Windows Server 2019 vs 2022: Should You Upgrade or Stay?

Windows Server 2019 is powerful and stable, but for advanced security, better cloud performance, and the latest hardware support, Windows Server 2022 offers more advantages.

However, your server’s performance isn’t just about the operating system—it also depends on the quality of your VPS provider. An unreliable provider can limit your server’s potential, no matter which version you use.

To ensure the best experience, buy Windows VPS from a trusted provider like OperaVPS Services and enjoy maximum security and performance.

Combining a powerful VPS with Windows Server 2019 or 2022 ensures optimal speed and performance. Watch this video and discover the secret of a powerful Windows VPS!

Key Differences Between Windows Server 2022 and 2019 Features

Let’s compare their key differences and features to determine the winner between Windows Server 2019 and 2022.

Windows Server 2022 vs. 2019: Security

Windows VPS Server 2019 and 2022 have security as a core component. However, the 2022 version offers a much higher level of protection with significant improvements and a multi-layered approach.

Windows Server 2019 uses ATP for threat detection, SDN for network security, and BitLocker for encryption, providing a solid initial level of protection.

But Windows Server 2022 has taken security to a new level by introducing more advanced capabilities.

The most important security features of this version include the following:

• Hardware Root-of-Trust to protect the system from hardware-level threats and ensure integrity with TPM 2.0
• Firmware Protection with Secured-Core Server to prevent firmware attacks and low-level intrusions
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) to isolate sensitive data and prevent threats such as Credential Theft and Code Injection
• Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) to prevent unauthorized code execution
• TLS 1.3 and HTTPS by default for better encryption and data security in transit
• DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) to protect DNS requests from eavesdropping and MITM attacks

These features make Windows Server 2022 a perfect solution for organizations prioritizing data and connection security.

Windows Server 2019 vs 2022: Cloud Management

Windows Server 2019 was the first version to take a step towards integrating cloud services with the operating system, supporting Hybrid Cloud and FOD.

However, given that this is the first experience of integrating with Microsoft’s cloud services, its capabilities are much more limited.

Windows Server 2022 simplifies server management by enhancing hybrid capabilities and tools like Azure Arc and Storage Migration Service.

Azure Automanage is another feature of Windows VPS Server 2022 that expands the automated management of servers. This reduces manual intervention, which helps increase security and productivity.

Windows Server 2022 vs 2019: Windows Admin Center

Windows Admin Center is a powerful tool for managing Windows servers available in Windows 2019 and 2022.

This tool allows Windows Server 2019 users to easily manage virtual machines, monitor system performance, and configure networks.

But the Windows Admin Center in Windows Server 2022 has new and useful features for easier management and better performance.

The following are some of the most prominent features of Windows Admin Center in Windows Server 2022:

• Automatic Windows Admin Center updates
• Automated extension lifecycle management
• Event Workspace for tracking data
• Detachable Events Overview Screen
• Configurable destination virtual switch
• Customizable Virtual Machine (VM) information columns

Windows Server 2022 vs. 2019: Hyper V Manager

Hyper-V is a powerful Microsoft tool for creating and running a virtual machine, which is a software version of a computer.

This tool is available in Windows Server 2019 and 2022, which helps manage virtual machines more efficiently.

Dynamic memory allocation, seamless VM integration with the host, and VM replication are key features of Hyper-V in Windows Server 2019.

Windows VPS Server 2022 offers security, performance, and scalability improvements that help manage virtual machines more efficiently.

The following are some of the most prominent features of Hyper-V in Windows Server 2022:

Nested Virtualization

Nested Virtualization enables running a VM inside another VM, providing a flexible environment for testing and debugging applications.

It also supports creating virtual labs with multiple OSes and applications.

Enhanced Performance

Hyper-V in Windows Server 2022 delivers improved performance with better scalability, increased VM density, and faster virtual disk operations.

This is achieved through enhancements like improved NUMA support, optimized memory usage, and quicker VM checkpointing.

Secure Boot for Linux VMs

Secure Boot ensures that only trusted code is loaded during the boot process. This prevents malicious actors such as malware.

Windows Server 2022 also improves the security of these virtual machines running on Hyper-V by implementing this feature for Linux VMs.

Virtual Machine Groups

In Windows Server 2022, you can put multiple virtual machines in a group and manage them using a single interface. This feature makes it easier to manage a large number of virtual machines.

Improved Storage Spaces Direct

Storage Spaces Direct allows building a highly available storage system with local devices.

In Windows Server 2022, Hyper-V enhances it with improved performance, scalability, and resiliency.

Windows Server 2022 vs. 2019: Container Management

Containers in Windows VPS Server allow you to run applications in isolation and independently of each other.

This feature optimizes host resources, reduces full VM emulation, and enables faster, more scalable app performance with lower resource consumption.

Windows Server 2019 helps to advance container-related tasks more effectively with support for features such as Windows Containers, Docker Integration, and Kubernetes.

But Windows Server 2022 takes container management to the next level with the following improvements:

• Reduce container image size by up to 40% to improve startup speed
• Support for gMSA without the need to join a domain for containers
• Support for MSDTC and MSMQ in Windows Containers
• SPI, I2C, GPIO, and UART/COM connectivity for applications inside containers
• Support for DirectX hardware acceleration for Machine Learning scenarios
• Improved Kubernetes Experience with new capabilities such as HostProcess containers and Multiple subnets
• Increased container security with Secured-core features
• Support for legacy Windows applications to run more efficiently in containers
• Strong integration with Microsoft Azure to create a unified and consistent IT environment for container management

Windows Server 2019 vs 2022: Life Cycle

All operating systems offered by Microsoft have a Life Cycle that determines the duration of their support.

Generally, there are two types of support: Mainstream Support and Extended Support.

Mainstream Support includes all security updates, performance improvements, new features, and fixes and is usually provided for five years after the operating system is released.

Extended Support only includes security updates and critical fixes, which continue for five years after Mainstream Support ends.

Windows Server 2019 was released in 2018, and its Mainstream support ended in 2024. But its Extended Support will continue until 2029.

Windows VPS Server 2022 was released in 2021, and its Mainstream support will end in 2026. Its Extended Support also continues until 2031.

Windows Server 2019 still has security updates, eliminating the need for immediate updates to new versions.

But Windows Server still benefits from both support, which organizations can easily continue to work with, benefiting from security, performance, new features, and better compatibility.

Feature Comparison: Windows Server 2019 vs. 2022

When is the ideal time to stay with Windows Server 2019?

Windows Server 2019 has proven itself in terms of performance and security. So, if your infrastructure is stable with this Windows VPS and does not need new features, your needs will be met with 2019.

Especially if you’re facing budget constraints and the upgrade cost is crucial to you, continuing with Windows Server 2019 is a better idea.

So, continue with Windows Server 2019 if:

• Your infrastructure is perfectly suited to your current needs.
• Your infrastructure is compatible with Windows 2019, and you do not need new features.
• You are satisfied with security updates until 2029.
• Upgrading to Windows Server 2022 is not cost-effective for you.
• You are running stable applications and services where changes such as upgrading to 2022 could disrupt performance.
• You do not need high scalability.

When Your Business Should Upgrade to Windows Server 2022?

If you are looking for high security, optimal performance and long-term technical and security support, Windows Server 2022 is a good option.

This Windows VPS enhances Windows Server 2019’s security and management features.

It also contains new features that improve performance, scalability, security, and IT infrastructure management.

So, upgrade your server operating system to Windows Server 2022 if:

• You need security features such as Shielded VMs and Secured-core.
• Your organization is growing and requiring higher scalability, improved VM management, and support for heavy workloads.
• New Windows Server features in the field of containers are essential for managing containers and improving the Kubernetes experience.
• You need DirectX hardware acceleration and support for Machine Learning scenarios.
• You need better integration with Microsoft cloud services.
• You are looking for long-term support, continuous security, and performance updates.

To achieve maximum performance of Windows Server 2019 or 2022, choosing a powerful and reliable server for your business is essential.

If you have made up your mind, you can buy Windows VPS from OperaVPS and get the desired service with your favorite operating system and powerful dedicated resources at an affordable cost.

Conclusion

The choice between Windows Server 2019 and 2022 depends entirely on the specific needs of your business and infrastructure.

If your system is fully compatible with Windows Server 2019 and you don’t need new features or increased scalability, continuing with this version can be cost-effective and suitable.

However, upgrading to Windows VPS Server 2022 could be the right decision if you want more advanced security, better performance, and support for newer hardware.

This version improves organizations’ user experiences by offering features such as hardware-based security, improvements in container management, and support for DirectX hardware acceleration.