Updated: July 15, 2020 (July 18, 2016)

Windows Server 2016 Servicing by Install Mode

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Windows Server 2016 servicing options depend on which installation mode of the OS is chosen, rather than which edition of the OS is licensed. Listed here are the Windows Server 2016 installation modes and the servicing options available for each mode.

Long-Term Servicing Branch is required for Windows Server 2016 when installed with the desktop experience or Server Core. The desktop experience is intended for servers hosting server-based desktops and for other server roles that require the full Windows desktop (user interface, shell, and API sets). Server Core is intended for Windows Server roles and applications which require Win32 application compatibility but don’t need the Windows shell, such as SQL Server database servers.

Current Branch for Business is required for Windows Server 2016 when installed as a Nano Server. Nano is intended for Hyper-V, Web applications, file services, and Windows Server roles and applications specifically modified to run in the minimal Nano Server API set.

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