Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on Windows Server versions. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about the different versions of Windows Server.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server FAQs
1. Introduction
Windows Server is a powerful operating system designed to support enterprise-level data centers, applications, and networks. It is widely used by businesses and organizations to run critical workloads, collaborate, and share information.
Over the years, Microsoft has released several versions of Windows Server, each with its own unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will be discussing the different versions of Windows Server and what sets them apart.
2. Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 was released in April 2003 and was the successor to Windows 2000 Server. It was the first version of Windows Server to use the .NET Framework and introduced new features such as Active Directory and Group Policy.
2.1 Features of Windows Server 2003
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2003 include:
- Improved security with the introduction of the Security Configuration Wizard.
- Enhanced support for web services with the inclusion of Web Services Enhancements (WSE).
- Better manageability with the introduction of Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).
- Improved reliability with the introduction of Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS).
2.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2003 reached its end of support in July 2015, and Microsoft stopped releasing security updates for the operating system. This means that running Windows Server 2003 in your environment can pose serious security risks.
3. Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 was released in February 2008 and was the successor to Windows Server 2003. It introduced several new features, including Server Core and Network Access Protection (NAP).
3.1 Features of Windows Server 2008
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2008 include:
- Improved Terminal Services with the inclusion of Terminal Services Gateway and RemoteApp.
- Better security with the inclusion of Windows Firewall with Advanced Security and BitLocker Drive Encryption.
- Expanded IIS 7.0 with improved management and troubleshooting tools.
- Ability to run Server Core, a minimal installation option that reduces the server’s attack surface.
3.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2008 reached its end of support in January 2020. Microsoft stopped releasing security updates for the operating system, and running Windows Server 2008 in your environment can pose serious security risks.
4. Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows Server 2008 R2 was released in October 2009 and was an update to Windows Server 2008. It introduced several new features, including RemoteFX and DirectAccess.
4.1 Features of Windows Server 2008 R2
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2008 R2 include:
- Improved Remote Desktop Services with the inclusion of RemoteFX.
- Better management with the inclusion of PowerShell 2.0.
- Enhanced security with the inclusion of DirectAccess and BranchCache.
4.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2008 R2 reached its end of support in January 2020. Microsoft stopped releasing security updates for the operating system, and running Windows Server 2008 R2 in your environment can pose serious security risks.
5. Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 was released in September 2012 and was the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. It introduced several new features, including Storage Spaces and Hyper-V Replica.
5.1 Features of Windows Server 2012
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2012 include:
- Improved storage capabilities with the inclusion of Storage Spaces.
- Better virtualization with the inclusion of Hyper-V Replica.
- Improved networking with the inclusion of NIC teaming and SMB 3.0.
5.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2012 reached its end of mainstream support in October 2018 and its end of extended support in October 2023.
6. Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 was released in October 2013 and was an update to Windows Server 2012. It introduced several new features, including Work Folders and Desired State Configuration (DSC).
6.1 Features of Windows Server 2012 R2
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2012 R2 include:
- Improved file sharing with the inclusion of Work Folders.
- Better management with the inclusion of Desired State Configuration (DSC).
- Improved virtualization with the inclusion of Generation 2 virtual machines.
6.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2012 R2 reached its end of mainstream support in October 2018 and its end of extended support in October 2023.
7. Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 was released in September 2016 and was the successor to Windows Server 2012 R2. It introduced several new features, including container support and Nano Server.
7.1 Features of Windows Server 2016
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2016 include:
- Improved security with the inclusion of Windows Defender and Device Guard.
- Better virtualization with the inclusion of container support.
- Improved management with the inclusion of PowerShell 5.0 and a redesigned Server Manager.
7.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2016 reached its end of mainstream support in January 2022 and its end of extended support in January 2027.
8. Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 was released in October 2018 and was the successor to Windows Server 2016. It introduced several new features, including Storage Migration Service and System Insights.
8.1 Features of Windows Server 2019
Some of the notable features of Windows Server 2019 include:
- Improved security with the inclusion of Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).
- Better storage capabilities with the inclusion of Storage Migration Service.
- Improved management with the inclusion of System Insights.
8.2 End of Support
Windows Server 2019 is still in mainstream support, with its end of mainstream support scheduled for January 2025 and end of extended support for January 2030.
9. Windows Server FAQs
9.1 What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter?
Windows Server Standard is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and supports up to 2 virtual machines. Windows Server Datacenter is designed for larger organizations and supports an unlimited number of virtual machines.
9.2 What is the difference between a Server Core installation and a desktop experience installation?
A Server Core installation is a minimal installation option that does not include a graphical user interface (GUI) and reduces the server’s attack surface. A desktop experience installation includes a GUI and is recommended for servers that require interaction with their desktop.
9.3 How often does Microsoft release new versions of Windows Server?
Microsoft typically releases a new version of Windows Server every 2-3 years.
9.4 What is the end of support for Windows Server 2012?
Windows Server 2012 reached its end of mainstream support in October 2018 and its end of extended support in October 2023.
9.5 Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2019?
No, you cannot upgrade from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2019 directly. You will need to upgrade to an intermediate version first, such as Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2016, before upgrading to Windows Server 2019.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Windows Server is a powerful operating system that has evolved over the years to support enterprise-level data centers, applications, and networks. With each new version, Microsoft has introduced new features and capabilities designed to improve security, productivity, and management. As always, it’s important to keep your Windows Server environment up to date and to understand the end of support timelines for each version.