Windows Server 2016

Basic Information

• Model: Windows Server 2016
• Version: 10.0.14393 (RTM). Semi-Annual Channel releases, such as version 1709 and 1803, also exist, offering a different release cadence.
• Release Date: General availability on October 12, 2016. The Release to Manufacturing (RTM) occurred on September 26, 2016.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, compatible with x64 instruction set architecture, supporting NX, DEP, CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF.
  • RAM: 512 MB for Server Core, 2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience. ECC type or similar technology is recommended for physical host deployments.
  • Disk Space: 32 GB for core installation; an additional 4 GB is required for the Graphical User Interface (GUI). PCI Express compliant disk controller is required, and ATA/IDE/PATA/EIDE are not supported for boot, page, or data drives.
  • Network: Gigabit (10/100/1000baseT) Ethernet adapter with 1 Gbps throughput, PCI Express compliant, and supporting PXE.
  • Optical Storage: DVD drive (if installing from DVD media).
  • Display: Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution (optional).
• Supported Operating Systems: Designed to be managed from various client operating systems, including Windows 10, typically using Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT).
• Latest Stable Version: The latest cumulative update for version 10.0.14393 (1607) was 10.0.14393.7428 as of October 8, 2024.
• End of Support Date: Mainstream support ended on January 11, 2022. Extended support is scheduled to end on January 12, 2027.
• End of Life Date: January 12, 2027, coinciding with the end of extended support.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Updates, including security patches, continue until the extended support end date. Non-security updates and bug fixes ceased with the end of mainstream support.
• License Type: Core-based licensing for Standard and Datacenter editions, requiring a minimum of 8 core licenses per physical processor and 16 core licenses per server, along with Client Access Licenses (CALs). Essentials Edition is licensed per server for small businesses (up to 25 users and 50 devices).
• Deployment Model: Supports on-premise, hybrid, and cloud deployments. Installation options include Server Core (minimal interface), Server with Desktop Experience (full GUI), and Nano Server (a lightweight, headless option primarily for containers, available as a container image in Semi-Annual Channel releases).

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 512 MB (Server Core) or 2 GB (Desktop Experience). Recommended 8 GB or more for optimal performance, especially for roles like SQL Server or Exchange.
• Processor: Minimum 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor. Must support x64 instruction set, NX, DEP, CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF. Compatible with up to 9th Generation Intel Core i3-9xxx, Pentium G5xxx, Celeron G49xx, Xeon E22xx, Xeon SP 32xx, 43xx, 53xx, 63xx, 83xx, Xeon D 21xx, and Atom C33xx processors.
• Storage: Minimum 32 GB disk space for core installation, with an additional 4 GB for GUI. Recommended 100 GB or more for better performance. Requires PCI Express compliant disk controllers; ATA/IDE/PATA/EIDE are not supported for boot, page, or data drives. SSDs are recommended for faster boot times.
• Display: Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution (optional).
• Ports: Requires a Gigabit Ethernet adapter (1 Gbps throughput) that is PCI Express compliant and supports PXE.
• Operating System: The requirements listed are for the installation of Windows Server 2016 itself.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Windows Server 2016's minimum requirements are modest, allowing it to run on a wide range of hardware, including virtual machines. However, real-world deployments, especially with the Desktop Experience installation option or demanding workloads, necessitate significantly more RAM and faster storage. The Server Core installation option offers reduced resource consumption, making it suitable for remote management and specific roles. The shift away from older disk controller technologies (ATA/IDE) emphasizes modern server hardware standards. Processor requirements focus on 64-bit architecture and specific security features, ensuring compatibility with contemporary server CPUs.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: The latest stable build for the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is 10.0.14393.7428, updated as of October 8, 2024.
• OS Support: Compatible with various client operating systems for management, typically through Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) on Windows 10 and later. It supports integration with Windows 10 for features like containers.
• End of Support Date: Mainstream support ended January 11, 2022. Extended support, providing security updates, continues until January 12, 2027.
• Localization: Available in multiple languages, supporting diverse global deployments.
• Available Drivers: Hardware vendors provide drivers for Windows Server 2016. For example, Intel offers network adapter drivers specifically for Windows Server 2016.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Windows Server 2016 is currently in its extended support phase, meaning it receives critical security updates but no new features, non-security bug fixes, or design changes. This status necessitates careful planning for organizations, as it approaches its end-of-life in early 2027. Compatibility with modern hardware is generally good, but newer server technologies and features are optimized for later Windows Server versions. Organizations should consider migration strategies to newer, fully supported versions like Windows Server 2019 or 2022 to ensure access to comprehensive support and the latest innovations.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Credential Guard: Protects user credentials from compromise by isolating the Local Security Authority (LSA) in a virtualized space (Isolated User Mode).
  • Device Guard: Prevents malware by enforcing code integrity policies, ensuring only trusted applications can run. It includes Configurable Code Integrity, VSM Protected Code Integrity, and Platform and UEFI Secure Boot.
  • Shielded Virtual Machines (VMs): Protects Generation 2 VMs from a compromised fabric using BitLocker encryption, virtual TPM (vTPM), and Host Guardian Service (HGS). Shielded VMs can only run on attested, approved hosts.
  • Host Guardian Service (HGS): Validates Hyper-V hosts to ensure they are authorized to run Shielded VMs, protecting against malicious administrators and compromised hosts.
  • Windows Defender: Built-in anti-malware protection, enabled by default without a GUI, providing real-time protection and regular definition updates.
  • Just Enough Administration (JEA) and Just-in-Time (JIT) Administration: Limits administrative privileges and access time, reducing the attack surface from compromised credentials.
  • Control Flow Guard: Helps protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities.
  • Secure Boot: Part of Device Guard, ensures that only trusted firmware and operating system components load during startup.
  • Virtual Secure Mode (VSM): Creates isolated memory regions to protect critical system processes and data.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an operating system, Windows Server 2016 has had numerous Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) identified over its lifecycle, including categories such as information disclosure, privilege escalation, and remote code execution. Examples include vulnerabilities in Windows GDI, SMBv2, and the Windows kernel. Microsoft regularly releases security updates to address these.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable to an operating system in general.
• Certifications: Enterprise operating systems like Windows Server 2016 typically undergo various industry and government security certifications, though specific certifications are not detailed in the provided data.
• Encryption Support: BitLocker is integrated for disk encryption, notably used for Shielded VMs. SMB Encryption provides data protection for network file shares.
• Authentication Methods: Supports Active Directory Domain Services for centralized identity and access management, Kerberos, NTLM, and Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) for federated identity and multi-factor authentication.
• General Recommendations: Implement regular patching, enforce the principle of least privilege, utilize network segmentation, and deploy security features like Credential Guard and Shielded VMs to enhance protection.

Analysis of Overall Security Rating: Windows Server 2016 introduced significant security enhancements, particularly for virtualized environments and credential protection, making it a more secure platform than its predecessors. Features like Shielded VMs and Credential Guard represent a proactive approach to mitigating advanced threats. However, like any complex software, it is subject to ongoing vulnerabilities, requiring diligent application of security updates and adherence to best practices. Its current status in extended support means it only receives security updates, emphasizing the need for robust security management and potentially accelerating migration for organizations with stringent compliance or threat model requirements.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, universal benchmark scores for Windows Server 2016 are not readily available, as performance heavily depends on hardware configuration, workload, and specific roles deployed.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Virtualization: Enhancements in Hyper-V, including hot add/remove memory and NIC, resilient virtual machines, and rolling upgrades for Hyper-V clusters, contribute to improved VM density and uptime.
  • Storage: Features like Storage Spaces Direct aggregate storage across multiple servers for high availability and performance at lower costs. Storage Replica provides disaster recovery capabilities.
  • Networking: Improvements in TCP performance and features like PacketDirect on 40G adapters enhance network throughput and efficiency. Network adapter performance tuning options are available to optimize throughput and reduce latency.
  • Containerization: Native support for Windows Server Containers and Hyper-V Containers offers efficient application deployment and isolation.
• Power Consumption: Power consumption is primarily hardware-dependent. The Server Core installation option, with its reduced overhead, can contribute to lower power usage compared to the Desktop Experience.
• Carbon Footprint: The carbon footprint is largely determined by the underlying server hardware, data center efficiency, and virtualization strategies. Efficient resource utilization through Hyper-V and containerization can help reduce the overall environmental impact.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Windows Server 2016 is the successor to Windows Server 2012 R2 and precedes Windows Server 2019 and 2022. It offers significant improvements in security, virtualization, and software-defined infrastructure compared to 2012 R2.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: Windows Server 2016 delivers robust performance, particularly excelling in virtualized and software-defined data center environments. Its advancements in Hyper-V, storage technologies (Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica), and networking provide a solid foundation for demanding enterprise workloads. The introduction of Nano Server and container support further optimizes resource utilization and application deployment speed. While specific benchmarks are scarce, its feature set indicates a strong focus on scalability, resilience, and efficiency for modern data center operations.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Windows Server 2016 generally highlight its strengths in security and virtualization, while noting challenges related to its licensing model and the eventual end of mainstream support.

• Strengths:
  • Enhanced Security: Features like Shielded VMs, Credential Guard, and Device Guard are frequently praised for significantly improving the security posture of server environments.
  • Advanced Virtualization: Hyper-V improvements, including rolling cluster upgrades and resilient VMs, are well-received for increasing flexibility and uptime in virtualized infrastructures.
  • Software-Defined Storage: Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica are seen as valuable additions for building highly available and scalable storage solutions using commodity hardware.
  • Container Support: The native integration of Windows Server Containers and Docker is a key advantage for developers and operations teams adopting containerized applications.
  • Nano Server: Appreciated for its small footprint and reduced attack surface, ideal for cloud-native applications and containers.
• Weaknesses:
  • Licensing Complexity: The shift to core-based licensing, with minimum core requirements and CALs, is often cited as a point of confusion and increased cost for some organizations, especially those with many physical processors but fewer cores.
  • Resource Usage (GUI): The Desktop Experience installation can be resource-intensive, leading many to prefer the Server Core option for production environments.
  • End of Mainstream Support: The end of mainstream support in early 2022 means no new features or non-security bug fixes, pushing organizations to consider upgrades.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Virtualized Data Centers: Ideal for environments heavily reliant on Hyper-V for hosting numerous virtual machines.
  • Software-Defined Infrastructure: Well-suited for implementing software-defined networking and storage solutions.
  • Hybrid Cloud Environments: Its features support seamless integration with Azure and other cloud services.
  • Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs): The Essentials edition provides a simplified server solution for smaller organizations.
  • Containerized Workloads: A strong choice for deploying and managing Windows-based containers.

Summary

Microsoft Windows Server 2016, released in October 2016, represents a significant iteration in Microsoft's server operating system lineage, developed concurrently with Windows 10. It introduced a host of features aimed at modernizing data centers, enhancing security, and embracing cloud and container technologies. Key strengths include its robust security features like Shielded Virtual Machines, Credential Guard, and Device Guard, which provide advanced protection against evolving threats. The platform also delivered substantial improvements in virtualization with Hyper-V, software-defined storage (Storage Spaces Direct), and networking capabilities, making it a powerful choice for highly virtualized and software-defined infrastructures. The introduction of Nano Server and native container support further solidified its position for cloud-native applications and efficient resource utilization.

However, the asset is not without its weaknesses. The shift to a core-based licensing model, while aiming for consistency across cloud and on-premise deployments, introduced complexity and potential cost increases for some organizations. Furthermore, Windows Server 2016 has passed its mainstream support phase (ended January 11, 2022) and is currently in extended support, which will conclude on January 12, 2027. This means it no longer receives non-security updates or feature enhancements, necessitating proactive planning for migration to newer, fully supported versions like Windows Server 2019 or 2022 to maintain optimal security, performance, and access to the latest innovations.

Overall, Windows Server 2016 is a capable and secure server operating system, particularly well-suited for virtualized environments, software-defined data centers, and hybrid cloud strategies. Its comprehensive security stack and infrastructure enhancements were groundbreaking at its release. Organizations currently running Windows Server 2016 should prioritize applying all available security updates and actively plan for an upgrade to a newer version before its end-of-life date to mitigate risks and leverage modern server capabilities.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.