Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 is a major release of Microsoft's Windows Server operating system, designed for enterprise environments to manage applications, services, and workloads on-premises or in hybrid cloud setups.[1] Released on November 13, 2018, as part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), it builds directly on the foundation of Windows Server 2016 while introducing innovations across four key areas: hybrid cloud integration, security, hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), and application platform modernization.[2][3] Available in Standard, Datacenter, and Essentials editions, it supports installation options including Server Core (a minimal, GUI-less interface recommended for security and efficiency) and Server with Desktop Experience (full graphical interface).[2][1] The Standard edition delivers essential server roles and features for small to medium-sized deployments, including support for two virtual machines per license and basic virtualization capabilities, making it suitable for organizations not requiring advanced scaling.[1] In contrast, the Datacenter edition provides unlimited virtualization rights, unlimited Windows Server containers, and full access to software-defined datacenter technologies such as Storage Spaces Direct for resilient, scalable storage and Shielded Virtual Machines for secure VM isolation.[1] The Essentials edition targets smaller businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices, offering simplified management without the need for separate client access licenses (CALs).[2] Mainstream support for Windows Server 2019 ended on January 9, 2024, with extended support continuing until January 9, 2029, ensuring long-term stability for critical infrastructure.[2] Key security enhancements in Windows Server 2019 include Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) with Exploit Guard to mitigate advanced attacks, improved firewall auditing for better visibility, and Encrypted Networks using IPsec for secure communication.[3] Shielded Virtual Machines now extend protection to Linux guests and support offline capabilities, while integration with Azure Active Directory enables multi-factor authentication for Remote Desktop Services.[3] For hybrid cloud scenarios, features like the Storage Migration Service allow seamless data transfer from legacy servers to Windows Server 2019 or Azure, and Azure File Sync provides centralized file management across on-premises and cloud storage.[3] In HCI, Storage Spaces Direct adds deduplication, compression, and persistent memory support for higher performance, alongside Cluster Sets for managing large-scale clusters spanning multiple sites.[3] On the application front, Windows Server 2019 advances containerization with Linux containers running natively on Windows, reduced image sizes (up to one-third smaller for Server Core), and built-in support for orchestration tools like Kubernetes and Service Fabric.[3] The Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD) bridges legacy applications to the minimal Server Core installation, easing modernization without full GUI dependencies.[1] Additional improvements include dynamic virtual Receive Side Scaling (vRSS) for better network throughput in virtualized environments and System Insights for predictive analytics on server health using machine learning.[3] These capabilities position Windows Server 2019 as a versatile platform for evolving datacenters toward cloud-native architectures while maintaining robust on-premises performance.[1]History
Development
Microsoft announced Windows Server 2019 on March 20, 2018, alongside the release of its first technical preview build for testing through the Windows Insider program.[4] The development effort, led by the Microsoft Windows Server engineering team, positioned the operating system as a direct successor to Windows Server 2016 without a major version increment, incorporating telemetry and customer feedback from the prior release to address limitations in virtualization scalability and security protections. The project emphasized enhancements for hybrid cloud environments, enabling seamless integration between on-premises infrastructure and Azure services such as Azure Backup and Azure File Sync to support data transitions from traditional setups to cloud-based operations.[4] Key goals included bolstering containerization capabilities, particularly through beta support for Kubernetes orchestration to improve compute, storage, and networking for container workloads.[4] Built on the Windows 10 version 1809 codebase, the development incorporated security advancements like expanded Shielded Virtual Machines for Linux guests and embedded Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection to mitigate evolving threats.[5] Preview milestones progressed through several Insider builds to refine these priorities. The initial Technical Preview 1803, released in March 2018 as build 17623, introduced early hybrid and security features for validation.[6] This was followed by Technical Preview 1807 in July 2018 (build 17713), which focused on stability improvements for container and Kubernetes integration.[7] The final Insider Preview build arrived in August 2018 (build 17744), incorporating feedback to optimize hybrid cloud migration tools and virtualization performance ahead of general availability.[8]Release
Windows Server 2019's release to manufacturing (RTM) build, 17763, was achieved on September 18, 2018.[9] General availability was initially planned for October 2, 2018, coinciding with the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809), but the rollout was paused shortly after due to a critical bug that caused user files in the Documents folder to be deleted during installation. Microsoft investigated and resolved the issue, resuming the release on November 13, 2018, when Windows Server 2019 became generally available worldwide.[2] As part of Microsoft's servicing strategy, Windows Server 2019 operates under the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) model, which provides a stable platform with updates focused on security and reliability rather than frequent feature additions.[10] Users can choose between two installation options: Server Core, a minimal interface for enhanced security and reduced resource usage, or Server with Desktop Experience, which includes a full graphical user interface for broader compatibility.[11] Post-release, the first out-of-band cumulative update arrived on December 19, 2018 (build 17763.195), addressing initial stability improvements.[5] Servicing has continued steadily, with a notable security-focused out-of-band update in October 2025 elevating the build to 17763.7922 to mitigate vulnerabilities in Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).[12] At the time of general availability, Microsoft highlighted Windows Server 2019's hybrid cloud integrations, enabling seamless connectivity with Azure services such as Azure Backup, Azure File Sync, and disaster recovery options through Windows Admin Center.[13]Editions
Essentials Edition
Windows Server 2019 Essentials is designed specifically for small organizations, supporting up to 25 users and 50 devices, making it suitable for environments that require basic server functionality without complex infrastructure needs.[14][15] This edition emphasizes ease of deployment and management for non-expert administrators, positioning it as an entry-level option for small businesses transitioning from consumer-grade solutions or seeking hybrid cloud connectivity. Key limitations include a maximum of 64 GB RAM and support for one physical operating system environment and one virtual operating system environment per licensed server, without rights to additional virtual instances for scaling.[16] Unlike higher editions, it does not permit unlimited virtualization or growth beyond the user and device caps, directing larger organizations to Standard or Datacenter versions.[16] Unique capabilities focus on streamlined setup using standard Windows Server tools and PowerShell for initial configuration and role assignments, as the dedicated Essentials Experience role is no longer developed.[17] It also integrates with Microsoft 365 for small businesses, enabling Azure Active Directory synchronization via AAD Connect to support hybrid identity management without requiring full on-premises Active Directory expertise.[18] Management is simplified, relying on standard Windows tools rather than a dedicated dashboard. Note that the Windows Server Essentials Experience role, which provided a dedicated dashboard and client integration in earlier versions, is no longer developed as of Windows Server 2019.[17] It shares core operating system features like security updates and networking basics with the Standard edition. Licensing for Essentials is provided as a perpetual specialty server license at a fixed price, as a fixed-price per-server specialty license covering up to the hardware limits, with no core-based licensing or additional core purchases required, and no Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required for the supported user count.[15] This model contrasts with other editions by avoiding per-core stacking for virtualization and emphasizing cost-effectiveness for limited-scale deployments, without support for advanced features like unlimited guest VMs or expansive storage replication.[15]Standard Edition
Windows Server 2019 Standard Edition is designed for organizations requiring a balance between cost efficiency and moderate virtualization capabilities, targeting small to medium-sized businesses that operate physical servers or lightly virtualized environments with limited virtual machine density.[19] This edition supports up to two virtual machines or Hyper-V containers per license, making it ideal for scenarios such as running file servers, domain controllers, or basic application hosting where heavy virtualization is not required.[20] It shares core security baselines with the Datacenter Edition, including features like Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection and Credential Guard, to ensure consistent protection across deployments.[19] Key features of the Standard Edition include full support for Hyper-V role, enabling the creation and management of up to two virtual machines alongside the host operating system.[20] It also provides unlimited Windows Server containers for containerized workloads, facilitating modern application development and deployment without the overhead of full virtualization.[20] Storage Replica is available but restricted to a single partnership with one resource group and a maximum volume size of 2 TB, suitable for basic disaster recovery needs in non-enterprise settings.[21] Other included capabilities encompass Active Directory Domain Services, DHCP and DNS servers, Failover Clustering for high availability, and File and Storage Services for data management.[19] Licensing for the Standard Edition follows a per-core model, with a minimum of 16 core licenses required per physical server (eight per processor) and additional licenses available in two- or 16-core packs to cover all physical cores, stackable up to the hardware maximum of 64 sockets.[15] Client Access Licenses (CALs) are mandatory for each user or device accessing the server.[15] Hardware support extends to a maximum of 24 TB of RAM and unlimited logical processors across 64 sockets, providing scalability for mid-range workloads without exceeding the edition's virtualization constraints.[20] This configuration positions the Standard Edition as a cost-effective choice for environments needing reliable server operations but not the unlimited scaling of higher-tier editions.[19]Datacenter Edition
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Edition is designed for large organizations requiring extensive virtualization and hybrid cloud capabilities, supporting unlimited virtual machines (VMs) and containers to handle high-density workloads in datacenter environments.[1] This edition targets enterprises with demanding infrastructure needs, such as those running software-defined datacenters or integrating on-premises systems with Azure, enabling scalable operations without virtualization limits that constrain lower editions.[15] Key features include full Storage Replica for unlimited volume replication across sites, software-defined networking (SDN) for advanced network virtualization and management via Network Controller, and Shielded Virtual Machines (VMs) that provide hardware-based security isolation without restrictions on the number of protected instances.[21] Unlike the Standard Edition, which limits users to two VMs or Hyper-V containers, Datacenter Edition grants rights to an unlimited number of operating system environments (OSEs) and Windows Server containers, including those with Hyper-V isolation, making it ideal for hyper-converged infrastructure.[19] It also incorporates Storage Spaces Direct for software-defined storage clustering, enhancing scalability in multi-node setups.[1] Licensing follows a per-core model, with a minimum of 16 core licenses per physical server (8 per processor), sold in 2-core or 16-core packs that can be stacked to cover all physical cores; it requires Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) for user or device access.[21] This edition builds on all Standard features while adding advanced virtualization entitlements, such as unlimited OSEs, and supports Azure Hybrid Benefit for cost savings on Azure VMs when using licensed on-premises cores with Software Assurance.[15] Hardware support aligns with general Windows Server 2019 requirements, including 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 512 MB RAM (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience), and 32 GB storage, but is optimized for clustered environments leveraging Storage Spaces Direct on compatible hardware like NVMe or SSD drives for high-performance storage pools.[19] Unique aspects include seamless hybrid Azure integration through tools like Azure Arc for management, nested virtualization to run Hyper-V within VMs for development and testing, and large-scale failover clustering for high availability across multiple nodes without VM quantity caps.[1]Technical specifications
System requirements
Windows Server 2019 requires a 64-bit processor compatible with the x64 instruction set, running at a minimum clock speed of 1.4 GHz, and supporting specific instructions including NX and DEP, CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, PrefetchW, SLAT (Second Level Address Translation via EPT or NPT), POPCNT, and SSE4.2.[22] The minimum memory requirement is 512 MB for installations using Server Core and 2 GB for those using Server with Desktop Experience.[22] Storage needs at least 32 GB of free space on the installation drive, though additional capacity is required for features such as Storage Spaces Direct, which demands further allocation beyond the OS partition.[22] A network adapter capable of Gigabit Ethernet throughput is required for optimal performance.[22] Other hardware prerequisites include a UEFI 2.3.1c firmware system with Secure Boot capability for certain advanced features, and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security functionalities like BitLocker.[22] For upgrades, the system must run Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2016 as the source operating system.[23]| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor compatible with x64 instruction set; supports NX/DEP, CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, PrefetchW, SLAT, POPCNT, SSE4.2 |
| RAM (Server Core) | 512 MB |
| RAM (Desktop Experience) | 2 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB (additional for features like Storage Spaces Direct) |
| Network Adapter | Gigabit Ethernet compatible |
| Firmware | UEFI 2.3.1c with Secure Boot |
| Security Hardware | TPM 2.0 (for select features) |