Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter

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Windows Server is a program from Microsoft that enables the computers in your network to store data and run smoothly. This software is mostly useful for businesses, and almost never used for private purposes. Currently, Windows Server is a very attractive product for businesses. Further in this blog you can read about the differences between Windows Server 2022 Standard and Datacenter, their features, and CAL requirements.

What is Windows Server 2022 Standard?

Windows Server 2022 Standard is the basic version of Windows Server. The server is mostly used by small to medium-sized businesses. A big advantage of Windows Server 2022, is the fact that the license is perpetual. This means you can use it practically forever. However, you should take into account the support end dates, which you can find further in this blog. With Windows Server 2022 Standard you receive:

All basic Windows Server 2022 features
The right to use 2 Virtual Machines
1 Hyper-V Host

What is Windows Server 2022 Datacenter?

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is the more advanced version out of these two servers. A big advantage of Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is the unlimited amounts of Virtual Machines on a physical host. Because of this, the server is often chosen for visualization. Next to that, Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is mainly used by medium-sized to big businesses. This license is perpetual, same as Windows Server 2022 Standard. Windows Server 2022 Datacenter provides the following features:

All basic Windows Server 2022 features
Unlimited Virtual Machines
1 Hyper-V Host
Host Guardian Hyper-V Support
Software Defined Networking
Storage Replica
Shielded Virtual Machines
Storage Spaces Direct

Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter: Differences

The main differences between Windows Server 2022 Standard and Datacenter are the features in each version. If you compare the two, you will see that Windows Server 2022 Datacenter includes a lot more features than Standard, such as Shielded Virtual Machines, Storage Replica and Software Defined Networking. Additionally, Standard offers 2 Virtual Machines, while Datacenter offers unlimited Virtual Machines. This makes Datacenter a more complete server than Standard. It is possible to switch the Standard edition to the Datacenter one. After installing your Windows Server you can upgrade it at at any moment. However, it is not possible to switch back from Datacenter to Standard.

Windows Server 2022: Support end dates

We receive a lot of questions about when the Microsoft support of Windows Server ends. The support end dates for Windows Server 2022 are as following:

Mainstream support (updates) ends on October the 13th 2026.
Extended support (security) ends on October the 14th 2031.

Do I need CALs for my server?

Yes, each device or user will need CALs for Windows Server 2022. CAL stands for Client Access License. If you do not buy CALs, you practically do not have access to your server. You should buy CALs for every user or device that you want to have access to the server. In the paragraph below, you can read more about which and how many CALs you need.

Which CALs do I need? Device CALs or User CALs?

The type and amount of CALs you need depend on the number of users and/or devices you want to provide access for. One Device CAL enables one device to connect to Windows Server. Similarly, User CALs give access for one user.

If you have more users than devices, you should acquire Device CALs, since many employees can access the server through fewer deviced.
If you have more devices than users, you should purchase User CALs.

See the next two example for more clarification:

If you have 10 users and 5 devices, you need 5 Device CALs.
If you have 10 devices and 5 users, you need 5 User CALs.

Conclusion:

Windows Server 2022 Standard is mostly used by small to medium-sized businesses.
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is mostly used by medium-sized to big businesses.
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter offers more functions than Standard, such as infinite Virtual Machines.
Both Windows Server 2022 licenses are perpetual.
You need CALs to access Windows Server 2022.
Device CALs provide access for one device with multiple users.
User CALs provide access for one user with multiple devices.