Windows Server 2016 Editions Comparison

Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is an operating system developed by Microsoft and is the successor to Windows Server 2012. It serves as the server version of Windows 10 and was made available in September 2016.

Microsoft currently employs a core-based licensing model for Windows Server 2016 (this model is also implemented for SQL servers).

Appropriate editions for various application areas include:

(*) RDS CAL is required for Remote Desktop access.
(**) Windows Server Standard Edition license allows for 2 OSE (Operating System Environments) when all physical cores are licensed.
(***) CAL is mandatory for every user or device connecting directly or indirectly to the server. Detailed information can be found on the Microsoft Licensing Customer Access and Management License website.

Minimum System Requirements for Windows Server 2016

The table below outlines the minimum requirements for Windows Server 2016. Actual requirements depend on system configurations as well as installed applications and features.

*) 2 GB for Servers with Desktop Experience installation option.
**) Machines with over 16 GB RAM will need additional disk space for paging, hibernation, and dump files.

Version-to-Version Comparison for Physical/Virtual Environments

Windows Server 2016 editions can operate in either a Physical Operating System Environment (POSE) or a Virtual Operating System Environment (VOSE):

(*) When customers run all allowed virtual instances, the physical edition is only used for management and maintenance of virtual instances.
(**) Essentials can run in either a physical or virtual operating system environment.

Version-to-Role Comparison for Server Roles

Windows Server 2016 editions differ in the following server roles:

1. Active Directory Certificate Services (limited in certificate authority setup).
2. Active Directory Domain Services (must be root of the ADDS forest and own all FSMO roles).
3. Active Directory Rights Management Services (requires additional AD RMS CAL).
4. Data Deduplication feature is not available.
5. Limited to 50 RRAS connections and 50 IAS connections; supports DirectAccess and VPN.
6. Remote Desktop Services (requires additional RDS CAL, exception: using Remote Web Access feature of Essentials edition).
7. Only installs and configures RD Gateway service; other remote services (including RD Session Host) are not supported.

Version-to-Feature Comparison for New Features

Windows Server 2016 editions differ in the following features:

Windows Server 2016 Editions Comparison

This breakdown provides a comprehensive view of the distinctions between various editions of Windows Server 2016, aiding users in selecting the most suitable edition based on their specific needs.