Windows Server 2022 is the next release in the Long-term servicing channel (LTSC) for Windows Server. It introduces advanced multilayer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure and a flexible application platform.

It is now available for MSDN subscribers, VLSC customers and in Azure IaaS.

What's New

As part of this release, Windows Server is getting secured-core capabilities to secure systems that would run workloads on Windows Server 2022. Secured-core server builds on technologies such as Windows Defender System Guard and Virtualization-based Security (VBS) to minimize risk from firmware vulnerabilities and advanced malware.

The new release also provides secured connectivity by introducing several new capabilities such as faster and more secure encrypted HTTPS connections and industry standard SMB AES 256 encryption.

Windows Server 2022 improves hybrid server management and has an enhanced event viewer and many more new capabilities in Windows Admin Center.

Furthermore, this release includes improvements to Windows containers, such as smaller image size for faster download, simplified network policy implementation and containerization tools for .NET applications.

Microsoft provides further detailed information in the Release Notes for Windows Server 2022.

Version information

Windows Server 2022 has build number 10.0.20348.169.

How to get Windows Server 2022

DOWNLOAD

You can download Windows Server 2022, when you’re subscribed to MSDN. MSDN subscriptions can be bought as an add-on to Developer Tools, like Visual Studio.

Of course, another way to get access to Windows Server 2022 and Product Keys is to use the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).  Access to this portal comes with Software Assurance in the Microsoft Volume Licensing programs. Software Assurance consists of 31 advantages, but the most relevant one in the context of this blogpost is the next version right. When an organization purchases Windows Server with Software Assurance, this organization gains the right to run Windows Server 2022. You can download it now.

If you’re a Microsoft Partner, you can also get access to Windows Server 2022. If your organization employs at least two Microsoft certified professionals (MCPs), can cough up three customer references and around $ 1500 per year, your organization can become a Microsoft Partner with a Silver Competency and enjoy all Microsoft software for production, testing and training purposes for free (restrictions apply). If your organization doesn’t qualify for a competency, then you can become a registered member of the Microsoft Partner Community and purchase the Microsoft Action Pack. The Community membership is free for organizations. The Action Pack will set your organization back $ 329 per year. The MSDN Portal would be the portal where all the action is in terms of Windows Server 2022 for both partner routes.

Evaluation versions of Windows Server, version 2022 are also available. You can download as a *.vhd or as a *.iso file at your convenience.

AZURE INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE

When downloading bits sounds archaic to you, you can also spin up Windows Server-based virtual machines running Windows Server 2022. Microsoft currently offers eight Azure IaaS-based Windows Server 2022 flavors:

• Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Server Core – Gen1
• Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Server Core – Gen2
• Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – Gen2
• Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – Gen1
• [smalldisk] Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Server Core – Gen1
• [smalldisk] Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Server Core – Gen2
• [smalldisk] Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – Gen2
• [smalldisk] Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – Gen1

Unfortunately, this means that the HotPatch and SMB over QUIC functionality are currently not yet available. These features require Windows Server 2022 Dataceenter, Azure Edition.

Enjoy!

Further reading

How Hot Patch for Windows Server Azure Edition helps secure Domain Controllers  
Windows Server 2022 Preview build 20292 is available for download  
Windows Server vNext Preview build 20201 is now available    
RoboCopy supports Copying Files over SMB with Compression on Windows Server 2019, and beyond