Windows server версии по годам

Microsoft has been making client operating systems since 1985, when Windows 1.01 was first launched. However, the first server was not released till 1993 after the introduction of New Technology (NT). Since then, 14 different versions have been released (Windows Server 2022 is the latest version available at the time of writing this post).

Windows Servers are used for enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications. Using this group of operating systems, administrators can apply and implement policies while enhancing their network’s security infrastructure.

In this post, we will discuss the different Windows Server versions, what unique feature(s) they brought, and in what order they were released.

A common misunderstanding some people have is between the Server versions and their editions. The version of the server is either denoted by integers (this naming convention is no longer used) or suffixed with its corresponding year. For example, previously, Microsoft named a server version “Windows NT 3.5” or “Windows NT 4.0.” Now, they use “Windows Server 2003” or “Windows Server 2019.”

If you are confusing this with the Server editions, click on the link to read more about it.

Windows Server Timeline

The image below illustrates when a Windows Server version was initially released. You can then continue to read below to understand how each of these is different.

Картинка с сайта: www.itechtics.com

Windows Server History

The table below briefly describes the important aspects of each of the Windows Server versions along with some other useful information.

The table above briefly describes all the significant changes as well as the release details of individual Windows Server versions since Microsoft first launched the operating system back in 1993.

Let us now dig into the details of each version.

Windows Server NT Versions

Initially, Microsoft used the New Technology (NT) terminology when releasing Windows Server. Moreover, the first version ever to be released publicly wasn’t version 1, but it was 3.1.

Another thing to note is that the different editions of each version did not kick in until 2000, with Windows Server 2000. Before that, Servers were only offered as a single, standard edition.

Windows NT Server 3.1

Windows NT Server 3.1 was the first Server by Microsoft. This was an operating system with a 32-bit architecture that was released in 1993. This was released in 2 variants: one for Terminals and another for Servers.

The version for Servers is what evolved into the Server family which continues to date.

Windows NT Server 3.5

Microsoft then skipped directly to version 3.5. Since most networks ran Unix or Novell servers, Windows NT Server 3.5 allowed interconnectivity with these systems for convenient data transmission.

This was a major feature for the sustainability of NT Servers since they were relatively new to the market.

Windows NT Server 3.51

Windows NT Server 3.51 had the capabilities to manage computers running Windows 95 on the same network. Server 3.51 also supported the management of software licenses for client computers and update other Windows 95 machines over the network.

Windows NT Server 4.0

This Server version included a UI similar to Windows 94 and was released in 1996. This included the Internet Information Server (IIS) which was in direct competition with Apache HTTP Server.

Furthermore, Microsoft also added the Transaction Server and the Message Queue Server to improve the OS. In the end, Microsoft improved the connectivity to non-Windows systems and also created a bridge from 16-bit DOS applications so that they could interface with the 32-bit Desktop environment.

Rebranded Windows Server Versions

In 2000, Microsoft dropped the “NT” version naming convention and shifted to a year-based release name. For example, “Windows Server 2000” was released in the year 2000.

Windows Server 2000

Windows Server 2000 was a major milestone for Microsoft since many of the features are still in use today by modern versions of the Server.

Windows Server 2000 included support for XML, creation of Active Server Pages (ASP), and the use of Active Directory for user authentication. It also introduced the concept of tailored editions, which included the standard Windows Server, Microsoft released Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server.

Editions: Server, Advanced Server, Datacenter Server

Windows Server 2003

The major change in Server 2003 was the reduction of system reboot requirements after an event. Microsoft also enhanced the security features of the operating system, and this was the first time that the .NET environment was included with the Windows Server operating system.

It was also the first time a Server was able to assign server roles, enabling the operating system to be tailored to specific specialized tasks, such as a DNS server.

Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

Windows Server 2003 R2

This was Revision 2 (R2) of Windows Server 2003. This allowed users with valid licenses for Server 2003 to automatically upgrade to Server 2003 R2 without any additional costs.

This version mostly focused on enhancing the security of the OS as well as the network. It introduced Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) for user authentication. The purpose of this AD extension was to enable external services to be included in the “single sign-on” permissions managed within the network.

Another improvement to this version was the Active Directory Application Mode, which improved security by creating an “arm’s length” relationship with third-party applications – it did not trust the apps that well.

Furthermore, administrators were now able to apply and implement Group Policies on other users and computers using the Security Configuration Wizard.

Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

Windows Server 2008

Windows Server 2008 was the first Server OS to include a Hyper-V virtualization system, upon which users can implement Virtual Machines (VMs) and install operating systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Event Viewer and the Server Manager made it easier for the administrators to troubleshoot any issues and then manage their Servers more conveniently.

Not only that, but Microsoft went a step ahead and also introduced the Core version of Windows Server 2008, which was a command line-based OS with a bare minimum User Interface (UI).

Editions: Web, Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

Windows Server 2008 R2

This was the first Server to have a 64-bit architecture. Windows Server 2008 R2 made significant improvements to the Active Directory Group Policy implementation, with the inclusion of new policies. It also included Remote Desktop Services for the very first time on a Server OS.

Editions: Web, Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

Windows Server 2012

Windows Server 2012 included better features for off-site server integration. This was mainly done by Microsoft so it can be integrated with cloud servers and services. Furthermore, they also updated the storage system with this OS, which was mediated by Hyper-V itself.

Not only that, but the Hyper-V virtual switch and Hyper-V Replica were also introduced in Server 2012.

Editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

Windows Server 2012 R2

This revision to Server 2012 made further improvements to the cloud integration. It also included updates to Windows PowerShell. Virtualization and storage technologies were also overhauled and the Web services were enhanced.

Editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

Windows Server 2016

Server 2012 introduced the Nano Server – a minimal, lightweight server implementation to minimize the attack surface. An encryption system was also added for Hyper-V to secure the VMs.

Another milestone for Microsoft was the support for containers.

That said, at this point, Microsoft discontinued R2 versions of the Servers as they had shifted to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC).

Server 2016 also included the Network Controller. This enabled administrators to manage both physical as well as virtual network devices using a single console. However, this feature is only available in the Datacenter edition.

Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

Windows Server 2019

Previously known as Project Honolulu, Windows Admin Center was launched for the first time and is an integrated all-in-one console to manage your Active Directory. Integrated servers, machines, and users can also be managed using this one console only, along with services and server roles.

It also includes Hyperconvereged Infrastructure (HCI) capabilities which is a software that combines all of the basic data center elements, such as computing, storage, networking, and management, into a single software. This facility aims to obtain all the functions of a miniature data center without the additional hardware costs.

You can read more about other enhancements and improvements in our post for Server 2019.

Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of Server at the time of writing this post.

This includes Azure Arc, which is used to manage and govern on-prem servers within Microsoft Azure. Furthermore, it also includes support for hotpatching – which is installing updates without having to reboot the target PC.

Improvements to networking have also been improved by the inclusion of software-defined networking capabilities. Supports SMB over QUIC capability for safer communications. It’s designed for VPN replacement and relies on UDP and TLS 1.3 protocols for faster and safer communication.

You can read more about other enhancements and improvements in our post for Server 2022.

Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure edition

Windows Server 2025

Windows Server 2025 introduces features such as hotpatching, which allows for applying updates without restarting, and enhanced NVMe performance for better storage handling.

It also includes updates to Active Directory and SMB protocols, improving security and efficiency. It’s still in Public Preview and will be released soon. You can download Windows Server 2025 now.

Final Thoughts

Windows Server has come a long way since its debut in 1993. This has improved UI as well as many other functional improvements for manageability. Such improvements are the reason why Microsoft releases new versions every few years – so organizations can take advantage of the new features.

Each of these versions then had different variants, which are known as editions. You may click on the link to learn about the different editions and how they differ from one another. But it doesn’t end here.

The Datacenter and Standard editions also come with different variants – which are the Core and Desktop Experience variants.

To sum up, the complete name of a Windows Server operating system can be as such: Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Core Evaluation. This means that the version is Server 2022, the edition is Datacenter with the bare minimum UI (Core), and is the Evaluation edition and only valid for a total of 180 days since its installation.

Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server[]

1993–2000[]

Support ended on December 31, 2000.

Windows NT 3.5 Server[]

1994–2001[]

Support ended on December 31, 2001.

Windows NT 3.51 Server[]

1995–2001[]

Windows NT 4.0 Server[]

1996–2006[]

Server[]

1996–2004[]

Enterprise Edition[]

1997–2004[]

Terminal Server Edition[]

1998–2006[]

Extended support ended on December 31, 2004 (mainstream support ended on December 31, 2002) for all versions except Embedded.

Extended support for Embedded versions ended on July 11, 2006 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2003).

1999–2010[]

Extended support ended on July 13, 2010 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2005).

Windows Server 2003[]

2003–2015[]

Extended support ended on July 14, 2015 (mainstream support ended on July 13, 2011).

Windows Server 2003 R2[]

2005–2015[]

Windows Server 2008[]

2008–2020[]

On February 27, 2008, the Windows Server 2008 launched the RTM with Build Number as 6001. Mainstream support was ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support ended on January 14, 2020.

Windows Essential Business Server[]

2008–2010[]

Windows Essential Business Server was a version of Windows Server 2008 designed small size business operations, it was released to manufacturing on 15 September 2008 and was officially launched on 12 November 2008.

Windows Server 2008 R2[]

2009–2020[]

On October 22, 2009, Microsoft introduced Windows Server 2008 R2 alongside Windows 7.

Mainstream support end date and extended support end date is ditto on Windows Server 2008.

Windows Server 2012[]

2012–2023[]

Instead of using Segoe UI Semibold like in the Windows 8 logo, it’s using Segoe UI Semilight.

Mainstream support ended on October 9, 2018, and extended support ended on October 10, 2023.

Windows Server 2012 R2[]

2013–2023[]

The logo’s color was changed to dark blue.

Mainstream support ended on October 9, 2018, and extended support ended on October 10, 2023.

Windows Server 2016[]

2016–present[]

This logo has no differences to Server 2012 R2 except the change to 2016.

Mainstream support ended on January 11, 2022, and extended support will end on January 12, 2027.

Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel, versions 1709–20H2[]

2017–2022[]

This logo has no differences to Server 2012 R2.

Windows Server operating system releases under the Semi-Annual Channel are supported by Microsoft for 18 months. Microsoft targets two releases of Windows Server per year under this channel. These releases do not offer any GUI desktop environments, and include Server Core and Nano Server.

Windows Server 2019[]

2018–present[]

This logo has no differences to Server 2012 R2 and 2016 except the change to 2019. However, this logo was rarely officially used by Microsoft in advertising. The words «Windows Server 2019» appear in the Winver applet without the Windows logo.

Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2024, and extended support will end on January 9, 2029.

Windows Server 2022[]

2021–present[]

This logo has no differences to Server 2012 R2, 2016 and 2019 except the change to 2022. However, this logo was rarely officially used by Microsoft in advertising. Branding in the Winver applet was similar to Windows Server 2019, albeit saying 2022.

Mainstream support will end on October 13, 2026, and extended support will end on October 14, 2031.

Windows Server 2025[]

2024–present[]

As Windows Server 2025 is now based on Windows 11 interface, it no longer shares with the logo currently used with Windows 11 unlike its previous versions and used the generic Windows Server branding that was being in used since 2017. Branding in the Winver applet was similar to Windows Server 2019 and 2022 but without the version number and the registered trademark symbol (®) was replaced with the copyright symbol (©).

Mainstream support for Windows Server 2025 will end on October 13, 2029, and extended support will end on October 14, 2034.

If this is true, Windows Server It is one of Microsoft’s most popular services at present. If so, the distribution of this technology is being done by companies designed primarily for use in servers.

In this sense, as a multi-process and multi-tenant system, it offers many advantages to the companies that use it. Running multiple server functions and different OS on a single server, so how to reduce the amount of hardware necessary to support server workloads, and reduce There software and hardware installation.

Therefore, it is necessary to know everything about Windows Server. But first of all, its origin and development, as well as all the versions that currently exist, listing its main features.

You can also read: How to fix error 0x80073701: Windows Update Installation Error

What is Windows Server and what does Microsoft use it for?

First of all, it is worth knowing what this Microsoft tool is and why we call it a distribution from this company for use on servers. Basically, this means that it is a server operating system that allows your computer to perform network functionsIt is multi-threaded and multi-user as mentioned above.

It is worth mentioning that Windows Server was developed in the language of programming C++, which is used by billions of businesses worldwide due to its excellent features and benefits. Since this system can be used by all members of the company, it allows for centralized management and administration of files.

In addition, the Microsoft distribution in question supports the work of programmers and developers because allows for complete improvement operational productivity. Among other advantages, it has a very simple and flexible administration that allows for fast and efficient management.

Origins

As for the origins of this important tool, it should be noted that the first version was «Windows 2000 Server», which, as its name indicates, It was launched at the beginning of the new millenniumIn the year 2000.

Since then, it has been recognized as the ideal solution when it was not necessary to have a separate server for each task, since everything could be centralized on a single server thanks to this tool, which at the time could support up to four processors. Therefore, it was developed as a file, print and web server for different companies.

Evolution

As you know, Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows Server & Hosting over time and the latest version is 2019; Therefore, given the enormous importance of this Microsoft tool, it is valuable to take a brief look at its evolution from the first to the latest version.

Thus, over the years, it has become increasingly adapted to modern needs. In this sense, it is worth noting that the ease of management of each version has increased, making the work of developers and programmers very manageable.

In addition, performance in the latest versions has also increased, and from 2000 to 2021, the developer community has grown significantly, so there are more and more applications and systems that already run on this server operating system.

Timeline: All the Windows Server versions available so far

After the above description of the evolution of Windows Server, it is important to know each of the versions that this operating system has had since its beginnings. Therefore, below we list the main characteristics of each of them in chronological order:

Windows Server 2000

Release date: February 17, 2000

As we said before, the origins of this Microsoft tool date back to the early 2000s to be exact. Initially, it was just software designed to be implemented on web service servers.

Main Features:

• The tasks that Server 2000 can perform are: create user accounts, assign resources and permissions, act as web server, FTP server, print server, DNS (domain name resolution), and DHCP server.
• It is very easy to use with its clear interface. It also has a typed menu, and the time icons rarely work and disappear from the settings menu. It also had a search help based on HTML to perform specific searches on local devices and remote files.
• It had a powerful multilingual version, which allowed you to change languages ​​without restarting the device. Even if you have one app in Spanish and another in English, the software can work with both languages ​​simultaneously.
• Technology has been added which makes established networks much easier to use, install, manage and host.

Windows Server 2003

Publication date: April 24, 2003.

Three years after the first version of Windows Server, There is a second security extensionIt is based on NT technology and refers to version 5.2 of the NT kernel.

Main Features:

• The main server functions it performs are: web and web application server, file and print server, mail server, directory server, DN domain system, DHCP server, remote access server/virtual private network (VPN), server of streaming, etc.
• This version of Windows Server is considered one of the operating systems for Faster and safer servers. This is because it offers a high reliability, availability and scalability, in addition to protecting business information.
• It offers excellent value for money, especially when combined with other Microsoft products such as software and hardware, which allows you to get the most out of it to its investment in infrastructure.
• It is about providing tools that allow you to deploy, manage and operate your network infrastructure to obtain Best performance with flexible tools, automated tasks and much more.

Windows Server 2008

Publication date: February 04, 2008.

Five years after the 2003 release, a new version of Windows Server was released that had a lot in common with Windows VistaThis was mainly due to the fact that both systems used parts of Microsoft’s code. Given this, this version, due to its features, can radically change the way the operating system is used.

Main Features:

• Includes a new recovery process of NTFS which runs in the background and retrieves the corrupt files with great efficiency. It has also allowed concurrent user sessions, reducing latency in the Services of Bus Terminal.
• There have been many improvements in the overall performance of Windows Server virtualization. Now It is a transcendental technology in data centers.
• Windows Server 2008 optimized the platform for web applications and provided 30-40 times faster access to media servers.
• He did a great job of protection against the malware while loading the drivers into memory.
• This is the older version that had more numbers available:
  • Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition (x86 and x86-64).
  • Windows Server 2008 R2 All Editions (64-bit only).
  • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition (x86 and x86-64).
  • Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition (x86 and x86-64).
  • Windows HPC Server 2008 (replaces Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003).
  • Windows Web Server 2008 (x86 and x86-64).
  • Windows Storage Server 2008 (x86 and x86-64).
  • Windows Small Business Server 2008 (codenamed “Cougar”) (x86-64) for small businesses.
  • Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (codenamed «Center») (x86-64) for midsize businesses.
  • Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems.
  • Windows Server 2008 Foundation Server.

Windows Server 2008 R2

Publication date: November 12, 2008.

This version was released later as an enhanced version of Windows Server 2008 and is one of the most significant developments in the IT industry. Windows Server 2008 R2 is the first 64-bit operating system introduced by Microsoft.

It is worth noting that although development on the game ended on September 16 of that same year, it was not officially released until November 12.

Main Features:

• It is the server version of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system.
• One of the most noticeable improvements is the addition of several new virtualization features, such as live migration and cluster shared volumes.
• Includes lower energy consumption, new Active Directory features such as a container for remote AD objects, a new set of management tools, and a new version of ISS (7.5) that adds an enhanced FTP server.
• In this version of Windows Server, the number of processor cores has been increased from 64 to 256.
• Performance has improved noticeably in this release and has been a major area of ​​development. Microsoft has done a good job of reducing the Boot and improving I/O performance and storage.

Windows Essential Business Server

Publication date: September 16, 2008.

This is the version Designed for medium-sized businesses, thanks to its ideal features for easy management. Since it supports up to 300 users and/or devices. However, it was discontinued in 2010, on June 30th to be exact.

Main Features:

• It is characterized by Offer a single management console and Management through which all managed clients and servers can be monitored and followed.
• This service also includes Microsoft Remote Web Workplace. This is a web-based remote workstation that allows users to more easily access their devices when they are away from email, for example.
• It has a plug-and-play functionality allowing users to easily configure security-optimized remote access to their desktops.
• It is built on Windows Server 2008 code and It has two editions: Standard and Premium.

Windows Small Business Server

Publication date: 2011.

As the name suggests, this Microsoft operating system is designed for small businesses. For this reason, it provides them with specific solutions, such as the remote web workplace, and offers them significant advantages.

Main Features:

• Among the most obvious advantages are integrated configuration management, improving supervision and qualified remote access to access files from anywhere.
• It is also known as Windows SBS and is available in two versions, Windows SBS 2011 Essentials, and Windows SBS 2011 Standard. These are based on the 2 R2008 release.
• Provides automatic backup of company data and has very simple recovery functions. This way, you can protect yourself from the loss of business information.
• It has excellent business features with high quality and performance. With email functions, intranet, Internet access and print file sharing.
• Provides the tools you need to easily organize all your information.

Windows Server 2012

Available on September 04, 2012.

It is mainly about a server version of Windows 8 and of course the official successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. It should also be noted that the main goal was to gain subscribers.

Main Features:

• It has a feature called Active Directory Federation Services that allows you to configure AD FS to authenticate users stored outside of AD.
• Provides Windows Server Antimalware, which is installed and activated by default without a graphical user interface.
• One of its main features is soft reset. It can speed up the boot process, skip hardware initialization and restart the software by itself.
• Provides remote desktop services compatible with OpenGL 4.4 and OpenCL 1.1, which improves performance and stability.

Windows Server 2019.

Publication date: October 02, 2018 was the first publication.

Three years later, The latest version of Windows Server has been released, based on Server 2016. It stands out because it offers companies a hybrid environment that allows both the public cloud and local environments.

Main Features:

• There are only two versions: Standard and Datacenter. Datacenter offers more and better features (such as SMB Direct and others not available in the Standard version).
• The Windows Server 2019 installer gives you the option to install in Core mode (or minimal user interface) for remote management, or in Desktop mode (or full user interface) for local management.
• Provides advanced security layered with data center protection inside the operating system.
• Simplify cloud application development and modernizes traditional applications with microservices and containers.
• It incorporates an unprecedented hyperconverged infrastructure for more effective and reliable protection.

You can also read: How to fix Windows Update error 0x80080005 in Windows 10

Version Chart / Overview

This is a brief chart of the versions of network servers based on the Microsoft Windows operating system that Microsoft has produced.

Click here to view the versions of Microsoft Windows for desktop computers.

Windows Server — линейка серверных операционных систем от компании Microsoft.

Формально не входят в продуктовую линейку как имеющие другую торговую марку, однако являются предыдущими версиями серверных ОС семейства NT:

• Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server (27 июля 1993)
• Windows NT 3.5 Server (21 сентября 1994)
• Windows NT 3.51 Server (30 мая 1995)
• Windows NT 4.0 Server (Август 1996)
• Windows 2000 Server (Февраль 2000)
• Windows .NET Server (2002)

Линейка состоит из следующих версий^[2][3]:

• Windows Server 2003 (Апрель 2003)
• Windows Server 2003 R2 (Декабрь 2005)
• Windows Server 2008 (Февраль 2008)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (Октябрь 2009)
  • Windows HPC Server 2008 (Сентябрь 2010)
• Windows Server 2012 (Сентябрь 2012)
• Windows Server 2012 R2 (Октябрь 2013)
• Windows Server 2016 (Сентябрь 2016)
• Windows Server 2019 (Октябрь 2018)
• Windows Server 2022 (Август 2021)

Microsoft также выпустила Windows Small Business Server (версия для малых предприятий) и Windows Essential Business Server (больше не выпускается). Эти версии включают в себя серверную операционную систему вместе с набором других программных продуктов компании^[4][5][6].

Следующие операционные системы не являются частью линейки Windows Server, но спроектированы для работы в роли сервера.

• Windows Home Server — версия для домашних пользователей.
  • Windows Home Server 2011 — версия для малых и домашних офисов.
• Windows MultiPoint Server.

Windows Embedded[править | править код]

• Для улучшения этой статьи желательно: Найти и оформить в виде сносок ссылки на независимые авторитетные источники, подтверждающие написанное. Дополнить статью (статья слишком короткая либо содержит лишь словарное определение). Добавить иллюстрации. После исправления проблемы исключите её из списка. Удалите шаблон, если устранены все недостатки.