What versions of windows 10 exist. What are the versions of the Windows operating system

There are many types of Windows 10 and each version has its own features. We will tell you about the main differences between the assemblies, and you will understand how they differ from each other.

The new operating system of a well-known corporation has already made a lot of noise. Today, Windows 10 has already been released in several editions, each of which has some of its own characteristics. And a simple user is not always able to understand what types of OS are better than others today and what differences this or that version has. Therefore, now we will understand this issue a little and try to briefly describe each edition of this OS.

Differences between Windows 10 and previous versions

First, it is necessary to touch upon some features inherent in all varieties. operating system from Microsoft, which appeared only in a dozen, and which were not in earlier versions of the OS:

• The "Start" button has taken its usual place;
• Appeared new browser, called ;
• Cortana is a new voice assistant that is more relevant for mobile versions of the OS;
• It is possible to set up multiple virtual desktops;
• Switching between mobile and desktop options for displaying information is implemented through the Continuum function;
• Other changes and innovations.

If you start listing all the innovations of the "tens", it will take a very long time. So let's move on to brief description each version.

Mobile Windows 10

This version of the OS was developed directly for mobile devices and its name speaks for itself. Under her control, devices with screens less than 8 inches work. Using this version, the user has the opportunity to fully realize the synchronization of his data with a desktop PC. The difference between such an OS is that it installs .

Other types of mobile "ten" have either increased security settings (mobile corporate), or specially designed for the same payment terminals and similar devices (IoT Home).

Home multilingual

This plain Windows 10, which has a certain standard set of applications installed. A similar version of the OS is designed for devices sold in a retail network - laptops, tablets and other devices.

Here it is possible to identify the user by a face picture, fingerprint, etc. There is a Home version in which the user cannot change system language. It was assumed that a similar version of the OS would be implemented for poor countries, so that the cost of the operating system itself can be significantly reduced.

Despite all the limitations and cuts, this build is still the most popular. Perhaps this is due to its price, which is at least 2 times lower than the cost of a professional assembly. Which you will learn about below.

Professional (Pro)

This type of Windows 10 isn't just for premium hardware. But also on ordinary PCs, whose users want to get full access to all system functions. The main differences from the standard Home-version are in some additional features that are received by representatives of medium and large businesses. For example, there is a group security policy that is not in other assemblies. In addition, other tools are available.

Architecture differences: 32 and 64 bits

Most frequently asked question What is the difference between 32 and 64 bit views. This question is not idle, because both versions can be installed on almost any PC. We recommend choosing the 64-bit version, as it is universal. The 32-bit version, however, supports only a limited number of utilities that were created specifically for it. And if you can find for both varieties, then some specific and rare / special programs are only available for a specific build.

The Windows operating system has always been offered in a variety of solutions for different categories of users. It can be used not only for home computer, but also in the professional work environment, in educational institutions, in the corporate segment and so on. Everywhere, the tasks that are set for Windows differ in a number of ways.

Now on sale from Microsoft among systems for personal computers there is only Windows 10, but it is presented in a number of variations, while there are other families of Windows. There are various editions of Windows 10, which we will try to understand in this article.

Table of contents:

Please note: Below we will focus specifically on the editions and families of Windows, but you must also remember that the operating system may differ in terms of the set of functions, depending on the build and version. Microsoft regularly releases updates that add new features and improve the stability of the OS.

Windows families

Microsoft has recently dropped support for a number of operating systems for personal computers - this is Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1. All computers that used these systems, Microsoft offered users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. However, there are several more Windows families that are not used on personal computers, but on various specialized devices.

In general, now the whole variety of Windows by families can be divided as follows:

In addition to the above, it is also worth noting a separate Windows family insider. In fact, it is part of the Windows NT family. Under Windows Insider, test versions of the operating system are released to the public.

Windows 10 editions: what are the differences

Among all of the above, the greatest interest for ordinary user provides the Windows NT family, which includes Windows 10 - up-to-date on this moment operating system for personal computers. Dozens has many different editions, some of which limit various functions. In this way, Microsoft makes users understand that if they want more features, they will have to pay more. This allows Microsoft to sell cheaper editions for educational institutions, which lack some functionality, and more expensive specialized versions of Windows 10 with many features that are needed only in certain professional industries.

Consider the currently presented editions of Windows 10 and their main differences:

• 
  Windows 10 Home. The base version of the operating system recommended for home computers. Unlike the Ultimate (Pro) version of Windows 10, it lacks features such as: Group Policy Editor, Hyper-V, Bitlocker, Azure AD Connectivity, tools for remote connection and some other features. Also, one of the important limitations of Windows 10 Home is the inability to postpone the update of the operating system indefinitely, as can be done in more expensive professional versions.
• Windows 10 Home Single Language. The difference between this version and the regular Home edition is that only one system language can be used here. It's about about the interface language, and not about the input language. That is, if you do not plan to switch the language during work, it is better to choose this version, since it costs less than the regular Home version.
• 
  Windows 10 Pro. A version of the operating system for advanced users who require tools such as Group Policy Editor, Hyper-V, Bitlocker, and other professional tools.
• Windows 10 Pro for Workstation. Professional version of the operating system for workstations. It can be used for servers instead of Windows Server. This version is different from Windows 10 Pro work with ReFS file system and enhanced data storage security.
• Windows 10 Enterprise. Operating system version for companies. The option has the necessary tools for system administrators that allow you to organize corporate network. Also this version Windows 10 has additional data protection technologies. Unlike the versions discussed above, you can only buy Windows 10 Enterprise legal entities. At the same time, the cost of purchasing a version varies, depending on how much the operating system is purchased for the company.
• 
  Windows 10 Education. Operating system version for educational institutions. This version is distributed at reduced prices for educational institutions. To some organizations in a number of countries, Microsoft provides this version of the operating system for free, as part of a charity. It is worth noting that students can also buy Windows 10 Education if they confirm the fact of their education. At the same time, this version is almost identical in functionality to Enterprise. A significant difference is the absence of the Cortana assistant in this version.
• Windows 10S. mobile version Windows 10 for tablets and mobile devices. It has some limitations compared to the regular Home version. It blocks some functionality that is not required on touch devices. In addition, this version has additional security add-ons.

In addition to the versions discussed above, you can also find variants of Windows N and Windows KN. These are versions of the operating system that are close in functionality to the basic version of Home, but they lack some of the “native” Microsoft applications, such as Windows media player, Groove Music, Skype and others. Such versions have been released to comply with the laws of various countries and territorial jurisdictions.

Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 is final version Windows, but no one ever said it would be easy. After two years of existence, Windows 10 has no less than ten different editions. Each of them is essentially the same but offers slightly different features for users with different needs. Along with ever-changing features, this can keep track of what's happening with Windows 10. Let's take a look at each version of Windows 10 in turn and see why Microsoft has created such a fragmented environment.

Comparison Windows versions 10

Components and functions	Home	Pro	Education	Enterprise
Continuum for phone	+	+	+	+
Cortana	+	+		+
windows ink	+	+	+	+
Start Menu and Live Tiles	+	+	+	+
Tablet mode	+	+	+	+
Voice, pen, touch and gestures	+	+	+	+
Microsoft Edge	+	+	+	+
Mobile device management	+	+	+	+
Center windows updates	+	+	+	+
Windows hello	+	+	+	+
Companion devices for Windows Hello	+	+	+	+
Device Encryption	+	+	+	+
	+	+	+	+
Windows Device Health Validation Service	+	+	+	+
Group Policy		+	+	+
Enterprise data roaming with Azure Active Directory		+	+	+
Windows Store for Business		+	+	+
Limited access		+	+	+
Dynamic Provisioning		+	+	+
Windows Update for Business		+	+	+
Shared PC Configuration		+	+	+
Test		+	+	+
Windows Information Protection		+	+	+
bitlocker		+	+	+
Joining a domain		+	+	+
Azure Active Directory domain join with single sign-on to cloud applications		+	+	+
Internet Explorer in Enterprise Mode (EMIE)		+	+	+
Remote Desktop		+	+	+
Hyper-V client			+	+
Direct Access			+	+
AppLocker			+	+
Managed User Experience			+	+
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V)			+	+
Microsoft User Environment Virtualization (UE-V)			+	+
Credential Guard			+	+
Device Guard			+	+
Windows to Go			+	+
BranchCache			+	+

Brief description of publications

• Windows 10 Home- This is a standard offer and includes everything that home users need.
• Windows 10 Pro builds on Home and includes additional functions For experienced users and use of small businesses.
• Windows 10S- a stripped-down Chromebook competitor that lets you install apps for the Windows Store.
• Windows 10 Enterprise has advanced features for large-scale enterprise deployment.
• Windows 10 Education is an offshoot of Enterprise with education-specific default settings and a lower price for schools.
• Windows 10 Pro Education comes pre-installed on PCs that schools can purchase at a discount and offers a classroom-specific flavor of Pro.
• Windows 10 Mobile is Microsoft's mobile operating system, which is not very popular.
• Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise allows businesses to manage mobile Windows devices 10 for their employees.
• Windows 10 IoT replaces Windows Embedded - light version Windows that hobbyists or businesses can install on small computing devices as well as robots and apps for sale.
• Windows 10 Team is a specialized version of Windows 10 that only works on the Surface Hub smart whiteboard.
• for workstations supports powerful PCs that perform intensive calculations on a regular basis

Windows 10 Home

We start with basic version. If you are going to go to the store and buy new laptop off the shelf, it will almost certainly be Windows 10 Home. True to its name, it includes the full experience of Windows 10 features that the average home user will enjoy. You'll find all the essentials inside, including Cortana, Store apps, Xbox, and tablet and touch support. The Home Edition does not take into account some business-oriented features that are the only other edition in PRO, but you can buy them separately.

Windows 10 Pro

Windows 10 Pro builds on what Home offers but includes more features designed for power users and businesses. The most notable differences are the ability to join a Pro machine for a domain, support for BitLocker encryption and Group Policy support for easily changing company-wide settings. Most of the machines in the business use the Pro edition, so IT can use these tools to their advantage. But enthusiasts can also benefit from what the Pro has to offer.

For example, many of the settings we discuss in articles are easier to change using the Group Policy Editor than in the registry. However, I do not believe that this is suitable for most home users. you can replace free alternatives for some Pro-only features. For example, TeamViewer can replace Remote Desktop and you can trade VeraCrypt for BitLocker. And no normal Windows user at home should not join your computer in the domain.

Windows 10S

One of the newest releases in the lineup, Windows 10 S is a smoothed version of the operating system. Its most distinctive feature is that you can only install apps from Windows Store Store so it won't work with any traditional desktop software. Microsoft Edge is the default browser and you cannot change search engine default from Bing.

Windows 10 S is only available on preinstalled devices and most of them are inexpensive. Microsoft is targeting Windows 10 S in the education market as it's kind of a competitor for Chromebooks. While you can upgrade from Windows 10 S to Pro for dollars, most home users should stay away from it. The combination of cheap hardware and limited apps available limits what your device can do.

Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 Enterprise is, unsurprisingly, designed for large-scale business use and is only sold through Microsoft Volume Licensing. Unlike Windows 7, no full version Windows 10, which offers a full set of Enterprise features for home users. But that's ok because additional features Enterprise only shine in corporate deployments. The most great function- DirectAccess, which allows remote workers to access internal network your company through a VPN-like connection, but with greater security. AppLocker, another great feature, allows administrators to block access to certain apps. This edition also allows companies to switch to a long-term branch to avoid regular Windows changes 10 that can disrupt their work. Enterprise also includes some behind-the-scenes tweaks that make it easier for IT pros to install or migrate Windows en masse by standardization. While Pro is great for small businesses, a company with thousands of employees can save money and control their setup with the Enterprise edition.

Windows 10 Education

Windows 10 Education Edition includes all Enterprise features. As Microsoft explains, this is actually a variant of Windows 10 Enterprise that provides education-specific default settings. In past versions, this included disabling Cortana by default, but it is present in current builds. Windows 10 Education also disables tips and suggestions that are only advertisements.

Aside from these default settings, the only significant change for the Education edition is that it costs significantly less than the Enterprise edition. This helps schools cut costs while still getting a powerful version of Windows that allows them to block games and inappropriate content on computers used by students. Although the computer must have Windows 10 Pro installed to upgrade to Enterprise, this does not apply to the Education edition. PCs with Windows 10 Home can upgrade to Windows 10 Education, which will further reduce the cost of schools.

Windows 10 Pro Education

Confused by all these names? Windows 10 Pro Education merges two existing edition titles. Everything is the same as in Windows 10 Education, the only difference is Windows flavor 10 Pro with several default settings specific to educational environments. The biggest difference between Pro Education and Education is that the former is pre-installed on new devices purchased through the K-12 program at a discount. This means schools don't need to go through Microsoft Volume Licensing to buy pre-built PCs. Smaller schools that lack full IT staff or don't need corporate Windows features 10 Education can still exercise control through features found in Windows 10 Pro Education.

Both editions of Windows 10 Education include the Set Up School PCs app, which guides administrators by creating standard image Windows. They can choose options such as deleting browser apps, automatic connection computers to the school domain and configuring Windows Update to avoid restarting during school hours. After completing this process once, IT staff can place the package on a flash drive and quickly apply it to other machines.

Windows 10 Mobile

Do you know that Windows phone still exists? Right now it's called Windows 10 Mobile, but it's the next iteration of running a version of Windows for your smartphone. This is part of Microsoft's plan to create a single, unified operating system on every device. It allows you to access the same new Windows Store apps that are available on your desktop. Windows desktop 10, along with the Continuum feature, which lets you use your phone like a PC on a big screen.

While this is an improvement over Phone 8.1, Windows Mobile is still largely out of the mobile realm as Android and iOS take over. Through failed deployments and a prolonged lack of reliable Windows applications 10 Mobile suffered from limited usage. But I still use the budget lumia 640 and I'm quite happy with it than the virus-ridden android.

Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise

The enterprise version of Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise is almost the same as the consumer version. As you'd expect, it offers business features like update deferral and management, telemetry control, and more powerful deployments.

Windows 10 IoT (Internet of Things)

For previous versions Windows, Microsoft has provided a stripped-down version called Windows Embedded. For example, Windows XP Embedded was and still is extremely popular for lightweight devices like ATMs, cash registers, and watches. Embedded editions of Windows contain only the core components, reducing their footprint on the machine while still allowing the device to take advantage of Windows. The successor to Windows Embedded is now known as Windows IoT.

The IoT is connected by internet connections to everyday household objects. For example, it is popular among smart things like the alexa speaker with amazon and this version of Windows serves to allow lovers and corporate users use it. Windows 10 IoT may run on popular small devices who do not have powerful resources.

Microsoft offers two options: Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Core is free to download and you can install it on devices like the Raspberry Pi. Enterprise flavor is equivalent to Windows 10 Enterprise and therefore more powerful. Enterprises can install it on industrial robots, cash registers and other IoT devices.

Windows 10 Team

Family Microsoft Surface includes an interactive whiteboard known as the Surface Hub. Like other smart cards, it is designed for business use so employees can collaborate and video conference between locations. This device runs a special version called Windows 10 Team. It's based on the Enterprise, but offers a few differences since it's specifically designed for the giant board. User interface optimized for mega touch screen. Any user can come up and enter the low-level account user without login. When the session ends, the system deletes local files unless you save them to OneDrive. And like Windows 10 S, you can't install traditional desktop apps. Team is a specialized version as it only applies to one device. You will probably never experience this.

Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

Since 11 releases was not enough, Microsoft recently announced the release of another Windows versions 10. This product is called Pro for Workstations and it is for PC high class requiring large workloads. New features include Resilient File System (Resilient File System), persistent memory, faster file sharing, and enhanced hardware support. Essentially, this results in a host of internal improvements that make the day-to-day work of computing information throughout the day much smoother. Microsoft explains that these changes will result in less data corruption, faster network transfers, and up to 6TB of RAM usage. Windows 10 Pro for Workstations will launch with the Fall Creators Update in Fall 2017. This edition will likely only see business use.

(NT 6.0)

2006 Not supported
Almost never used (NT 6.1) 2009 Not supported
Actively used (NT 6.2) 2012 Not supported
Almost never used (NT 6.3) 2013 Supported
Almost never used (NT 10) 2015 Supported
Actively used

Server Windows

Logo	Version	Year	Status
		1993	Not supported Generally not used
		1994
		1995
		1996
		2000
		2003	Not supported Still in use
		2005
		2008
		2009	Supported Actively used
		2012
		2013
		2016
		2018	Getting Started

All Windows versions by line + chronology

Ruler	years	Version enumeration
16 bit	1985 - 1995	Windows 1 / 2 / 3
32 bits (9x)	1995 - 2001	Windows 95/98/ME
NT (32 and 64 bits)	since 1993	Windows NT 3.1 / NT 3.5 / NT 3.51 / NT 4.0 Workstation / 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
NT Servers (32 and 64 bits)	since 1993	Windows NT 3.1 / NT 3.5 / NT 3.51 / NT 4.0 Server / 2000 Server / 2003 / 2003 R2 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2012 / 2012 R2 / 2016 / 2019

History of success

This success story reflects the frequency of use of the system; the number of glitches encountered by users; reviews.

	Windows 1	Failure
	Windows 2	Neutral
	Windows 3	Success
	Windows 95	Failure
	Windows 98	Success
	Windows Millennium	Failure
	Windows 2000	Neutral
	Windows XP	Big success
	Windows Vista	Failure
	Windows 7	Success
	Windows 8	Failure
	Windows 8.1	Failure
	Windows 10	Success

* despite the failure of some versions of the operating system, they carried new features that were transferred to already successful versions. For example, in the millennium, beautiful icons and windows appeared, which were carried over to Windows 2000. Therefore, failure should not be assessed as a failure.

Windows 1

Years of support: 1985 - 2001. Branch: 16 bits.

Editions: -

What's new

Before Windows 1, there was MS-DOS, so the most important innovation is the graphical interface and the ability to control with the mouse.

System requirements

Windows 3

Years of support: 1990 - 2008. Branch: 16 bit.

Editions: -

What's new

• The first (from Microsoft) user-friendly interface.
• The appearance of the program manager.
• The emergence of multimedia capabilities.
• Network support (since 3.1).

System requirements

Windows NT 3.1

Editions: -

What's new

• The first system based on the NT kernel.
• Support file system NTFS.

System requirements

CPU	Intel 80386
RAM	2 MB
Volume hard drive	8 MB

Windows NT 3.5 Workstation

Editions: -

What's new

• Built-in Winsock and TCP/IP support.
• The advent of DHCP and WINS server and client.
• VFAT support.

System requirements

CPU	33 MHz
RAM	12 MB
Hard disk capacity	70 MB

Windows NT 3.51 Workstation

Editions: -

System requirements

Windows NT 4.0 Workstation

Editions: -

System requirements

Windows 98

Years of support: 1998 - 2006. Branch: 9x (32 bits).

System requirements

Windows Millennium

Years of support: 2000 - 2006. Branch: 9x (32 bits).

System requirements

Windows 2000

Years of support: 2000 - 2010. Branch: NT.

System requirements

Windows XP

Editions: XP, XP Professional

System requirements

Windows Vista

Years of support: 2006 - 2017. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Starter, Basic Home, Premium Home, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate

System requirements

Windows 7

Years of support: 2009 - 2020. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Advanced ( Home Premium), Professional (Professional), Corporate (Enterprise), Maximum (Ultimate)

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows 8

Years of support: 2012 - 2016. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows 8.1

Years of support: 2013 - 2023. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: 8, 8 Professional (Pro), 8 Corporate (Enterprise)

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows 10 (latest for personal computers)

Years of support: 2015 - 2025. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions

• Home (Home). For most home computers. There is no way to set up a remote desktop so that the system can be connected remotely; not possible to use group policies and joining a domain.
• Professional (Pro). Contains all the features of the home version + the ability to join a domain, use group policies, the ability to connect to a computer using remote desktop.
• Corporate (Enterprise). Some features of the home version have been cut. There are all the additional features of the Pro + DirectAccess version, AppLocker.
• S. Is a stripped down version; preinstalled on some devices. Does not support standard app installation - can only be installed from the Windows Store.

What's new

Windows 10 is undergoing major changes with the release of new builds. Therefore, we will consider innovations on the basis of this.

• Improved performance.
• New built-in Microsoft Edge browser.
• Automatic shrinking of an adjacent window when the active window is pressed to one side of the desktop.
• "All apps" in "Start" supports displaying 2048 items (previously only 512).
• Forced installation of updates.
• Using virtual voice assistant Cortana.
• Updated start menu - is a hybrid of previous versions and Windows 8 (returned old version disclosure, and tiles appeared on the right side).
• Ability to create multiple desktops.
• Rejection of tiles Windows systems 8.

• Handwriting capability (Windows Ink).
• Webcam identification.
• Synchronization with mobile device notifications.
• Changing the system options menu.

• Built-in support for virtual reality helmets.
• Game Mode
• Suggested by default command line in powershell.
• Access to the classic control panel is hidden from context menu. Now it can be called with the command control.
• Improvement of the built-in antivirus.
• Webcam authentication for Active Directory.
• The ability to create a screenshot with a selection of an area using a combination Win keys+ Shaft + S.
• Braille support.
• Extended battery life.

• The ability to run Cortana on one device and stop working on another.
• Disable the SMBv1 protocol. You can enable it manually.
• The appearance of the "People" panel.
• GPU information in task manager.
• Fullscreen Microsoft Edge
• Extended battery life (Power Throttling).
• The appearance of the emoji panel.
• Selective OneDrive sync.
• Fix for stuttering issues in games.

• Possibility to recover the password using security questions.

• Dark theme for File Explorer.
• Possibility of accessing messages from the phone (“Your phone” function).

• Isolated desktop for safe launch applications.

* this list contains some innovations. Full list on the Wikipedia page.

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server

Years of support: 1993 - 2001. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 16, 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: -

System requirements

CPU	Intel 80386
RAM	2 MB
Hard disk capacity	8 MB

Windows NT 3.5 Server

Years of support: 1994 - 2001. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 16, 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: -

What's new

• Built-in Winsock and TCP/IP support.
• The advent of DHCP and WINS servers.
• Providing public access to files and printers.
• VFAT support.

System requirements

CPU	33 MHz
RAM	16 MB
Hard disk capacity	70 MB

Windows NT 3.51 Server

Years of support: 1995 - 2001. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 16, 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: -

System requirements

CPU	33 MHz
RAM	16 MB
Hard disk capacity	70 MB

Windows NT 4.0 Server

Years of support: 1996 - 2004. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Server, Enterprise Edition, Terminal Server

System requirements

Windows 2000 Server

Years of support: 2000 - 2010. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Server, Advanced Server and Datacenter Server

System requirements

Windows Server 2003

Years of support: 2003 - 2015. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

System requirements

Web, Standard, Enterprise:

Data Center Edition:

Windows Server 2003 R2

Years of support: 2005 - 2015. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

System requirements

Standard, Enterprise:

Data Center Edition:

Windows Server 2008

Years of support: 2008 - 2020. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, HPC, Storage, Itanium

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz	1.4GHz	2 GHz
RAM	512 MB		2 GB
Hard disk capacity	10 GB		40 GB

Windows Server 2008 R2

Years of support: 2009 - 2020. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 64 bits.

Editions: Foundation, Small Business, Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, HPC, Itanium

System requirements

Windows Server 2012

Years of support: 2012 - 2023. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 64 bits.

System requirements

Windows Server 2012 R2

Years of support: 2013 - 2023. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 64 bits.

Editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

System requirements

Windows Server 2016

Years of support: 2016 - 2026. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 64 bits.

Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

What's new

• Licensing for physical processor cores (minimum 16).
• New installation mode - Nano .
• The advent of container virtualization.
• OpenGL and OpenCL for RDP.
• Encryption of virtual machines and internal network traffic.
• Block replication of file storages.

System requirements

Windows Server 2019 (latest for servers)

Years of support: 2018 - ?. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 64 bits.

Editions: Standard, Datacenter

What's new

• Enhanced Security - Built-in Defender ATP and Defender Exploit Guard technologies.
• Windows Subsystem Linux (WSL) - Containers for supporting Linux applications.
• To build a cluster with an even number of nodes, a USB drive can be used as a witness disk.