Introduction
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is a robust and highly scalable server operating system designed for large enterprises and data centers. It is tailored to handle demanding workloads, offering advanced security features, hybrid cloud integration, and support for modern applications. This version is ideal for organizations that require a stable, reliable, and efficient platform to run their critical applications and services.
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter stands out due to its enhanced capabilities, such as Shielded Virtual Machines, Storage Spaces Direct, and the ability to run unlimited virtual machines. It also provides extensive support for containers and microservices, making it a versatile choice for IT professionals looking to modernize their infrastructure.
With Windows Server Datacenter, businesses can reduce their IT costs while maximizing their operational efficiency, thanks to its comprehensive set of features designed for virtualization, security, and networking.
What It Offers and Key Features
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter offers a range of features that make it the preferred choice for enterprises:
- Unlimited Virtualization: Run unlimited Windows Server instances on your physical server, allowing maximum flexibility and efficiency.
- Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI): Simplify your data center management with built-in support for HCI, reducing complexity and increasing performance.
- Advanced Security: Features like Shielded Virtual Machines and Encrypted Networks protect your data and applications from unauthorized access and tampering.
- Hybrid Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Azure, enabling hybrid scenarios for backup, disaster recovery, and cloud bursting.
- Windows Admin Center: A modern management interface that simplifies the management of your servers, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
- Containers and Kubernetes: Full support for Windows containers and Kubernetes, enabling modern, cloud-native application development and deployment.
Windows Server Datacenter also includes support for Storage Spaces Direct and Software-Defined Networking (SDN), making it a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to leverage the latest advancements in server technology.
The Main Advantages
Below is a comparison between Windows Server 2016 Datacenter and Windows Server 2019 Datacenter to highlight the main improvements:
Feature | Windows Server 2016 Datacenter | Windows Server 2019 Datacenter |
---|---|---|
Hybrid Cloud Integration | Limited integration | Full integration with Azure services |
Security Enhancements | Basic security features | Advanced security with Shielded VMs and Encrypted Networks |
Virtualization | Support for a limited number of VMs | Unlimited VMs |
Hyper-Converged Infrastructure | Not available | Available |
Containers | Basic support | Full support for Windows and Linux containers |
Convert Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Evaluation Editions to Full Version
To convert Windows Server 2019 Datacenter from an evaluation version to a full version, follow these steps:
- Open CMD (Command Prompt) as Administrator (type CMD on your Windows search bar).
- Check the current version of your system using the following command:
DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
- Convert Windows Server from Evaluation to Full Version using the commands below:
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33 /AcceptEula
- Note: The activation key in step 3.2 is for converting Windows Server 2019 Datacenter from the Evaluation Version to the Full Version, not for activation.
- Reboot the machine.
- After rebooting, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Click on Change product key, and enter the 25-digit product key you received in your email if you purchased the license.
System Requirements
Before installing Windows Server Datacenter, ensure your hardware meets the following requirements: