Windows Server 2022 introduces enhanced multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible application platform. This release brings secured-core capabilities to protect hardware, firmware, and the Windows Server OS from advanced security threats. Secured-core server builds on technologies like Windows Defender System Guard and Virtualization-based Security to reduce the risk of firmware vulnerabilities and advanced malware attacks.

The release also improves secured connectivity with several new features, such as faster, more secure encrypted HTTPS connections, industry-standard SMB AES 256 encryption, and more.

Windows Server 2022 enhances hybrid server management, offering improved VM management, an upgraded event viewer, and many new features within Windows Admin Center. Additionally, this release delivers significant improvements to Windows containers, including smaller image sizes for quicker downloads, simplified network policy implementation, and advanced containerization tools for .NET applications.

Choose an edition and installation option:
Customers downloading the full ISO must select an edition and installation option. This ISO evaluation includes both Datacenter and Standard editions. The Datacenter edition, the most comprehensive, offers features like Shielded Virtual Machines, Storage Spaces Direct, Software-Defined Networking, and unlimited server virtualization.