Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 was developed by Microsoft and released on 18 August 2021. It is the 10th Windows Server release and thus also the latest Windows Server. Previously, Windows Server 2019 was released on 2 October 2018. After three years, Microsoft has made a number of updates and additions with the implementation of Windows Server 2022.

What is a Windows Server?

Windows Server is a Software Package from Microsoft that allows professional business systems to run servers. Servers are powerful machines designed to run continuously and provide resources for other computers. This means that Windows Server is really only used in business environments. Windows Server is designed for internet and intranet hosting, databases and advanced messaging. Windows Server works well with ASP.NET, making it popular with developers and hosting providers. Furthermore, Windows is also compatible with database like SQL, PHP Access and MySQL.

Windows Server 2022: Features

Windows Server 2022 includes a number of new features that improve security and performance. With enhanced security in Windows Server 2022, users are better protected against potential threats. With the addition of Secure Core servers in Windows Server 2022, systems are protected from attacks and critical data or information is kept safe. These secure core servers consist of three fundamental pillars: simple security, advanced security and preventive defence. Another addition to Windows Server 2022 is the use of TLS 1.3 protocol. This protocol provides a good level of encryption and secures communication. Windows Server 2022 further offers nested virtualisation, which provides flexibility and efficiency when working in a virtualised environment. Another addition are Windows Server hybrid Azure capabilities. This simplifies the expansion of data centres to the Azure cloud platform.

Other Windows Server 2022 features are briefly mentioned below:

Security

- TPM 2.0

- UEFI Secure Booting

- Boot DMA protection

- DNS-over-HTTPS

- AES-256 encryption on SMB

Storage

- Storage migration service

- Server Message Block

- Storage security and performance

Software

- Microsoft Edge

Windows Server 2022: Versions

Windows Server 2022 can be purchased in three different versions. Each version has its own distinctive features, allowing users to make a choice based on their wants and needs. The versions consist of:

Windows Server 2022 Essentials

This version is only available through Microsoft OEM partners and is mainly intended for small businesses. For instance, this version supports up to 25 users and 50 devices and Windows Server 2022 does not require CALs. In fact, the server is limited to 10 cores. With Windows Server 2022 Essentials, it is possible to run 2 virtual machines, with one Hyper-V host per licence. Other features of Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Essentials include information security, support for hybrid cloud and remote access. 

Essentials is the cheapest available version of Windows Server 2022 and offers limited capabilities when it comes to devices and users. Windows Server Essentials does not have the features Storage Replica, Storage Spaces Direct and unlimited virtual machines. These features are only available with Windows Server 2022 Datacenter.

Windows Server 2022 Standard

The Standard version is intended for physical or weak VCC environments. Examples of these environments include medium-sized or larger enterprises. The Essentials version and the Standard version are identical, only the Standard version allows more users than Windows Server 2022 Essentials and it is also possible to purchase CALs for each user or device that wants to access the server. Compared to Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022 has received a number of improvements. These include improvements for security, storage, networking and Azure capabilities. 

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter

The Datacenter version is intended for highly virtualised data centres and cloud environments. There is also a separate Azure Datacenter option, designed for the Microsoft Azure platform. Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is the most advanced version and is very popular with medium and large enterprises. Windows Server Datacenter allows infinite number of virtual machines on physical hosts. Other features available to Datacenter include: 1 Hyper-V host, Storage Spaces Diect, Schielded Virtual Machines, Host Guardian Hyper-V support and Software Defined Networking.

Licensing Windows Server 2022

To run a windows server, the physical processor must be at least licensed with at least 8 cores and the physical server licence must be at least licensed for 16Cores.

The Windows Server 2022 versions are intended for different purposes. For instance, Windows Essentials is intended for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. The licensing model is a server licence and this does not require a CAL. Microsoft recommends a retail price of $501 for the Essentials version. 

The Standard version is ideal for physical or minimally virtualised environments and has a Core-based licensing model. The Standard version requires CALs and Microsoft itself gives a recommended retail price of $1069.

The Datacenter version is intended for highly virtualised data centres and cloud environments. Here, the licensing model is also Core-based and CALs are also required. Microsoft gives a recommended retail price of $6155 for the Datacenter version.

Windows Server 2022: End of Life

Windows Server 2022 was released on 18 August 2021 and regular support ends on 13 October 2026. After regular support, Windows Server 2022 would be supported through extended support. This will continue for 5 years after regular support ends. Extended support for Windows Server 2022 ends on 14 October 2031. 

Further, it is also good to know that Hotpatching, which is supported on Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure edition Core, will be supported until the end of basic support. Finally, from September 2023, it will be possible to get Windows Server through two release channels: LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) and via AC (Annual Channel). LTSC is intended for the longer term and focuses on stability, while AC offers more frequent releases. As a result, users benefit from the latest features through updates twice a year.

Windows Server 2022: System requirements

To run Windows Server 2022 successfully, there are a number of system requirements that the device must meet as a minimum. These are listed below in a clear diagram.