Experience. Therefore, it entirely depends on you whether to use the GUI or not.
When you choose to use the server operating system without GUI, you can manage your device remotely through the command line using Windows PowerShell.
4. Connection Limit
With Windows 10, you get a connection limit of 20 devices. This connection limit is ideal for personal use and for small businesses. However, this limit is insufficient if you want to use this operating system for large-scale businesses. Therefore, you need to use Windows Server since it supports unlimited virtual connections.
5. Pricing
Since the server OS is predominantly used by enterprises and large-scale organizations, it is more expensive than Windows 10. The price of Windows Server varies depending upon the edition you choose. Server 2022, the latest and stable version, comes in three different editions, as follows:
- Datacenter: $6155
- Standard: $1069
- Essential: $501
On the other hand, Windows 10 comes in the following three editions:
- Home: $139
- Pro: $199.99
- Pro for Workstations: $309
Conclusion
Windows Server is Microsoft’s range of server operating systems. Though Windows and Windows Server share the same codebase, they have a lot of differences. Windows is ideal for home and small-scale businesses, while the server operating system works best for large-scale organizations. In addition, the server OS is not as appealing as Windows 10 or 11 but runs enterprise services efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Windows Server used for?
It is a collection of Microsoft’s server operating systems that run on servers and provide enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
2. Are Windows and Windows Server the same?
Windows and Windows Server share the same codebase. Although the desktop looks the same, the two operating systems have a lot of differences. The primary difference between them is that while Windows is ideal for personal use and small-scale businesses, the server operating system is best for large-scale organizations and enterprises.
3. What is the latest Windows Server operating system?
Server 2022 is the latest addition to the lineup of server operating systems. It was released in August 2021.
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What is a Windows Server?
Microsoft Windows Server is made up of highly capable machines. In April of 2003, Windows Server made its debut. Robust servers that support most IT businesses, apps, and services usually have it installed as the core. The server manages the operational group-related tasks on a network. Files from network-connected devices are sent, stored, arranged, and received by it.
Key Features of Windows Server
Windows Server is intended for applications in data centers and other high-performing computing conditions. Compared with alternative server operating systems, it provides greater efficiency and scalability. Furthermore, Windows Server offers some characteristics necessary for the operation of crucial programs and services.
Among the essential features of Windows Server are:
1. Active Directory
It is an essential component of Windows Server which organizes network resources and allows for unified user administration. It regulates user accessibility, implements security standards, and streamlines user administration.
In addition to facilitating collaborative management, Active Directory builds integrity between domains, uses replication to maximize availability, and connects with other Windows Server features such as Group Policy. In Windows Server deployments, it is the basis of managing networks and safety.
2. Group Policy
Group Policy is a Windows Server feature that enables admins to control computer and user configurations over the whole network effectively. Installing software, distributing updates, and configuring security options are done via Group Policy.
3. Hyper V
Microsoft Windows Server comes with an innovative virtualization technology called Hyper-V. Organizations can use it to run many operating systems concurrently on one physical server, maximize resource usage, and unite servers.
With capabilities like live migration and dynamic resource allocation, Hyper-V provides easy, scalable, and flexible virtual machine administration. It enables businesses to increase productivity, lower equipment expenses, and simplify their technological systems.
4. Remote Desktop Services
It encourages efficiency and cooperation by letting users interact via various devices from any location. Remote Desktop Services provides user authorization and uniform program deployment with strong security and consolidated management. For effective resource usage, it offers Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and session-based virtualization.
5. DNS
The DNS service converts reader-friendly domain titles, like www.instance.com, into IP addresses, like 193.0.3.1. Most devices linked to the internet utilize DNS, and Windows Server comes with a feature-rich DNS server that can be utilized to regulate domain name determination on a network.
6. PowerShell
It provides a flexible scripting language and command-line shell for server administration. PowerShell’s scripting features let admins work with various elements and automate complicated operations.
It guarantees safe usage of server facilities, provides both local and remote management, and interacts with other Windows Server functionality.
Best Practices to Monitor Windows Server Performance
Performance monitoring for Windows Servers encompasses many procedures that provide precise measurement of important parameters. The fundamental integrated features in Windows Server allow you to examine and resolve typical problems with the CPU, memory, hard drive, and other components.
Some best practices for monitoring to ensure your server is reliable and effective are:
Focus on Key Performance Metrics
When conducting a system-level analysis, ensure you have established baselines and metrics by looking at the system as a whole rather than focusing on a single metric or element at one point.
Consistency is Key
Leveraging automation and scheduling monitoring procedures, you can regularly monitor crucial elements, their metrics, and server outages.
Leverage Tools
Patch management is one of the many technologies that organizations can use to automate the most demanding tasks, such as keeping servers updated, looking for failed patches, and swiftly resolving problems.
Implement Security Monitoring
Keep a tab on security-related events, like system configuration modifications, file access, and login attempts. To quickly identify and address security threats, put intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions into practice.