The latest Windows Server version currently available is Windows Server 2025, offered under the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). At rental-server.net, we understand the importance of staying current with server technology. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the latest Windows Server versions, their features, servicing options, and how to choose the best one for your specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and security for your server infrastructure.
1. Understanding Windows Server Servicing Channels
Microsoft employs different servicing channels to cater to diverse user requirements. These channels dictate how frequently updates and new features are released. Knowing the available options is crucial to selecting the Windows Server version that best fits your organization.
1.1 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed for environments that prioritize stability over frequent feature updates. LTSC releases occur every few years and come with a longer support lifecycle.
- Release Frequency: Every few years
- Support Lifecycle: Mainstream support for 5 years, followed by extended support for another 5 years.
- Use Cases: Suitable for systems where stability and predictability are paramount, such as core infrastructure components.
- Key Features: Focuses on security and quality updates, ensuring a stable and reliable server environment.
1.2 Annual Channel (AC)
The Annual Channel (AC), now succeeded by Azure Stack HCI, is tailored for organizations that want to leverage the latest features and innovations more rapidly. AC releases occur twice a year, offering newer functionalities but with a shorter support lifecycle.
- Release Frequency: Twice per year (now succeeded by Azure Stack HCI)
- Support Lifecycle: 18 months of support from the release date.
- Use Cases: Ideal for development and testing environments or organizations that want to adopt new technologies quickly.
- Key Features: Provides access to the latest features, especially those related to containers and microservices.
2. Current Windows Server Versions
Knowing which versions are currently available and supported is key when planning your server infrastructure. Here are the current options.
2.1 Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025 is the most recent LTSC release, offering a blend of traditional stability with modern enhancements. It is generally available from November 1, 2024.
- Editions: Datacenter, Standard
- Availability Date: November 1, 2024
- Mainstream Support End Date: October 9, 2029
- Extended Support End Date: October 10, 2034
- Key Features: Enhanced virtualization, improved security features, and better integration with Azure services.
2.2 Windows Server 2022
Windows Server 2022, also an LTSC release, is a solid choice for organizations seeking a balance between new features and long-term support.
- Editions: Datacenter, Standard
- Availability Date: August 18, 2021
- Mainstream Support End Date: October 13, 2026
- Extended Support End Date: October 14, 2031
- Key Features: Advanced multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and an updated platform for modern applications.
2.3 Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 is another LTSC release that provides a proven and reliable server platform. It’s suitable for organizations that may not need the newest features but still require a supported environment.
- Editions: Datacenter, Standard
- Availability Date: November 13, 2018
- Mainstream Support End Date: End of servicing
- Extended Support End Date: January 9, 2029
- Key Features: Enhanced security, application platform improvements, and hyper-converged infrastructure capabilities.
2.4 Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016, though older, is still supported under the Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB). However, it’s approaching its end of life, making it less ideal for new deployments.
- Editions: Datacenter, Essentials, Standard
- Availability Date: August 2, 2016
- Mainstream Support End Date: End of servicing
- Extended Support End Date: January 12, 2027
- Key Features: Focuses on virtualization, software-defined networking, and storage.
3. Feature Comparison
Choosing the right Windows Server version requires a detailed comparison of their features. Here is a table outlining the key differences.
| Feature | Windows Server 2025 | Windows Server 2022 | Windows Server 2019 | Windows Server 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Servicing Channel | LTSC | LTSC | LTSC | LTSB |
| Virtualization | Enhanced | Improved | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Advanced | Multi-layer | Enhanced | Basic |
| Azure Integration | Seamless | Hybrid Capabilities | Limited | Limited |
| Container Support | Excellent | Improved | Yes | Yes |
| Support Lifecycle | Long-term (until 2034) | Long-term (until 2031) | Long-term (until 2029) | Long-term (until 2027) |
| Modern App Platform | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Software-Defined Networking | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Storage Spaces Direct | Enhanced | Improved | Yes | No |
| Ideal For | Future-proof deployments | Balanced deployments | Stable environments | Legacy systems |
4. Key Improvements in Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025 comes with significant enhancements over its predecessors. Here are some of the most notable improvements:
4.1 Enhanced Virtualization
Windows Server 2025 enhances virtualization capabilities, providing better performance and resource utilization for virtual machines.
- Nested Virtualization: Improved support for running Hyper-V inside a virtual machine, beneficial for testing and development.
- GPU Partitioning: Enhanced GPU partitioning for virtual machines, boosting performance for graphics-intensive applications.
- Dynamic Memory Management: Better dynamic memory management, optimizing memory allocation and improving overall performance.
4.2 Advanced Security Features
Security is a crucial aspect of any server environment. Windows Server 2025 includes advanced security features to protect against modern threats.
- Secured-core Server: Building on the Secured-core concept, it offers enhanced protection against firmware attacks and advanced persistent threats.
- Hardware Root-of-Trust: Utilizes hardware-based security to ensure the integrity of the boot process and protect against tampering.
- Improved Windows Defender: Enhanced threat detection and response capabilities to safeguard against malware and other malicious activities.
4.3 Seamless Azure Integration
Windows Server 2025 offers even tighter integration with Azure services, making it easier to manage hybrid environments.
- Azure Arc: Simplified management of Windows Server instances running on-premises, in Azure, or in other cloud environments.
- Azure Backup and Disaster Recovery: Enhanced integration with Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery for seamless backup and disaster recovery solutions.
- Azure Monitor: Improved monitoring and diagnostics capabilities with Azure Monitor, providing insights into server performance and health.
4.4 Enhanced Container Support
Containerization is a key trend in modern application development. Windows Server 2025 provides enhanced support for containers, making it easier to deploy and manage containerized applications.
- Smaller Container Images: Reduced size of container images, resulting in faster deployment times and reduced storage requirements.
- Improved Container Networking: Enhanced container networking capabilities, providing better performance and security for containerized applications.
- Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Better integration with WSL, allowing developers to run Linux containers alongside Windows containers.
5. Windows Server 2025 Update History
Keeping your Windows Server updated is essential for security and performance. Here’s a history of updates for Windows Server 2025:
| Servicing option | Update type | Availability date | Build | KB article |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTSC | 2025-04 B | 2025-04-08 | 26100.3775 | KB5055523 |
| LTSC | 2025-03 B | 2025-03-11 | 26100.3476 | KB5053598 |
| LTSC | 2025-02 B | 2025-02-11 | 26100.3194 | KB5051987 |
| LTSC | 2025-01 B | 2025-01-14 | 26100.2894 | KB5050009 |
| LTSC | 2024-12 B | 2024-12-10 | 26100.2605 | KB5048667 |
| LTSC | 2024-11 B | 2024-11-12 | 26100.2314 | KB5046617 |
| LTSC | 2024-10 A | 2024-11-01 | 26100.1742 |
6. Windows Server 2022 Update History
Here’s a history of updates for Windows Server 2022:
| Servicing option | Update type | Availability date | Build | KB article |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTSC | 2025-04 B | 2025-04-08 | 20348.3453 | KB5055526 |
| LTSC | 2025-03 B | 2025-03-11 | 20348.3328 | KB5053603 |
| LTSC | 2025-02 B | 2025-02-11 | 20348.3207 | KB5051979 |
| LTSC | 2025-01 OOB | 2025-01-18 | 20348.3095 | KB5052819 |
| LTSC | 2025-01 B | 2025-01-14 | 20348.3091 | KB5049983 |
| LTSC | 2024-12 B | 2024-12-10 | 20348.2966 | KB5048654 |
| LTSC | 2024-11 B | 2024-11-12 | 20348.2849 | KB5046616 |
| LTSC | 2024-10 B | 2024-10-08 | 20348.2762 | KB5044281 |
| LTSC | 2024-09 B | 2024-09-10 | 20348.2700 | KB5042881 |
| LTSC | 2024-08 B | 2024-08-13 | 20348.2655 | KB5041160 |
| LTSC | 2024-07 B | 2024-07-09 | 20348.2582 | KB5040437 |
| LTSC | 2024-06 OOB | 2024-06-20 | 20348.2529 | KB5041054 |
| LTSC | 2024-06 B | 2024-06-11 | 20348.2527 | KB5039227 |
| LTSC | 2024-05 B | 2024-05-14 | 20348.2461 | KB5037782 |
| LTSC | 2024-04 B | 2024-04-09 | 20348.2402 | KB5036909 |
| LTSC | 2024-03 OOB | 2024-03-22 | 20348.2342 | KB5037422 |
| LTSC | 2024-03 B | 2024-03-12 | 20348.2340 | KB5035857 |
| LTSC | 2024-02 B | 2024-02-13 | 20348.2322 | KB5034770 |
| LTSC | 2024-01 B | 2024-01-09 | 20348.2227 | KB5034129 |
| LTSC | 2023-12 B | 2023-12-12 | 20348.2159 | KB5033118 |
| LTSC | 2023-11 B | 2023-11-14 | 20348.2113 | KB5032198 |
| LTSC | 2023-10 B | 2023-10-10 | 20348.2031 | KB5031364 |
| LTSC | 2023-09 B | 2023-09-12 | 20348.1970 | KB5030216 |
| LTSC | 2023-08 B | 2023-08-08 | 20348.1906 | KB5029250 |
| LTSC | 2023-07 B | 2023-07-11 | 20348.1850 | KB5028171 |
| LTSC | 2023-06 B | 2023-06-13 | 20348.1787 | KB5027225 |
| LTSC | 2023-05 B | 2023-05-09 | 20348.1726 | KB5026370 |
| LTSC | 2023-04 B | 2023-04-11 | 20348.1668 | KB5025230 |
| LTSC | 2023-03 B | 2023-03-14 | 20348.1607 | KB5023705 |
| LTSC | 2023-02 B | 2023-02-14 | 20348.1547 | KB5022842 |
| LTSC | 2023-01 B | 2023-01-10 | 20348.1487 | KB5022291 |
| LTSC | 2022-12 OOB | 2022-12-20 | 20348.1368 | KB5022553 |
| LTSC | 2022-12 B | 2022-12-13 | 20348.1366 | KB5021249 |
| LTSC | 2022-11 C | 2022-11-22 | 20348.1311 | KB5020032 |
| LTSC | 2022-11 OOB | 2022-11-17 | 20348.1251 | KB5021656 |
| LTSC | 2022-11 B | 2022-11-08 | 20348.1249 | KB5019081 |
| LTSC | 2022-10 C | 2022-10-25 | 20348.1194 | KB5018485 |
| LTSC | 2022-10 OOB | 2022-10-17 | 20348.1131 | KB5020436 |
| LTSC | 2022-10 B | 2022-10-11 | 20348.1129 | KB5018421 |
| LTSC | 2022-09 C | 2022-09-20 | 20348.1070 | KB5017381 |
| LTSC | 2022-09 B | 2022-09-13 | 20348.1006 | KB5017316 |
| LTSC | 2022-08 C | 2022-08-16 | 20348.946 | KB5016693 |
| LTSC | 2022-08 B | 2022-08-09 | 20348.887 | KB5016627 |
| LTSC | 2022-07 C | 2022-07-19 | 20348.859 | KB5015879 |
| LTSC | 2022-07 B | 2022-07-12 | 20348.825 | KB5015827 |
| LTSC | 2022-06 C | 2022-06-23 | 20348.803 | KB5014665 |
| LTSC | 2022-06 B | 2022-06-14 | 20348.768 | KB5014678 |
| LTSC | 2022-05 C | 2022-05-24 | 20348.740 | KB5014021 |
| LTSC | 2022-05 OOB | 2022-05-19 | 20348.709 | KB5015013 |
| LTSC | 2022-05 B | 2022-05-10 | 20348.707 | KB5013944 |
| LTSC | 2022-04 C | 2022-04-25 | 20348.681 | KB5012637 |
| LTSC | 2022-04 B | 2022-04-12 | 20348.643 | KB5012604 |
| LTSC | 2022-03 C | 2022-03-22 | 20348.617 | KB5011558 |
| LTSC | 2022-03 B | 2022-03-08 | 20348.587 | KB5011497 |
| LTSC | 2022-02 C | 2022-02-15 | 20348.558 | KB5010421 |
| LTSC | 2022-02 B | 2022-02-08 | 20348.524 | KB5010354 |
| LTSC | 2022-01 C | 2022-01-25 | 20348.502 | KB5009608 |
| LTSC | 2022-01 OOB | 2022-01-17 | 20348.473 | KB5010796 |
| LTSC | 2022-01 B | 2022-01-11 | 20348.469 | KB5009555 |
| LTSC | 2022-01 OOB | 2022-01-05 | 20348.407 | KB5010197 |
| LTSC | 2021-12 B | 2021-12-14 | 20348.405 | KB5008223 |
| LTSC | 2021-11 C | 2021-11-22 | 20348.380 | KB5007254 |
| LTSC | 2021-11 B | 2021-11-09 | 20348.350 | KB5007205 |
| LTSC | 2021-10 C | 2021-10-26 | 20348.320 | KB5006745 |
| LTSC | 2021-10 B | 2021-10-12 | 20348.288 | KB5006699 |
| LTSC | 2021-09 C | 2021-09-27 | 20348.261 | KB5005619 |
| LTSC | 2021-09 B | 2021-09-14 | 20348.230 | KB5005575 |
| LTSC | 2021-08 C | 2021-08-26 | 20348.202 | KB5005104 |
7. Windows Server 2019 Update History
Here’s a history of updates for Windows Server 2019:
| Servicing option | Update type | Availability date | Build | KB article |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTSC | 2025-04 B | 2025-04-08 | 17763.7136 | KB5055519 |
| LTSC | 2025-03 B | 2025-03-11 | 17763.7009 | KB5053596 |
| LTSC | 2025-02 B | 2025-02-11 | 17763.6893 | KB5052000 |
| LTSC | 2025-01 B | 2025-01-14 | 17763.6775 | KB5050008 |
| LTSC | 2024-12 B | 2024-12-10 | 17763.6659 | KB5048661 |
| LTSC | 2024-11 B | 2024-11-12 | 17763.6532 | KB5046615 |
| LTSC | 2024-10 B | 2024-10-08 | 17763.6414 | KB5044277 |
| LTSC | 2024-09 B | 2024-09-10 | 17763.6293 | KB5043050 |
| LTSC | 2024-08 B | 2024-08-13 | 17763.6189 | KB5041578 |
| LTSC | 2024-07 B | 2024-07-09 | 17763.6054 | KB5040430 |
| LTSC | 2024-06 |
