What’s New in Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition

As businesses continue to modernize their IT infrastructure, Microsoft has introduced Windows Server 2022 Standard—the latest evolution of its powerful server operating system. Packed with advanced security features, improved performance, and deeper hybrid integration, it offers a significant upgrade over older versions like Windows Server 2012 R2.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what’s new in Windows Server 2022 Standard, how it compares to its predecessors, and why now is the right time to upgrade.

Why Upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2?

Many organizations are still running servers on Windows Server 2012 R2, a platform that has served well but is reaching the end of its support lifecycle. With mainstream support having ended and extended support nearing its close, relying on Server 2012 R2 can lead to:

• Security vulnerabilities due to lack of updates
• Performance bottlenecks with modern workloads
• Compatibility issues with new applications

By moving to Windows Server 2022 Standard, businesses can ensure continued security compliance, improved performance, and access to the latest server innovations.

Key Features of Windows Server 2022 Standard

Here’s what sets Windows Server 2022 Standard apart and why it's worth the upgrade:

1. Advanced Multi-layer Security

Security is at the core of Windows Server 2022. It introduces Secured-core server capabilities, bringing hardware, firmware, and OS protections together. Features like Windows Defender Credential Guard, Secure Boot, and virtualization-based security (VBS) offer enhanced protection against modern threats.

2. Improved Hybrid Integration with Azure

Windows Server 2022 Standard offers seamless hybrid capabilities through Azure Arc and Azure Automanage. These tools make it easier to manage on-premises servers and extend workloads to the cloud without complexity.

3. Faster and More Reliable Networking

Networking improvements include UDP performance enhancements, SMB compression, and QUIC protocol support. These upgrades significantly reduce latency and increase throughput, ideal for modern applications and remote work scenarios.

4. Scalability and Performance Enhancements

Compared to Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2022 supports:

• Up to 48 TB of memory
• 64 sockets and 2,048 logical cores
• Faster VM boot and response times

These enhancements make it suitable for high-performance environments and demanding enterprise workloads.

5. Modern Storage Capabilities

Storage Migration Service now supports more scenarios, including migrating from NetApp FAS and Linux-based servers. Plus, Storage Spaces Direct offers improved performance and resiliency in the Standard edition.

Final Thoughts

Windows Server 2022 Standard is not just an upgrade—it’s a leap forward in terms of security, performance, and cloud-readiness. If you're still running Windows Server 2012 R2, now is the time to consider transitioning to a more secure and capable environment.

By investing in modern server infrastructure, your business can ensure it remains competitive, secure, and ready for future growth. Make the move to Windows Server 2022 and take advantage of everything this powerful platform has to offer.