Microsoft launches Windows Server 2016 at Ignite conference in Atlanta. This is the newest release of server operating system released by Microsoft. Windows Server 2016 was first released as Tech Preview version where the users could evaluate the OS. The latest release of Windows Server 2016 comes packed with lot’s of features. Microsoft also mentions that a lot of feedback from customers have been heard and the features are brought in Windows Server 2016. As per Microsoft, more than half a million devices were on Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5. Server 2016 is a cloud ready OS, it’s a great OS to run your traditional applications. The OS provides customers the flexibility to run them on-prem or in Azure cloud.
What’s new in Windows Server 2016
It would be really interesting to know what new features windows server 2016 brings with it.
Security Strengthened – The built-in security features in Windows Server 2016 includes controlled privilege access, enhanced security to protect virtual machines and harden platform to combat threats.
New Deployment Options – Adds more flexibility and control to your datacenter and thereby lowers the costs with software-defined compute, storage, and networking. The is a new install option called Nano Server where the resource usage is reduced with lightweight nano server.
Cloud Ready Application Platform – Windows Server 2016 allows you to run both exisiting and cloud apps, it could be on-prem or in Azure.
Download Windows Server 2016
The Windows Server 2016 is available in Technet and is available for evaluation beginning today. You need to sign in to download Windows Server 2016.
When you reach the download page, the ISO evaluation is available for download. You need to select either Datacenter or Standard edition. When you install Windows Server 2016, you see 3 install options.
Server Core option – This install includes the core components of Windows Server. This option supports all server roles but there is no GUI.
Server with GUI (Desktop Experience) – This includes complete server installation and has GUI feature added. This is the option which most of the customer choose during installation.
Nano Server – This is a new install option and it is more like server core but it’s significantly smaller. As a customer you could download the ISO and choose Nano server as install option. The other way is download Nano server VHD and use it. To see what’s new in windows server 2016 in depth click this link.
I need some things clarified regarding 2016, if at all possible!? I would greatly appreciate your guidance!
I’m currently running SCCM 2012 R2 SP1 CU4 / Server 2012 / Sql 2012 Standard.
I’m looking to upgrade everything but im wondering what my approach should be? My initial thought is the following:
1. Upgrade Windows Server 2012 to 2016 (Will Sccm 2012 R2 SP1 run on 2016?)
2. Upgrade SQL 2012 to 2016 (Will Sccm 2012 R2 SP1 run on 2014 and 2016?)
3 If the above items are ok then ill upgrade to 1606. (Can this be a straight upgrade or do i need to install 1511 and 1602 before going to 1606?
Does this process work? or should Sccm be upgraded first, then Server then SQL?
Thanks for your Wisdom Prajwal!
Hi,
I see that System Center is also available to download.
my question is : There is SCOM 2016, SCVMM 2016, ect… but we don’t have SCCM 2016 to download.
It is normal ? There is no new version for SCCM ?
Many thanks
Hi Mike, SCCM 2016 will be released soon.