Windows Server 2022 Standard

Windows Server 2022 Standard is the latest version of the enterprise operating system version built and managed by Microsoft, offering advanced users, companies, and organizations of all sizes access to the stable OS platform that can manage server operations with industry-leading ease of use, stability, security, and reliability.

Getting Started Installation & Configuration



Originally developed by Microsoft on top of the Windows NT platform, Windows Server 2022 Standard is built on top of core Windows 10 architecture, and as many of its predecessors can run only on modern 64-bit processors.

Released in the summer of 2021 three years after the deployment of its predecessor Windows Server 2019, this OS is expected to receive comprehensive support from Microsoft until October of 2026, and limited extended support until October of 2031.

Datacenter and Standard edition pricing is for 16 core licenses

The Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Standard is the 2nd license tier that this platform supports. It includes all features present in the “Essentials” tier (available only for OEMs) and includes access to only two virtual machines and one Hyper-V host.

Due to its feature offering, Microsoft is recommending it for use in physical or limited virtualized environments, which makes it best suited for small to medium-sized companies.

As expected, this enterprise OS release features in-depth connectivity with many Microsoft services and tools such as integration with Azure (Azure Arc, Azure Automanage, Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure Hybrid Benefit), Windows Admin Center, improved VM management, various File Server enhancements, upgraded Event Viewer, and more.

Security features of the MS Server 2022 Standard are second to none, featuring multi-layer protection that is built on top of Secured-core HVCI server service and secured connectivity between all users and the hardware.

It also supports many advanced security features such as TPM 2.0 for secure authentication, UEFI Secure Boot for protecting the system before the boot of the OS, DNS-over-HTTPS, and AES-256 encryption on SMB.

The scalability of this OS can even provide a stable experience for the most demanding Tier1 applications. The OS can handle up to 48TB of memory and 2,048 logical cores across 64 physical CPU sockets, making it a prime candidate for hosting and managing even the largest projects.

Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition can be deployed via a full ISO installer, or by using one of the offered pre-built images that are hosted on Azure. The installation procedure offers users access to two basic install packages.

The first is “Server Core”, which includes all core components of the OS but without the local graphical user interface, perfect for accessing via remote connections. The second is “Server with Desktop Experience”, which includes a full GUI desktop experience for local OS management.

What's New in Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 builds on the foundation of Windows Server 2019 with enhancements in security, Azure integration, and application platforms. Key updates include:

Azure Edition:

• Hotpatching: Install updates without rebooting, improving uptime.
• SMB over QUIC: Secure data access without VPNs.
• Azure Extended Networking: Stretch on-premises subnets into Azure.

Security Enhancements:

• Secured-core Server: Advanced hardware, firmware, and driver protections.
• TPM 2.0 and Firmware Protection: Ensures secure boot and defends against firmware attacks.
• TLS 1.3 and SMB AES-256: Default-enabled secure communications.
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Isolates sensitive data and strengthens kernel integrity.

Application Platform:

• Windows Containers: Reduced image size, faster startup, and new features like GPU acceleration.
• Expanded Kubernetes Support: Includes IPv6, HostProcess containers, and better networking.
• Intel Ice Lake Support: Handles large-scale applications with up to 48TB memory.

Networking:

• Improved UDP and TCP Performance: Better efficiency and speed.
• Hyper-V Enhancements: Optimized virtual switch performance.

Storage Innovations:

• Storage Replica Compression: Speeds up disaster recovery.
• ReFS File Snapshots: Enables fast and efficient backups.
• Adjustable Repair Speed: Improves cluster servicing flexibility.

Other Enhancements:

• Nested Virtualization for AMD: Expands virtualization hardware options.
• Microsoft Edge: Replaces Internet Explorer with improved features.
• Windows Admin Center Updates: Simplifies containerization and server management.

Requirements

CPU

1.4 GHz 64-bit processor

Compatible with x64 instruction set

Support for NX and DEP

Support for CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW instructions

Support for Second Level Address Translation (EPT or NPT)

RAM

512 MB for Server Core

2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience

ECC (Error Correcting Code) type or similar technology for physical host deployment

Storage

32 GB of space

Network

An Ethernet adapter that can achieve a throughput of at least 1 gigabit per second

Compliant with the PCI Express architecture specification

PROS

• Enhanced Security Features
• Improved Hybrid Cloud Integration
• Strong Virtualization Capabilities
• Scalable Performance
• Long-Term Support & Stability

CONS

• High Licensing Costs
• Requires Advanced IT Skills
• Limited GUI Enhancements
• Compatibility Issues with Older Apps