Why Windows Server 2022 Still Matters in 2025 – Migration, Features, and Support

Even in 2025, Windows Server 2022 continues to gain attention as a stable, secure, and hybrid-ready server OS. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Windows Server 2022 still relevant, its core features, security enhancements, cloud integration, and key considerations for deployment.

■ What Is Microsoft Windows Server 2022?

Windows Server 2022 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft, officially released in August 2021. It’s designed to provide a secure, scalable, and flexible infrastructure for businesses of all sizes—supporting on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-based environments. With robust security, high performance, and Azure integration, it remains a preferred choice for enterprises in 2025.

■ Why Is Windows Server 2022 Still Relevant in 2025?

1) End of Support for Windows Server 2012: Migration Surge

Support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 officially ended in October 2023. With security updates discontinued, many organizations needed a secure and supported successor. Windows Server 2022 emerged as the most practical choice, balancing familiarity and innovation.

2) Windows Server 2025 Is Not Yet Production-Ready

Although Windows Server 2025 has been announced and is in preview as of mid-2025, it is still not ready for stable production use. For mission-critical systems, most organizations are adopting the reliable and proven Windows Server 2022 instead of waiting.

3) Advanced Security and Hybrid Cloud Capabilities

With support for TPM 2.0, HVCI, Credential Guard, and SMB AES encryption, Server 2022 is a Secured-core Server OS designed to resist modern cyber threats. Its seamless integration with Azure services makes it ideal for hybrid deployments and future migration planning.

4) Optimal Timing for Licensing and Renewal

Many enterprises plan infrastructure refreshes between spring and summer 2025, coinciding with license renewals and promotional pricing. As a result, Windows Server 2022 adoption is peaking right now.

■ Security Focus: Introduction of Secured-core Server

To defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, Microsoft introduced the Secured-core Server architecture in Windows Server 2022. It provides hardware-rooted protection and layered defense mechanisms including:

• TPM 2.0: Manages encryption keys and device identity.
• UEFI Secure Boot: Prevents unauthorized code during system boot.
• Credential Guard: Protects login credentials using virtualization-based security.
• HVCI: Ensures only signed code runs in kernel mode.
• SMB AES Encryption: AES-256-GCM/CCM encryption for secure file sharing.

■ Hybrid Integration with Azure

Windows Server 2022 simplifies hybrid infrastructure by integrating with:

• Azure Arc: Enables centralized management of on-premises servers from the Azure portal.
• Windows Admin Center: Web-based tool for real-time server monitoring and configuration.

This makes it easier for organizations to gradually migrate to cloud-based operations without sacrificing control.

■ Enhanced Storage and Performance

Windows Server 2022 introduces powerful improvements for file transfers and storage resilience:

• SMB Compression: Automatically compresses files during network transfers to improve speed.
• Adjustable Storage Repair Speed: Allows fine-tuning of data resync rates in Storage Spaces Direct.
• Faster Recovery: Node or disk failures are resolved up to twice as fast.

■ Virtualization and Container Enhancements

To support modern application delivery and cloud-native workloads, the following improvements were made:

• Smaller Windows Container Image: Reduced by up to 40%, with up to 30% faster startup times.
• Nested Virtualization on AMD: Improved Hyper-V support for AMD-based processors.

■ Editions Comparison

■ Things to Know Before Deployment

• Hardware Requirements: 64-bit CPU, 2 GB RAM minimum, and 32 GB disk space.
• Support Lifecycle: Mainstream support until October 13, 2026; extended support until October 14, 2031.

■ 2025 Update: What About Windows Server 2025?

As of mid-2025, Windows Server 2025 remains in preview (Preview 3). Its official release is expected in late 2025. Due to uncertainties around final features and production stability, most organizations are continuing to adopt or maintain Windows Server 2022 for critical workloads.

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■ Conclusion

Windows Server 2022 remains a trusted and capable server OS in 2025. Its security enhancements, hybrid cloud readiness, and enterprise-grade performance make it a reliable choice for IT teams planning for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s evolution. Whether upgrading from an older version or launching new workloads, Server 2022 continues to deliver value.

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タグ: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2025, Hybrid Cloud, IT Infrastructure, Azure Integration, Microsoft Server OS, Server Security, Data Center, Windows Server Editions