Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of the Windows Server operating system designed for building infrastructures of connected applications, networks, and web services. It is built on the foundation of Windows Server 2019 and brings many innovations in security, Azure hybrid integration and management, and application platform.
Windows Server 2022 offers advanced multi-layer security features to protect against advanced threats, including Secured-core server hardware, firmware protection, UEFI secure boot, virtualization-based security, and secure connectivity with HTTPS and TLS 1.3. It also introduces hybrid capabilities with Azure, allowing seamless integration between on-premises environments and the Azure cloud. The release includes improvements to Windows containers, enhanced event viewer, and upgraded VM management through Windows Admin Center. Windows Server 2022 supports both Server Core and Server with Desktop Experience installation options.
Key Takeaways:
- Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of the Windows Server operating system.
- It brings advanced security features, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and improved management capabilities.
- Windows Server 2022 supports both Server Core and Server with Desktop Experience installation options.
- It offers enhanced security through features such as Secured-core server, firmware protection, and secure connectivity with HTTPS and TLS 1.3.
- Windows Server 2022 can be downloaded for evaluation purposes to test its features and suitability for specific business requirements.
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition Features
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition is a specialized version of Windows Server 2022 designed specifically for Azure cloud environments. It offers a range of features that leverage the benefits of the cloud to enhance performance, security, and manageability.
One of the key features of Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition is Azure Automanage. This feature allows for automatic VM updates with minimal downtime, ensuring that your servers are always up to date with the latest patches and security fixes. With Azure Automanage, you can save time and effort by letting Azure handle the updates for you.
Another important feature is Hotpatch, which enables you to install updates without requiring a reboot. This not only reduces downtime but also enhances availability, allowing your applications to continue running smoothly even during the update process.
SMB over QUIC is another feature included in Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. It updates the SMB protocol for faster and more secure access to data in Azure, improving performance and protecting against potential security vulnerabilities.
Additionally, Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition introduces Azure Extended Networking. This feature enables you to stretch an on-premises subnet into Azure while retaining the original IP addresses, making it easier to integrate your on-premises infrastructure with your Azure environment.
Table: Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Azure Automanage | Automatic VM updates with minimal downtime |
| Hotpatch | Install updates without rebooting |
| SMB over QUIC | Faster and more secure access to data in Azure |
| Azure Extended Networking | Stretch on-premises subnet into Azure while retaining IP addresses |
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition is fully compatible with Azure Stack HCI version 22H2, allowing you to deploy and manage your infrastructure in both datacenter and edge locations. With its powerful features and seamless integration with Azure, Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition provides a robust and flexible platform for your cloud-based workloads.
Windows Server 2022 All Editions Features
Windows Server 2022 introduces new features across all editions, including Standard, Datacenter, and Datacenter: Azure Edition. These features enhance the security, reliability, and performance of the operating system, providing a robust platform for businesses to build their infrastructures. Let’s dive into some of the key features:
Secured-core server
The Secured-core server feature is designed to provide advanced security protections against sophisticated attacks. It leverages hardware, firmware, and driver capabilities to enhance the security of the server. With Secured-core server, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that their infrastructure is protected against the latest threats.
Hardware root-of-trust
Windows Server 2022 utilizes TPM 2.0 secure crypto-processor chips to establish a hardware root-of-trust. This ensures secure storage of cryptographic keys and integrity measurements, providing an additional layer of security to protect sensitive data. The hardware root-of-trust feature strengthens the overall security posture of the server.
Firmware protection
To protect against firmware-based attacks, Windows Server 2022 implements firmware protection measures. It carefully monitors the boot processes and isolates driver access to memory, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity of the firmware. This helps mitigate the risk of firmware-level security vulnerabilities.
UEFI secure boot
With UEFI secure boot, Windows Server 2022 ensures that the server boots only trusted firmware and software. This protection mechanism safeguards against malicious rootkits and other types of boot-time malware, enhancing the overall security of the server.
Virtualization-based security
Virtualization-based security (VBS) and hypervisor-based code integrity (HVCI) create a secure memory region and enforce code integrity policies. This isolation and protection mechanism helps prevent attacks that target the hypervisor and provides an added layer of security for virtualized environments.
Secure connectivity
Windows Server 2022 enhances secure connectivity with built-in support for HTTPS and TLS 1.3. These protocols ensure encrypted and secure communication channels, protecting sensitive data during transmission. Secure connectivity is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of network communications.
These are just some of the key features that Windows Server 2022 brings across all editions. By incorporating these enhancements, businesses can benefit from improved security, reliability, and performance, providing a solid foundation for their infrastructures.
| Feature | Edition Availability |
|---|---|
| Secured-core server | All editions |
| Hardware root-of-trust | All editions |
| Firmware protection | All editions |
| UEFI secure boot | All editions |
| Virtualization-based security | All editions |
| Secure connectivity | All editions |
Windows Server 2022 Installation and Evaluation
When it comes to installing Windows Server 2022, there are two options available: Server Core and Server with Desktop Experience. Server Core is a lightweight installation without a graphical user interface (GUI), ideal for headless deployments that are managed remotely. On the other hand, Server with Desktop Experience includes a full GUI for those who prefer a graphical interface for their server management needs.
To guide you through the installation process, Microsoft provides a comprehensive installation guide with step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a beginner, you’ll find the guide easy to follow, ensuring a successful installation of Windows Server 2022.
If you’re interested in testing out the features of Windows Server 2022 before making a purchase, Microsoft offers an evaluation version of the operating system. This evaluation version includes both the Datacenter and Standard editions, allowing you to explore all the features and capabilities of Windows Server 2022. It’s a great way to evaluate whether Windows Server 2022 is the right fit for your organization’s needs.
Table: Windows Server 2022 Editions
| Edition | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | The Standard edition of Windows Server 2022 is designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers core features and capabilities for general-purpose server deployments. |
| Datacenter | The Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2022 is built for large organizations and provides advanced features and scalability for mission-critical workloads. |
| Datacenter: Azure Edition | The Datacenter: Azure Edition is specifically designed for Azure cloud environments. It includes features and integrations that leverage the benefits of the cloud. |
By offering different editions, Windows Server 2022 caters to a wide range of organizations with varying needs and requirements. Whether you’re a small business looking for cost-effective solutions or a large enterprise in need of advanced features and scalability, Windows Server 2022 has an edition for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Windows Server 2022 offers a wide range of benefits for businesses seeking a robust and secure platform. With its advanced security features, such as Secured-core server, firmware protection, and secure connectivity with HTTPS and TLS 1.3, organizations can rest assured that their data and systems are well protected.
Furthermore, Windows Server 2022 provides seamless integration with Azure, enabling businesses to take advantage of the cloud for enhanced scalability and flexibility. The improved management capabilities and enhanced container support further enhance the overall efficiency and productivity of IT operations.
To explore the features and suitability of Windows Server 2022, users can download the server for evaluation purposes. This allows businesses to test the platform and determine its compatibility with their specific requirements before making a purchase decision. Additionally, licensing options are available, ensuring organizations can choose the most suitable model based on their edition and deployment needs.
In summary, Windows Server 2022 is a powerful and versatile solution that empowers businesses to build modern infrastructure and drive growth. With its enhanced features and improved integration with cloud environments, it provides a solid foundation for organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure and stay ahead in today’s digital landscape.
FAQ
What is Windows Server 2022?
Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of the Windows Server operating system designed for building infrastructures of connected applications, networks, and web services.
What are the new features in Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition?
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition offers features like Azure Automanage for automatic VM updates with minimal downtime, Hotpatch for installing updates without rebooting, SMB over QUIC for faster and more secure data access in Azure, and Azure Extended Networking for stretching on-premises subnets into Azure.
What features are available in all editions of Windows Server 2022?
Windows Server 2022 provides features such as Secured-core server for advanced security protections, Hardware root-of-trust using TPM 2.0 for secure storage of cryptographic keys, Firmware protection for safeguarding against firmware-based attacks, UEFI secure boot for booting trusted firmware and software, Virtualization-based security and hypervisor-based code integrity for secure memory and code integrity enforcement, and secure connectivity with HTTPS and TLS 1.3 by default.
How can I install Windows Server 2022?
Windows Server 2022 can be installed using either the Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience installation options. Server Core is a smaller installation without a GUI, designed for headless deployments, while Server with Desktop Experience includes a full GUI for customers who prefer a graphical interface. You can follow the step-by-step instructions in the installation guide.
Can I evaluate Windows Server 2022 before purchasing?
Yes, Windows Server 2022 is available for evaluation purposes. You can download the ISO file and try out the features. The evaluation version includes Datacenter and Standard editions, with the Datacenter edition offering all the features. Additionally, pre-built images are available for testing in the Azure cloud.
What are the benefits of Windows Server 2022?
Windows Server 2022 brings advanced security features, seamless integration with Azure, improved management capabilities, and enhanced container support. It offers upgraded versions of security capabilities like Secured-core server, firmware protection, and secure connectivity with HTTPS and TLS 1.3. You can download Windows Server 2022 for evaluation to see if it meets your specific business requirements.
What are the licensing options for Windows Server 2022?
Licensing options for Windows Server 2022 depend on the edition and type of deployment. There are options available for both on-premises and cloud deployments. Organizations can choose the most suitable licensing model based on their needs.
Janina is a senior specialist in information technology
