Windows Server 2022 Standard vs. Windows Server 2019: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, selecting the right server operating system is pivotal. Microsoft’s Windows Server series has been at the forefront, with each iteration bringing enhancements to meet modern demands. This article delves into a detailed comparison between Windows Server 2022 Standard and Windows Server 2019, focusing on security, performance, hybrid capabilities, and more.

Security Enhancements

Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 introduced several security features aimed at protecting data and infrastructure:

• Advanced Threat Protection: Integration with Windows Defender ATP for detecting and responding to threats.

• Shielded Virtual Machines: Protection for VMs against unauthorized access.

• Encrypted Networks: Ability to encrypt network segments to secure data in transit.

Windows Server 2022 Standard

Building upon its predecessor, Windows Server 2022 Standard offers advanced security measures:

• Secured-Core Server: Combines hardware, firmware, and OS security features for comprehensive protection.

• TLS 1.3 Enabled by Default: Ensures secure communications with the latest encryption protocols.

• SMB over QUIC: Provides secure, VPN-less access to file servers over the internet.

• DNS-over-HTTPS: Encrypts DNS queries to enhance privacy and security.

These enhancements make Windows Server 2022 Standard a robust choice for organizations prioritizing security.

Performance and Scalability

Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 offered reliable performance suitable for various workloads:

• Improved Cluster Performance: Enhancements in failover clustering for better resilience.

• Storage Spaces Direct: Enables building highly available storage systems with local storage.

Windows Server 2022 Standard

Windows Server 2022 Standard introduces significant performance improvements:

• Storage Bus Cache: Enhances storage performance by caching frequently accessed data.

• SMB Compression: Reduces file sizes during transfer, improving speed and efficiency.

• UDP Performance Enhancements: Improved handling of UDP traffic for better performance in real-time applications.

These features contribute to faster data processing and improved application performance.

Hybrid Cloud Integration

Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 laid the groundwork for hybrid cloud environments: 

• Azure Network Adapter: Simplifies connecting on-premises servers to Azure.

• Storage Migration Service: Assists in migrating servers to newer versions or to Azure.

Windows Server 2022 Standard

Windows Server 2022 Standard enhances hybrid capabilities:

• Azure Arc Integration: Extends Azure management and services to on-premises environments.

• Hotpatching: Allows installing updates without requiring a reboot, minimizing downtime.

• Improved Windows Admin Center: Offers better management tools for hybrid scenarios.

These advancements facilitate seamless integration between on-premises infrastructure and cloud services.

Application Platform Enhancements

Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 supported modern application development: 

• Windows Containers: Support for containerized applications using Docker.

• Kubernetes Support: Basic support for Kubernetes orchestration.

Windows Server 2022 Standard

Windows Server 2022 Standard offers improved support for application platforms:

• Smaller Container Image Sizes: Reduces download times and improves performance.

• Enhanced Kubernetes Support: Better integration and support for Kubernetes.

• Application Compatibility: Improved compatibility for applications running in containers.

These features make it easier to develop, deploy, and manage modern applications.

Licensing and Support

Windows Server 2019

• Licensing Model: Core-based licensing with Client Access Licenses (CALs) required.

• Support Lifecycle: Mainstream support until January 9, 2024; extended support until January 9, 2029.

Windows Server 2022 Standard

• Licensing Model: Continues with core-based licensing and CALs.

• Support Lifecycle: Mainstream support until October 13, 2026; extended support until October 14, 2031.

The extended support timeline for Windows Server 2022 Standard offers a longer period for updates and security patches.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Windows Server 2019	Windows Server 2022 Standard
Secured-Core Server	No	Yes
TLS 1.3 Support	No	Yes
SMB over QUIC	No	Yes
DNS-over-HTTPS	No	Yes
Storage Bus Cache	No	Yes
SMB Compression	No	Yes
Azure Arc Integration	No	Yes
Hotpatching	No	Yes
Enhanced Kubernetes Support	Basic	Improved
Container Image Size Reduction	No	Yes

Conclusion

Windows Server 2022 Standard offers substantial improvements over Windows Server 2019, particularly in security, performance, and hybrid cloud integration. Organizations seeking to modernize their IT infrastructure and enhance security should consider upgrading to Windows Server 2022 Standard. 

For those interested in acquiring Windows Server 2022 Standard, it is available for purchase at  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Windows Server 2022 Standard compatible with applications running on Windows Server 2019?
A1: Yes, most applications compatible with Windows Server 2019 should run smoothly on Windows Server 2022 Standard. However, it’s recommended to test critical applications before full deployment.

Q2: Can I upgrade directly from Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2022 Standard?
A2: Yes, in-place upgrades from Windows Server 2019 to Windows Server 2022 Standard are supported. Ensure that your hardware meets the requirements and that you have backups before proceeding.

Q3: Does Windows Server 2022 Standard require new Client Access Licenses (CALs)?
A3: Yes, Windows Server 2022 Standard requires CALs. Existing CALs may be valid, but it’s essential to verify their compatibility with the new version.

Q4: What are the hardware requirements for Windows Server 2022 Standard?
A4: Minimum requirements include a 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 512 MB RAM (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience), and 32 GB of disk space. Additional requirements may apply based on specific roles and features. 

Q5: How does Windows Server 2022 Standard enhance hybrid cloud capabilities?
A5: Windows Server 2022 Standard integrates with Azure services through features like Azure Arc, enabling unified management of on-premises and cloud resources, and supports hotpatching for reduced downtime during updates.