What Is The Difference Between Windows Server 2016 And 2022?

Microsoft keeps introducing new features and upgrades to its operating system to maximize security and increase network speed. In September 2021, Microsoft announced one of the biggest upgrades to its operating system, i.e., Windows Server 2022.

Now that the latest edition of Windows Server has been launched, it’s advisable that all businesses, especially IT help desk service providers, upgrade their windows to the 2022 edition to reduce the risk of cyber threats.

In this post, we will walk you through the difference between Windows Server 2016 and 2022, the notable features of both, and the reasons you should upgrade to the latest edition. Let’s get started.

Windows Server 2016 OS is the oldest windows server launched on October 12, 2016, and the server was built around the same time as Windows 10. Microsoft launched Windows Server to meet the growing demand for cloud computing.

The server enhanced network security and offered seamless Azure integrations. Here are a few notable features of Windows Server 2016.

• Built-in antimalware protection that’s automatically enabled for increased security.
• Smooth remote desktop performance
• Quick integration with Active Directory
• Installation of nano servers that are used for running cloud-based and container-based applications.
• It features storage replicas
• Several proxy improvements, like the conversion of HTTP to HTTPS

Although Microsoft’s Windows Server 2016 edition was designed to enhance security and provide better control to the user, it’s an outdated version. The company has introduced the 2022 edition with advanced security parameters and secure functions that offer the best protection against all cyber threats.

Due to the growing cases of cyber-attacks, Microsoft introduced a more advanced and robust version of Windows Server. This latest edition helps businesses manage their day-to-day operations— remote and in-office—smoothly.

It also supports hybrid cloud integration, allowing your teams to get a consolidated view of all IT operations in a single centralized place. The 2022 edition is classified into three types: Essential, Standard, and Data Center.

The Standard edition gives you a single license, while the Essential plan is for small companies with 25 employees and less than 50 devices. For those looking for multiple Hyper-V Virtual Machines, the Data Center edition is your best bet. It has features similar to the Standard version, except for certain advanced security tools like Protected VM.

Microsoft has also launched the Azure Edition. It has many new and advanced features that are missing in the other versions. For instance, the Hot Patch feature in the Data Center Azure edition allows you to update the device without having to restart it.

Fortunately, you can download this server for testing. You get a 180-day evaluation period. If you are satisfied, you can buy its permanent license. The hardware requirements for this latest server edition are also minimal, so installation won’t be a hassle.

Here are some notable features of Windows Server 2022:

• Advanced firmware protection with hardware root-of-trust.
• Secure connectivity with HTTPS protocol running on default.
• Internet Explorer is replaced by Microsoft Edge browser, which offers better security and a faster network.
• Automatically uninstalls new drivers or updates that cause Windows malfunction.
• Excellent storage migration options

These were only to name a few. Microsoft has added a host of functionalities that cover security, storage, Azure integrations, hybrid and remote integrations, and excellent network speeds.

Both servers were designed with the same purpose of enhancing network security and providing improved Azure integrations. However, the latest edition is packed with a wide range of functions, is an upgraded OS, and offers robust protection.

The mainstream end date of Microsoft Windows Server 2016 was January 11, 2022, but it has been extended to January 12, 2027. So, you can still use it.

The biggest difference between Windows 2022 and 2016 editions is the advanced storage function. The 2022 edition has storage migration functionality, which enables users to transfer storage to Azure easily.

The oldest variant of Windows Server doesn’t have a storage migration function. Another addition to the 2022 server is SMB compression. The files are automatically compressed when they are transferred from your network. OneDrive is an online cloud storage service that provides seamless file sharing and accessibility, making it a valuable tool for remote collaboration.

The Windows Detection Advanced Threat Protection is the most crucial security component in Windows Servers. It was introduced in the 2019 edition and got an upgrade in 2022. This security tool uses Machine Learning to detect, investigate, and prevent cyber-attacks. Unfortunately, it’s missing in the 2016 edition.

Here are the three main security upgrades you will find in Windows Server 2022 edition.

• Hardware Root-of-Trust
• Advanced firmware protection
• Virtualization-based protection

These features make the latest Windows Server edition better and comparatively safer than its previous counterparts.

People are switching to Windows Server 2022 because it offers the latest version of Transport Layer Security (TLS). The 2016 variant came with TFO to ensure a quick TCP connection setup.

However, if you are looking for the best connection, the 2022 variant has used TCP HyStart++ to establish a secure and fast network connection while minimizing the risk of packet loss. It’s highly recommended for businesses that want to improve their IT infrastructure and enable an improved networking experience for employees.

Another area where 2022 beats the 2016 and 2019 windows server variants is cloud management. If your workforce operates remotely or in a hybrid setting, you need windows servers that offer excellent cloud management.

Microsoft has upgraded cloud management in Windows Server 2022 by introducing hybrid clouds. It also features many advanced functions that were not released with the 2016 or 2019 servers. Examples include the event workspace and admin center.

Windows 2022 edition has not only upgraded security features and networking tools, but it comes with many new features that are unavailable in its previous counterparts. Although the other two versions are still supported, it’s advisable that you switch to this latest Windows Server edition to ensure better security and improved performance. The server is compatible with Azure and is a reliable solution for all businesses ranging from small-scale companies to multi-national corporations.