What you need to know
- Windows Server 2022 is now generally available across all distribution channels.
- It includes several capabilities and enhancements that improve security and help organizations modernize server environments.
- Windows Server 2022 began rolling out on August 18, 2021.
Windows Server 2022 is now generally available. It's the next on-premises version of Windows Server from Microsoft. This version will receive 10 years of extended support because it's a Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release. It includes several features for security, containerization, and management.
Windows Server 2022 actually started rolling out on August 18, 2021. Arpan Shah, the general manager of Azure, told ZDNet that Microsoft waited until now to announce the general release to make sure that it was available through all distribution channels.
Windows Server 2022 utilizes multi-layer security with Secured-core server and secured connectivity. Similar to secured-core PCs, secured-core servers have hardware, firmware, and drivers to improve security.
Microsoft explains the benefits of this security setup in its blog post:
Secured connectivity in Windows Server 2022 adds another layer to security during transport. The new release adds faster and more secure encrypted hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) and industry-standard AES-256 encryption with support for server message block (SMB) protocol.
The latest version of Windows Server can connect with Azure Arc, allowing organizations to use cloud services with on-premise Windows Server 2022.
Windows Server 2022 supports up to 48TB of memory and 2,048 logical cores running on 64 physical sockets. Microsoft explains that this is enough to handle demanding Tier1 applications.
Microsoft highlights that in addition to Windows Server 2022, it's introduced Azure services and server enhancements for Windows Server. For example, Azure Automanage, which is in preview, lets IT professionals automate cloud practices and utilize the Microsoft cloud adoption framework. Customers can also modernize existing applications with Azure.
Mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 will last until October 13, 2026, and extended support will continue until October 14, 2031.
