Windows Server 2022: Everything You Need to Know

Server management is a complex task, and choosing the right server software is a critical decision for any business. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. That is why we have put together this Windows Server 2022 buying guide.

We will walk you through the key features of Windows Server 2022 and help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right solution for your business. Ready? Let us dive in.

Buying Windows Server products can be particularly challenging. There are several editions of Windows Server, each with its own feature set. The version you purchase can have a significant impact on your file servers, local users and internet storage. It is important to make an informed choice before you finalise your purchase.

To help you find the perfect Windows Server 2022 edition for your business, we have created this comprehensive guide. Here you will find detailed information about each version, what it offers and how the editions differ.

We hope this guide helps you buy the best possible Windows Server 2022 solution without any hassle. Whether you are looking to set up storage, standalone servers, multi-cloud environments or a data centre, we will help you make the right choice.

What Is Windows Server 2022?

The Windows Server family of operating systems was developed by Microsoft for enterprise management, data storage and communication. Windows Server 2022 is the latest version and the successor to Windows Server 2019.

Microsoft launched Windows Server 2022 in mid-2021. Businesses and organisations use this server operating system to run their network infrastructure or applications on a single device.

This latest version belongs to the same family as previous releases and therefore offers useful new features that complement earlier editions. Since a server operating system is more complex than a standard desktop OS, it includes many sophisticated capabilities for the smooth operation of your server.

Unlike a regular operating system, the primary function of a server OS is to maximise efficiency. This includes tools for remote management, user permissions, security, Azure hybrid capabilities, Hyper-V virtual machines and more.

Users of Windows Server 2022 will notice significant improvements over previous versions, including better firmware protection, nested virtualisation and the Storage Migration Service, to name just a few. You can read more about eight key new features in Windows Server 2022.

Different Editions of Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 is available in three editions: Essentials, Standard and Datacenter. Each edition differs in price and offers different features to meet specific needs. Support for all editions is expected to be long-term, so it is important to make a well-considered decision.

Essentials

A cost-effective, lightweight server option ideal for small businesses. It includes all the essential features and supports up to 25 users and 50 devices with a single licence. While it is the most affordable edition, it does not include advanced features such as Active Directory, failover clusters or virtual machines.

Standard

Ideal for businesses with physical or lightly virtualised server configurations. The Windows Server 2022 Standard edition gives you access to all the resources you need for a reliable, fast server that supports your workloads across the board.

With this edition, you can choose between Server Core and Desktop Experience installations. You also benefit from Active Directory, Trusted Platform Module, Windows Defender System Guard and more.

Datacenter

Specifically designed for businesses with highly virtualised data centres and cloud configurations. The Datacenter edition supports heavy workloads, even in on-premises or private cloud environments. It also includes features such as shielded virtual machines, Storage Spaces Direct and software-defined networking.

Key Features of Windows Server 2022

The latest generation of Windows Server comes with many new features. It is important to understand what you will have access to when building critical systems, data centres, SQL Server instances or local server environments for your business.

Here are seven important features of Windows Server 2022 that you should know about:

Network Improvements

Windows Server 2022 improves network traffic handling, even on high-speed networks. This means faster data transfers and fewer network interruptions. You will notice significant improvements when supporting heavy workloads. The enhancements also focus on minimising downtime, making Windows Server 2022 an excellent choice for both local and cloud file servers.

These improvements are available in the Standard, Datacenter and Essentials editions. This is particularly valuable if you work with virtual machines and large storage volumes that need to be accessible at any time.

The virtual switch upgrade improves the performance of network traffic coming from an external host, as well as data flow between virtual NICs on the same host.

New Network Protocols

Microsoft places particular emphasis on the performance of Windows Server. Most organisations use it to support business applications and services for employees or customers.

Time is money, and your critical systems need both stability and efficiency. Windows Server 2022 includes significant connectivity improvements, including UDP Segmentation Offload (USO), which reduces latency for encrypted UDP connections.

You will also find a simplified implementation of network policies and improved containerisation tools for .NET applications.

Enhanced Security

Microsoft continues to strengthen its security measures to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.

In this version, the cloud is a primary deployment platform. Key security enhancements include support for DNS-over-HTTPS, AES-256 encryption and SMB over QUIC. These protocols ensure that Windows Server 2022 can handle sensitive data and critical applications securely. For more context, see our guide on what Windows Server is and how it differs from Windows 10.

Storage Security and Performance

Storage enhancements in Windows Server 2022 prioritise security without compromising performance. Transport layer security and encryption are available on high-value network storage, enabling encrypted communication with performance-demanding applications such as Storage Spaces Direct, Hyper-V, Scale-Out File Server and more.

The Azure Edition also supports SMB over QUIC, adding an extra layer of security. Additional storage features include Storage Bus Caching, Storage Spaces Direct and Active Directory improvements. Both Azure Edition and Datacenter Edition users can benefit from all these enhancements.

Expanded Azure Capabilities

Microsoft Azure integration has been significantly enhanced in Windows Server 2022. Azure Arc-enabled servers provide a unified management platform that is fully scalable -- on-premises, in the cloud and across virtual machines. Azure Arc-enabled servers support Azure monitoring, security updates and hybrid environments.

Additional Azure features available in the Datacenter Edition include Azure Stack HCI, virtualisation-based security and Azure Active Directory integration.

Effortless Cloud Management

One of the most important features of Windows Server 2022 is its robust cloud management capability. With the Azure Edition, you not only have access to powerful features such as Azure Stack HCI and Azure Arc, but you can also upgrade your local server, use Windows Server Containers and leverage Windows Deployment Services (WDS) to set up a secure centralised server environment.

Other Features of Windows Server 2022

Additional features include:

• Internet Storage Name Service (iSNS)
• Group Managed Service Accounts (gMSA)
• AES-256 encryption with Server Message Block Protocol (SMB) support
• HyStart++ to reduce packet loss during connection establishment
• Hardware root-of-trust and firmware protection
• SMB over QUIC for mobile users and organisations with higher security requirements
• Extensible file server capabilities

Is the Cloud the Right Choice?

When deciding which edition of Windows Server to buy, consider whether you truly need a physical server.

If your company has limited space or IT infrastructure, a cloud-based server may be more advantageous. Depending on the number of employees, you can choose Essentials or Datacenter.

Cloud servers provide a cost-effective and easy-to-use service for businesses of all sizes. However, as your business grows, so does the need for more advanced technology that can handle heavier traffic without performance issues.

If you need an on-premises server, there are two main options: Essentials and Standard. Essentials is best for companies with fewer than 25 employees, while Standard is ideal for organisations with more than 100.

Upgrade to Windows Server 2022

If you are still running an older version of Windows Server, such as 2012 or 2019, now is an excellent time to upgrade. Windows Server 2022 offers many new features that make the upgrade worthwhile for your business.

Upgrading from an earlier version gives your organisation greater flexibility in choosing the best way to work with technology, while improving efficiency through automation wherever possible.

Some older versions of Windows Server are no longer officially supported by Microsoft. By purchasing Windows Server 2022, your server will remain secure and supported for the next ten years from 2022.

Time to Choose

For many businesses, deciding which server software to buy can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are several options, and this guide should help you find the perfect solution.

If you are still unsure which edition of Windows Server 2022 is best for your business, do not hesitate to speak with our experts at Licendi. Browse all Windows Server licences to find the right fit.

Any Questions?

Thank you for reading our guide to choosing the right version of Windows Server 2022. If you have any further questions, please contact us -- our support team is available around the clock.

Best regards,
The Licendi Team