Windows Server

Windows Server is Microsoft’s OS for deployment on server hardware and for use within VMs. It is a prerequisite for most Microsoft server applications such as SQL Server, Exchange Server, and SharePoint Server, and it continues to provide on-premises infrastructure for identity management (Active Directory), virtualization (Hyper-V), storage and file services, and other tasks. Windows Server 2022, released in Aug. 2021, is the latest version of Windows Server.

See “Windows Client” for the Windows Client OS and other client OS versions.

Servicing and Packaging

Windows Server 2022 is serviced on the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and includes five years of Mainstream support and five years of Extended support. The OS supports the Server Core and Desktop Experience installation modes. The Windows Server Annual Channel for Containers, introduced in late 2023, provides 18 months of Mainstream support and six months of Extended support and is offered only in the Server Core installation mode. (See “Windows Server and Stack HCI Timeline.”)