Microsoft Windows Server 2022

FAQ

What are the main differences between the Windows Server 2022 versions (editions)?

A Windows Server 2022 price and features comparison is available in the table below:

A more detailed feature comparison of Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter (including Datacenter Azure) can be found here.

Windows Server 2022 Essentials vs Standard – what’s the difference?

Windows Server 2022 Essentials and Standard basically have the same tools and features, but the Essentials edition has strict limitations both in terms of hardware (up to 1 CPU socket, 10 physical cores) and users (up to 25 users and 50 devices), and is available through the OEM licensing channel only.

What’s new in Windows Server 2022?

You can find a comprehensive description of the improvements and new features of Microsoft’s latest server system here.

When is Windows Server 2022’s end of life?

Microsoft’s support for Windows Server 2022 ends on October 13th 2026 for feature updates (mainstream support), and on October 14th 2031 for bug fixes and security updates (extended support). However, customers should note that the end of support for the product does not mean that the software cannot be used anymore after the final support end date, just that according to the product lifecycle policy, the software manufacturer (Microsoft) is not obligated to provide support to users anymore and that there will be no more new Windows Server 2022 updates.

How can I download Windows Server 2022 ISO files?

Windows Server 2022 download links to original installation files for both Standard and Datacenter editions can be found in our onesam.eu portal. Customers must log in with the order number and the email which was used for making the order.

What Windows Server 2022 key will I receive?  

Our customers can receive either MAK (Multiple Activation Key), or KMS* (Key Management Service) product keys for Windows Server 2022. More information about MAK and KMS activation technologies can be found in our article: Microsoft Volume Licensing: Product keys FAQ

* Note: Windows Server 2022 KMS keys are available only on request.

What are the available methods for Volume-licensed Windows Server 2022 activation?

Beside putting a product key in the activation window, all Windows Server 2022 editions can also be activated through a command-line interface. Products licensed through Microsoft’s commercial channel (Volume) can also be activated via dedicated Volume activation methods, such as MAK (Multiple Activation Key), KMS (Key Management Service), and ADBA (Activate Directory-Based Activation). All server products sold on our eshop can be activated in the aforementioned ways.

Windows Server 2022 vs 2019 – what’s the difference? And what about Windows Server 2022 vs 2016?

You can find detailed information about the differences between Windows Server 2022, 2019, and 2016 in the following PDF: Windows Server 2022 Comparison Guide

Does Windows Server 2022 come with Hyper-V?

Yes, and beside the built-in Windows Server 2022 Hyper-V solution, it also supports all of the leading virtualization tools from major third-party providers, such as VMware and Virtualbox.

How can I upgrade MS Windows Server 2019 to 2022? 

Windows Server 2019 cannot be automatically upgraded to 2022. If your organization wants to replace your current Windows Server 2019 instance with a 2022 one, purchasing a license for Windows Server 2022 is required first, followed by setting up the new server OS via its dedicated installation file.

Your redundant Windows Server 2019 products still hold value and can help you offset the costs of the new server license – our company would gladly buy them from you! For more information about our software buy-up option, check the Sell software page.

How do I set up Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services?

We have prepared an RDS installation and activation guide that you can find on our tech support website: Install and activate Remote Desktop Services

Does Windows Server 2022 require Client Access Licenses?

Yes*, Windows Server 2022 CAL must be assigned to every user and/or device which accesses the server to use services such as file storage, printing, etc. There are two types of Client Access Licenses available – User CAL and Device CAL, dedicated to different licensing methods. A singular Windows Server CAL can be assigned to 1 user or 1 device, depending on the product.  For more information, read our article: What is a CAL?

* Note: With the exception of Windows Server 2022 Essentials – no additional CALs are needed for it.

Where can I find a trial version of Windows Server 2022 (Evaluation)? 

Windows Server 2022 Evaluation lets customers test features for free, and can be used as a trial version for a period of 180 days. Windows Server Evaluation has the same features as the corresponding full edition of the software. Evaluation files for Windows Server 2022 editions are available here.

Where can I find information about Windows Server 2022 requirements? 

Minimum requirements for Windows Server 2022 can be found in the respective product detail, in the Requirements tab. For additional information about system and hardware requirements, visit the manufacturer’s website.

Does Windows Server 2022 come with downgrade rights? 

Yes, downgrade rights are granted with all server software licenses originally purchased through the Commercial (Volume) Licensing distribution channels, such as Open License, Enterprise Agreement, etc.

Do you have a Windows Server 2022 licensing calculator that I can use? 

We haven’t integrated such a tool in our systems yet. However, our licensing consultants can prepare a free personalized solution tailored to your needs – just contact us! We will be happy to help you and suggest the products that fit your project best.

What’s the difference between Windows Server 2022 Core and Desktop Experience?

The Core and Desktop Experience are two install options which can be chosen when installing Windows Server software on the server. With the Server Core install option, the standard graphical user interface (like in the desktop version of Windows 10, for example) is not installed; the management of the server can be performed by administrators through the command line using PowerShell, SConfig, or by remote options. The Desktop Experience install option enables the local and remote server management through the standard graphical user interface (GUI).

How do I install and activate Windows Server 2022? 

Our customers can contact our technical support team and ask for assistance. For more information, visit our Support page.