Windows Server system versions and authorization instructions
This article compares the differences and authorization instructions of various versions of Windows Server system, and comes with an official download link.
For details on the official download link and version differences of Windows Server, please see the historical article [Instructions and Downloads of Exchange Server 2019 and Other Old Versions]
WindowsServer2012 R2
The Windows Server 2012 R2 authorization method is based on the number of physical CPUs. For example, if the physical server has 2 CPU slots and has two physical CPUs, the authorization fee will be based on 2CPUs. For larger quantities, the additional quantity will need to be purchased separately.
Among them, Microsoft officially stated that support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will end in October 2023, and updates will no longer be released by then. After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, or technical support.
Therefore, the official Windows Server2012R2 download path is no longer provided, and the image download address is not provided in this article.
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 is licensed using the number of physical CPU cores. For example, if the server has 2 CPU sockets and each CPU has 8 cores, then the purchased license is 16 Core Pack.
The specific licensing requirements are as follows :
1. Core Licenses are sold as a Two-Core package. That is to say, purchasing one License includes authorization for 2 Cores.
2. A Windows Server 2016 license requires the purchase of at least 8 (8 2-core Packs). That is to say, you need to purchase a minimum license of 16 cores, and additional cores need to purchase an additional 2-core pack.
Authorization status of each version
| Version | Version description |
|---|---|
| Data Center Edition | Ideal for highly virtualized and software-defined data center environments, offering all roles and features, supporting unlimited virtual machine licenses, including new features such as Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica |
| Standard Edition | Ideal for low-density or non-virtualized environments, offers many roles and features, supports up to two virtual machine licenses, and supports Nano server installations |
| Basic version | For small businesses up to 25 users and 50 devices, does not support virtualization and many features |
| Hyper-V Server | As a standalone virtualization server running virtual machines, host operating system licensing costs are not included, but each virtual machine must be licensed separately |
| Storage Server Workgroup Edition | Acts as an entry-level unified storage device, supporting up to 50 users and 32GB of RAM |
| Storage Server Standard Edition | Supports up to 64 slots of storage, includes two virtual machine licenses, supports roles such as DNS and DHCP |
Differences in functions between data center and standard edition
| characteristic | Data Center Edition | Standard Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Core features of Windows Server | support | support |
| OSes/Hyper-V Containers | Unlimited | 2 |
| Host Guardian Service | support | support |
| Nano Server | support | support |
| Storage Spaces Direct和Shielded Virtual Machines | support | not support |
| network stack | support | not support |
| Core-based pricing | $6,155 | $882 |
Download link: Microsoft official WindowsServer2016
Windows Server 2022
The licensing sales methods of Windows Server 2022 and 2016 are similar, mainly in two types: Standard Edition and Data Center Edition. Also based on Core Licenses, you basically purchase a 16core core package.
Other key differences are as follows:
Security: Windows 2022 improves data and identity security with enhanced protection against emerging threats, introducing shielded virtual machines, credential protection, remote credential protection and other features.
Azure hybrid integration: Windows 2022 supports Azure Arc, Azure Stack HCI, Azure Kubernetes Service and other services, enabling seamless connection and management between local and cloud.
Application platform: Windows 2022 optimizes support for containers and microservices, supports QUIC-based SMB protocol, supports HTTP/3 protocol, and improves network performance and reliability.
Performance and scalability: Windows 2022 increases the support limit for physical memory, virtual machine memory, virtual machine virtual processor, etc., improving the operating efficiency of the server.
Azure Edition: Windows 2022 introduces a datacenter edition designed specifically for Azure virtual machines: Azure Edition, which can take advantage of the cloud to keep virtual machines up to date while minimizing downtime.
Download link: Microsoft official WindowsServer2022