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Windows Server 2022 – Basics

  • Can be directly deployed on a Hypervisor or a Physical Hardware
  • You need to have a minimum of (though you would need a lot more to run it in a production, but as per Microsoft, you can build and run a Windows 2022 Server with this requirement)
    • RAM
      • 512 MB for Server Core
      • 2 GB for Full Desktop Environment
    • CPU: 1.4 GHz 64-bit
    • Disk Space: 32 GB of disk space.
  • Windows 2022, is supported only under LTSC (long term servicing channel)
    • However, the Semi-Annual channel is reserved for Containers.
  • Editions of Windows 2022
    • Essentials: This edition is designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices.
      • It includes features for File sharing, web hosting, email, Active Directory Domain Services, Remote Desktop Services
    • Standard: This edition is for medium-sized businesses and organisations.
      • All features of Essentials, plus: Virtualisation, clustering, disaster recovery, Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), Rights Management Services (RMS)
    • Datacenter: This edition is for large organisations with high-performance computing needs.
      • All features of Standard, plus: Unlimited Virtualisation, clustering, Network Controller, Storage Replica
    • Datacenter – Azure Edition: This edition is a cloud-only version of Datacenter that is optimised for Azure.
      • All features of Datacenter, plus: Azure Extended Networking, Hotpatch
  • Installation Options:
    • Server Core: Minimalistic Efficiency Server Core is a streamlined installation option designed for efficiency. It provides only the essential components of Windows Server, omitting the graphical user interface (GUI) to reduce the attack surface and resource consumption.
      • This option is ideal for scenarios where the server will be managed remotely or used for specific tasks such as file sharing or web hosting. The absence of the GUI enhances security and minimizes maintenance, making it an excellent choice for servers that demand lean functionality.
    • Desktop Experience: Full-fledged Functionality For situations where direct user interaction is essential, the Desktop Experience installation option comes to the forefront.
      • This option delivers the complete Windows Server experience, GUI included, ensuring a familiar interface for users who need to interact with the server directly. Whether it’s for application development, testing, or other tasks that require a traditional Windows environment, the Desktop Experience option offers comprehensive functionality.
    • Starting with Windows 2022, you can not change the install options from Server Core to Desktop experience after installing the OS.
    • Beyond the Basics: Additional Installation Options
      • Nano Server: Lightweight and Cloud-ready Nano Server offers a feather-light installation designed for cloud-centric deployments. This option is tailored for stateless workloads, making it an excellent fit for containerised environments. By removing unnecessary components, Nano Server optimises resource utilisation and boosts performance, ensuring seamless integration with modern cloud-based workflows.
      • Azure Stack HCI: Bridging On-Premises with the Cloud Azure Stack HCI is a specialized installation option that caters to organizations seeking a hybrid approach. It allows you to run Windows Server 2022 on-premises while harnessing the cloud-based capabilities of Azure Stack HCI. This option is particularly advantageous for organizations aiming to benefit from both on-premises infrastructure and the scalability of the cloud.

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