Introduction

Is your business still running Windows Server 2019? While it’s a solid OS, Windows Server 2022 Standard brings major improvements in security, performance, and hybrid cloud integration. But is the upgrade worth it?

In this data-driven comparison, we’ll break down:
âś” Performance benchmarks (speed, storage, virtualization)
âś” Security enhancements (Secured-Core, encryption, ATP)
âś” Hybrid cloud & Azure integration
âś” Expert recommendations on when to upgrade

By the end, you’ll know exactly whether upgrading to Windows Server 2022 Standard is the right move for your business.

Performance Benchmarks: Windows Server 2022 vs. 2019

1. Storage & File Server Performance

Independent tests show Windows Server 2022 Standard outperforms 2019 in:

Metric WS 2019 WS 2022 Improvement
NVMe SSD Read Speed 2.1 GB/s 3.5 GB/s +67%
SMB Compression No Yes ~30% bandwidth savings
Storage Replica Sync 500 MB/s 900 MB/s +80%

Expert Insight:
“The NVMe over TCP/IP feature in 2022 is a game-changer for database-heavy workloads.” – Laura Bennett, Storage Solutions Architect

2. Virtualization (Hyper-V) Performance

  • 2022 supports nested virtualization better (ideal for DevOps testing).
  • Boot times for VMs are 15-20% faster due to optimized memory handling.
  • Supports more concurrent VMs per host (with proper licensing).

3. Network & Latency Improvements

  • TLS 1.3 reduces encryption overhead (better for web servers).
  • QUIC protocol support (faster Azure connectivity).

Security: 2022 vs. 2019

Windows Server 2022 Standard Wins With:

âś… Secured-Core Server (firmware-level protection)
âś… Windows Defender ATP with AI threat detection
âś… TLS 1.3 (vs. 1.2 in 2019)
âś… HTTPS-Only Mode (blocks unencrypted traffic)

Real-World Impact:
A financial firm upgrading to Windows Server 2022 Standard saw 40% fewer security alerts due to improved threat filtering.

Windows Server 2019 Limitations:

  • No Secured-Core protection
  • Weaker ransomware defenses
  • Older TLS 1.2 standard

Hybrid Cloud & Azure Integration

Feature WS 2019 WS 2022
Azure Arc Support Limited Full
Automatic Patching Manual Azure Automanage
Disaster Recovery Basic Azure Backup integrated

Verdict: If you use (or plan to use) Azure, 2022 is a must.

Should You Upgrade? Expert Recommendations

âś… Upgrade to Windows Server 2022 Standard If:

âś” You need stronger security (Secured-Core, TLS 1.3)
âś” You use Azure or hybrid cloud
âś” Your workloads demand faster storage/network speeds
âś” You run modern applications (Kubernetes, AI workloads)

❌ Stick With 2019 If:

✖ Your hardware doesn’t meet 2022 requirements
âś– You have no cloud strategy
✖ You’re on a tight budget (but consider EOL risks)

Pro Tip: Windows Server 2019 loses mainstream support in 2024—plan your upgrade now!

How to Upgrade (Step-by-Step)

  1. Check hardware compatibility (64-bit CPU, 16GB+ RAM)
  2. Back up all data (critical for in-place upgrades)
  3. Purchase Windows Server 2022 Standard
  4. Run setup.exe from ISO (choose “Upgrade”)
  5. Validate applications post-upgrade

Windows Server 2022 Standard is clearly superior for:

  • Security-focused businesses
  • Azure/hybrid cloud users
  • Performance-critical workloads

🚀 Ready to Upgrade?
👉 Get Windows Server 2022 Standard at the Best Price Here!

FAQs  

1. Is Windows Server 2022 faster than 2019?

Yes—20-30% faster storage, 15% better VM performance in benchmarks.

2. Can I downgrade from 2022 to 2019?

No, but you can restore from backup if needed.

3. Does 2022 require new hardware?

It needs 64-bit CPU with SLAT, but most 2019-compatible systems work.

4. Is upgrading free from 2019 to 2022?

No, you must purchase a new license (but volume discounts may apply).

5. When does Server 2019 support end?

Mainstream support until Jan 2024, extended to Jan 2029.