Windows Server Servicing and Installation Modes

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Installation Mode	Description of Installation Mode	Long-Term Servicing Channel	Semi-Annual Channel
Desktop Experience	Full Windows desktop, File Explorer, and Internet Explorer 11 (Windows Server 2019) or Chromium-based Edge (Windows Server 2022) Web browser.	yes	no
Server Core	Full Win32, but does not include the Windows shell or any local Web browser.	yes	yes
Nano Server	Minimal Win32 and no local user interface or server role support. For use only in Windows Container images.	no	yes

Windows Server currently supports two servicing models, with a total of three installation modes. These servicing models, called channels, determine how often new features are delivered and how long each version is supported. Each channel, and the installation modes they service, focuses on certain use scenarios.

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