Windows Server 2019: Essential Features & Benefits

Over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use Windows Server for their critical apps and infrastructure¹. Windows Server 2019 is Microsoft’s top server OS, packed with new features. It helps companies improve operations, boost security, and move to the cloud smoothly.

Windows Server 2019 focuses on giving IT pros the tools they need for today’s complex environments. It includes the Windows Admin Center¹ and updates in networking, security, and storage. This release raises the bar for server software in the enterprise world.

Key Takeaways

• Windows Server 2019 introduces innovative features across Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure
• Streamlined management with the browser-based Windows Admin Center
• Robust security enhancements including Windows Defender ATP and Software Defined Networking
• Networking improvements such as HTTP/2, virtual network encryption, and egress metering
• Storage advancements including Data Deduplication and SMB improvements

Introduction to Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 is a powerful operating system with new features in four main areas: Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure². It builds on Windows Server 2016 to give companies a strong platform for workloads in the cloud and on-premises².

Overview of Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 connects applications, networks, and web services from small setups to big data centers². It links on-premises setups with Azure, making security better and helping with modernizing applications and infrastructure². There are detailed articles to help users understand what’s new and why they should upgrade². The Windows Insider Program gives early access to preview builds, helping with testing and shaping the future of Windows Server².

Key Themes: Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

Windows Server 2019 meets the needs of today’s IT environments. It focuses on four key areas important for improving infrastructure and driving digital change:

• Hybrid Cloud: It works well with Microsoft Azure for a smooth hybrid cloud experience. This lets companies use the cloud’s benefits while keeping control over their on-premises setup.
• Security: With new security features, Windows Server 2019 protects data and fights cyber threats. It has tools for detecting and stopping threats to keep IT systems safe.
• Application Platform: The operating system supports both old and new applications. This helps companies update their application setup and follow the latest trends.
• Hyper-Converged Infrastructure: Windows Server 2019 has advanced HCI features. This lets companies put computing, storage, and networking into one easy-to-manage platform. It makes IT work easier and improves data center efficiency.

Windows Server 2019 helps companies deal with the changing IT world. It supports their needs for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid cloud setups²³.

“Windows Server 2019 is designed to address the evolving needs of modern IT environments, focusing on four key themes: Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure.”

General Enhancements

Windows Server 2019 is the newest version of Microsoft’s server system. It brings many improvements that make managing servers easier, faster, and smarter. These changes include the Windows Admin Center, keeping the Desktop Experience, and adding System Insights⁴.

Windows Admin Center

The Windows Admin Center is a tool you can use in a web browser. It helps manage servers, clusters, and other Windows systems in one place. This tool gives IT people a clear view of their Windows setup. It helps them keep an eye on and manage different parts easily⁴.

Desktop Experience

Windows Server 2019 is mainly for servers, but it still has the Desktop Experience. This means you can use a graphical interface for setup and management. It’s great for groups that like a visual way to manage servers, especially for tasks that are easier with pictures⁴.

System Insights

Windows Server 2019 also has a new feature called System Insights. It uses predictive analytics to help manage servers better. System Insights looks at server data and gives insights to help IT people fix problems before they start⁴.

“Windows Server 2019 introduces several general enhancements that streamline management, boost performance, and provide advanced analytics capabilities.”

These updates in Windows Server 2019 show how Microsoft is working to make things better for users and IT teams. They give IT people the tools they need to manage their Windows setups well⁴⁵⁶.

Hybrid Cloud Capabilities

Windows Server 2019 makes it easier for businesses to link their on-site setups with the cloud’s flexibility and growth⁷. It improves many areas like backup, disaster recovery, monitoring, security, and networking.

Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand

A big step forward is the Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand. It boosts app support by adding some Windows Server Desktop Experience bits. This lets companies keep their Server Core safe and light while making sure key apps work⁸.

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Transport Server Role

Windows Server 2019 brings in the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Transport Server role for Server Core. It helps make multicast namespaces for spreading out operating system images. This makes setting up new systems easier for companies⁹.

Remote Desktop Services Integration with Azure AD

Also, Windows Server 2019 links Remote Desktop Services with Azure Active Directory. This adds more security and control for remote access. It makes signing in and controlling access easier, following the latest identity and access rules⁷.

Windows Server 2019 boosts its hybrid cloud features. It helps companies blend their on-site setups with the cloud smoothly. This brings more efficiency, scalability, and security⁸⁹⁷.

Networking Improvements

Windows Server 2019 brings big changes to networking. These updates make networks run faster, more reliably, and work better together. Features like TCP Fast Open (TFO), Receive Window Autotuning, and better IPv6 support are key¹⁰.

One big change is the use of Receive Segment Coalescing (RSC) in the virtual switch. This has cut CPU use by 5% and boosted speed by 14 Gbps¹⁰. Also, Dynamic Virtual Machine Multi-Queue (d.VMMQ) helps manage network traffic better¹⁰. It adjusts how CPU handles traffic, making sure virtual machines run smoothly¹⁰.

Before Windows Server 2019, managing network queues was hard and often led to poor performance¹⁰. Now, Windows Server 2019’s networking features make networks run better without needing constant adjustments. This saves money and lets servers do more¹⁰.

Windows Server 2019 and 2022 have also improved how they handle IPsec and GRE traffic. IPsec speeds have jumped from 300 Mbps to 1.8 Gbps, and GRE speeds from 2.5 Gbps to 15 Gbps¹¹.

These updates show Microsoft’s effort to make networks better. They help IT teams work more efficiently and get the most out of their servers.

The networking updates in Windows Server 2019 tackle common IT problems. They make managing networks easier and improve how users experience the network.

Security Enhancements

Windows Server 2019 brings new security features and improvements. It makes it a strong and safe choice for today’s computing needs. It has better threat detection and stronger virtual machine security. This shows Microsoft’s effort to protect important data and systems.

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

Windows Server 2019 comes with the Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) agent¹². This tool helps detect and fight advanced threats. It makes it easier for companies to handle threats with better speed and accuracy.

Security with Software Defined Networking (SDN)

Windows Server 2019 has made big steps forward in SDN security¹². It now lets IT teams control network access better. It also encrypts data in transit, making network communication safer.

Shielded Virtual Machines Improvements

Shielded Virtual Machines got better in Windows Server 2019¹³. Now, they’re easier to manage and protect against threats. They can update without restarting and have better protection against harmful code¹³. The System Guard Runtime Monitor also helps keep security systems running right¹³.

Windows Server 2019 also supports Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server in shielded VMs¹². This shows Microsoft’s support for different operating systems and platforms.

With these new security features, Windows Server 2019 helps protect important data and systems. It also lets companies adapt to new security threats and follow rules¹³¹⁴¹².

windows server 2019

Windows Server 2019 brings new features for networking and security. These make web applications and virtual networks work better, safer, and more reliable¹⁵. It supports HTTP/2, uses encrypted networks with DTLS, and has firewall auditing.

HTTP/2 for a Faster and Safer Web

Windows Server 2019 supports the HTTP/2 protocol, a big step forward from HTTP/1.1¹⁵. HTTP/2 makes web communication faster and safer. It does this through header compression, multiplexing, and server push.

This means websites load quicker and users have a better experience. Using HTTP/2, Windows Server 2019 helps make web services and apps run smoother.

Encrypted Networks

Keeping virtual network traffic safe is key for many companies. Windows Server 2019 offers better encryption for networks¹⁵. It supports DTLS, a protocol that encrypts data all the way across the network.

This keeps data safe from prying eyes, making sure communications stay private and secure.

Firewall Auditing

It’s important to watch and log network traffic for security. Windows Server 2019 has a firewall auditing feature¹⁵. This logs traffic through SDN firewalls and ACLs.

IT teams can use this to check for threats, keep up with rules, and follow laws. It helps keep networks safe and in line with rules.

Windows Server 2019 brings big improvements in networking and security¹⁵. It’s great for making web apps and virtual networks better, safer, and more reliable. With its updates on hybrid cloud, storage, and system insights, it’s a top choice for modern IT setups.

Storage Advancements

Windows Server 2019 brings exciting updates to storage that make managing data easier and boost system speed. It supports data deduplication on ReFS volumes, improves the File Server Resource Manager, and updates SMB features.

Data Deduplication

Windows Server 2019 now supports data deduplication on ReFS volumes. This feature cuts down storage use by removing duplicate data blocks. It makes better use of storage space¹⁶.

File Server Resource Manager

The File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) in Windows Server 2019 has gotten better. It now offers better reporting, quota control, and file screening. This helps IT teams understand storage use and control data on file servers better¹⁶.

SMB Improvements

Microsoft has updated the SMB protocol in Windows Server 2019 for better performance and security. It removed SMB1 by default to improve security and added better guest authentication controls¹⁶. It also supports the latest SMB3 protocol for faster file transfers.

These updates show Microsoft’s effort to offer a strong and flexible platform for IT needs. With data deduplication, a better File Server Resource Manager, and improved SMB, organizations can use storage better, manage data smoothly, and boost file server security and speed¹⁶.

Windows Server 2019 Essentials Edition

The Windows Server 2019 Essentials edition is perfect for small businesses¹⁷. It has all the new features and improvements of the Windows Server 2019 Standard edition. This makes it great for companies with basic IT needs or no IT team¹⁷.

Features and Capabilities

This edition has many features for small businesses. It includes Storage Migration Services, System Insights, and more. These make managing servers easier¹⁷. You get a single license for up to 25 users or 50 devices, which is good for small groups¹⁷.

Azure Integration

It also works well with Microsoft Azure, helping small businesses use the cloud. With Azure Site Recovery Services and Azure Virtual Network, data protection and disaster recovery get better¹⁸.

Removed Features

The Windows Server 2019 Essentials edition lost the Windows Server Essentials Experience role. This role made managing the server easy with a simple dashboard¹⁸. Now, managing the server might need more effort since the dashboard is gone¹⁸. Sometimes, users might see an error code 87 when upgrading, showing the set-edition option is unknown¹⁸.

The Windows Server 2019 Essentials edition is a great choice for small businesses. It’s affordable and packed with features, including Azure integration. But, the loss of the Windows Server Essentials Experience role means IT staff might need to work harder¹⁷.

Comparison: Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs. Standard

Choosing between Windows Server 2019 Essentials and Standard depends on what a business needs. The Essentials edition is great for small businesses with less than 25 employees. It’s more affordable. The Standard edition is better for bigger organizations because it has more features¹⁹.

The Essentials edition is made for small businesses. It has a special way of licensing that covers up to 25 users or 50 devices²⁰. This makes it a good choice for businesses watching their budget. But, it can’t handle more than 25 users²⁰.

The Standard edition is for small to medium-sized businesses needing more than 25 users¹⁹. It uses a core-based licensing model for flexibility and growth¹⁹. It also has the Windows Server Essentials Experience role for better management and security²¹.

For businesses needing advanced features like virtualization, the Datacenter edition is best. It supports unlimited virtual machines and Hyper-V containers, and you can join unlimited storage replicas¹⁹. This edition is perfect for organizations needing a lot of virtualization²⁰.

Choosing between Windows Server 2019 Essentials and Standard depends on the business’s needs and plans for growth. Think about how many users you have, your virtualization needs, and what you need from your server. This will help pick the right edition for your business goals²¹.

“The choice between Windows Server 2019 Essentials and Standard can have a significant impact on the overall cost and efficiency of a small business’s IT infrastructure.”²¹

Key Considerations

• Windows Server 2019 Essentials is great for small businesses with less than 25 employees¹⁹.
• Windows Server 2019 Standard is for small to medium-sized businesses needing more than 25 users¹⁹.
• The Essentials edition has a special licensing model for up to 25 users or 50 devices, while the Standard edition uses a core-based model¹⁹²⁰.
• The Datacenter edition is mainly for virtualization, offering unlimited virtual machines and Hyper-V containers¹⁹²⁰.
• Businesses should look at their needs and budget to pick the right Windows Server 2019 edition for them.

Knowing the differences between Windows Server 2019 Essentials and Standard helps businesses make a smart choice. This ensures they get a good and affordable IT setup²¹.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2019 is a game-changer for businesses in today’s fast-paced world. It offers powerful²² hybrid cloud tools, top-notch²³ security, and the latest in application platforms and hyper-converged infrastructure²². This makes it a go-to choice for server admins facing various challenges.

It simplifies management with the²² Windows Admin Center and supports smooth²² upgrades. This lets IT pros focus on growth strategies. With options like the²⁴ long-term servicing channel (LTSC) and²⁴ semi-annual channel (SAC), businesses can pick the best model for their needs. Whether it’s stability or the latest container features, they’ve got it covered.

Windows Server 2019 stands out in today’s IT world. It meets the key needs of²³ security²², hybrid cloud, and²² advanced infrastructure. By choosing Windows Server 2019, companies can boost efficiency, resilience, and their competitive edge. This helps them move forward with their digital transformation confidently.

Source Links

1. What’s new in Windows Server 2019 – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-in-windows-server-2019
2. Get started with Windows Server – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/get-started-with-windows-server
3. Introducing Windows Server 2019 – now available in preview – Microsoft Windows Server Blog – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/blog/2018/03/20/introducing-windows-server-2019-now-available-in-preview/
4. Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Overview – https://www.apps4rent.com/microsoft-windows-server-2019.html
5. Updating to Server 2019 : Windows Server 2019 Features – Server – INTERMEDIATE – Skillsoft – https://www.skillsoft.com/course/updating-to-server-2019-windows-server-2019-features-1490ad52-9911-4a3f-bd7a-4cb2424de89c
6. What are the enhancements in Windows Server 2019 Hyper-V – https://www.bdrsuite.com/blog/windows-server-2019-hyper-v-enhancements/
7. Connecting Windows Server to Azure hybrid services – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/azure/
8. Windows Server 2019 – https://www.dataonstorage.com/windows-server-2019/
9. Hybrid Networking Features in Windows Server 2019 – https://www.bdrsuite.com/blog/windows-server-2019-hybrid-network-features/
10. Top 10 Networking Features in Windows Server 2019: #5 Network Performance Improvements for Virtual Workloads – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/networking-blog/top-10-networking-features-in-windows-server-2019-5-network/ba-p/339773
11. Improvements for SDN in Windows Server 2019 with WAC 1808 – https://www.altaro.com/hyper-v/sdn-windows-server-wac-1808/
12. 10 top security enhancements in Windows Server 2019 – https://www.csoonline.com/article/566467/10-top-security-enhancements-in-windows-server-2019.html
13. 6 New Security Features in Windows Server 2019 – https://www.bdrsuite.com/blog/new-security-features-windows-server-2019/
14. SMB security enhancements – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/file-server/smb-security
15. Windows Server 2019 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Server_2019
16. Overview of Features and Innovations in Windows Server 2019: What’s New in the Operating System – https://machash.com/special/371836/overview-features-innovations-windows-server-2019-whats
17. Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Essentials – https://www.trustedtechteam.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2019-essentials
18. Upgrade server 2019 essentials to 2019 standard – Microsoft Q&A – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/180123/upgrade-server-2019-essentials-to-2019-standard
19. Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs Standard vs Datacenter – MiniTool – https://www.minitool.com/backup-tips/windows-server-2019-essentials-vs-standard.html
20. Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs. Standard vs. Datacenter – https://softtrader.eu/windows-server-2019-essentials-standard-datacenter/
21. Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs Standard – https://community.spiceworks.com/t/windows-server-2019-essentials-vs-standard/776580
22. Windows Server 2019 review: A solid foundation for future data centre developments – https://www.zdnet.com/product/windows-server-2019/
23. Top 7 Features of Windows Server 2019 – https://worksighted.com/resources/top-7-features-of-windows-server-2019/
24. Windows Server 2019 Improvements overview – Active Directory FAQ – https://activedirectoryfaq.com/2019/09/windows-server-2019-improvements-overview/