Dear Dev, welcome to our guide on the Windows Server 2016 update history. In this article, we will take you through the updates that have been released for Windows Server 2016 since its initial launch. We will also explore the key features and improvements that each update brings and how it can benefit you in your development work. Let’s get started!
Introduction to Windows Server 2016
First released in 2016, Windows Server 2016 is a server operating system that offers a range of features and improvements over its predecessors. Some of its key benefits include improved security, greater virtualization capabilities, and enhanced automation and management features. Since its launch, Microsoft has released several updates to Windows Server 2016 that build on these core features.
What is an Update?
Before we dive into the updates for Windows Server 2016, it’s important to understand what an update is. An update is a package of changes that are made to an operating system or software to improve its functionality, fix bugs, or address security vulnerabilities. Updates are typically released on a regular basis and can be installed manually or automatically.
Why are Updates Important?
Keeping your server up to date is critical for maintaining its security and performance. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. Additionally, updates can improve the functionality and performance of your server, which can help you be more productive and efficient in your development work.
Windows Server 2016 Update History
Let’s now take a look at the updates that have been released for Windows Server 2016 since its launch:
Update Name |
Date Released |
Key Features and Improvements |
|---|---|---|
Windows Server 2016 Release |
September 2016 |
Improved security features, enhanced virtualization capabilities, and improved cloud integration. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
November 2017 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
December 2017 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
February 2018 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
April 2018 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
June 2018 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
August 2018 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
October 2018 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollup |
December 2018 |
Fixes for several issues and performance improvements. |
Windows Server 2016 Release
The initial release of Windows Server 2016 came in September 2016. This update introduced several key features and improvements over its predecessors. Here are some of the highlights:
Improved Security Features
Security is a top priority for any server operating system, and Windows Server 2016 introduced several new security features to help keep your server safe. Some of these features include:
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
- Shielded Virtual Machines
- Host Guardian Service
Enhanced Virtualization Capabilities
Windows Server 2016 also brought several enhancements to virtualization capabilities, allowing you to create and manage virtual machines more efficiently. Some of the key improvements include:
- Support for nested virtualization
- Improved networking performance for virtual machines
- Integration with Azure Site Recovery
Improved Cloud Integration
With the rise of cloud computing, it’s important for server operating systems to integrate seamlessly with cloud services. Windows Server 2016 introduced several improvements for cloud integration, including:
- Integration with Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery
- Improved storage replication for disaster recovery
- Support for Docker containers
Windows Server 2016 Update Rollups
Since the initial release of Windows Server 2016, Microsoft has released several update rollups. These updates include fixes for various issues and performance improvements. Let’s take a closer look at each of these updates:
November 2017 Update Rollup
The November 2017 Update Rollup includes several fixes for issues related to storage, networking, and virtualization. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved support for Storage Spaces Direct
- Improved performance for machines with more than 64 processors
- Fixes for issues with Remote Desktop Services
December 2017 Update Rollup
The December 2017 Update Rollup includes fixes for issues related to networking, storage, and Hyper-V. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved reliability for networking when using virtual switch extensions
- Fixes for issues with Storage Spaces Direct
- Improved performance for virtual machines that use virtualization-based security
February 2018 Update Rollup
The February 2018 Update Rollup includes several performance enhancements and fixes for issues related to storage and networking. Some of the key updates include:
- Improved performance for SMB file servers
- Fixes for issues related to Storage Spaces Direct and Data Deduplication
- Fixes for issues with Hyper-V networking
April 2018 Update Rollup
The April 2018 Update Rollup includes several fixes for issues related to storage, networking, and virtualization. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved reliability for Storage Spaces Direct deployments
- Fixes for issues with RD Gateway and Remote Desktop Services
- Improved performance for machines with more than 512 processors
June 2018 Update Rollup
The June 2018 Update Rollup includes several fixes for issues related to storage, networking, and virtualization. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved reliability for Storage Spaces Direct deployments
- Fixes for issues with Hyper-V networking and virtual machines
- Improved performance for machines that use NUMA
August 2018 Update Rollup
The August 2018 Update Rollup includes several fixes for issues related to storage, networking, and virtualization. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved reliability for Storage Spaces Direct deployments
- Fixes for issues with RD Gateway and Remote Desktop Services
- Fixes for issues with Hyper-V virtual machines
October 2018 Update Rollup
The October 2018 Update Rollup includes several fixes for issues related to storage, networking, and virtualization. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved reliability for Storage Spaces Direct deployments
- Fixes for issues with Hyper-V virtual machines
- Improved performance for machines that use NUMA
December 2018 Update Rollup
The December 2018 Update Rollup includes several fixes for issues related to storage, networking, and virtualization. Some of the key fixes include:
- Improved reliability for Storage Spaces Direct deployments
- Fixes for issues with Hyper-V virtual machines
- Improved performance for virtual machines that use virtualization-based security
FAQ
How often are updates released for Windows Server 2016?
Microsoft typically releases updates for Windows Server 2016 on a regular basis, often every month or two. These updates can include security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
How do I know if I need to install an update for Windows Server 2016?
You can check for updates by going to the Windows Update settings in the Control Panel. Windows Server 2016 can also be configured to automatically download and install updates.
What should I do if an update fails to install?
If an update fails to install, you should first try to install it again. If it fails again, you can try to troubleshoot the issue by checking for any error messages or contacting Microsoft support for assistance.
Can I uninstall an update if it causes problems?
Yes, you can uninstall updates if they cause problems. To do this, go to the Installed Updates section of the Control Panel and select the update you want to uninstall.
Do I need to restart my server after installing an update?
Most updates require a restart of the server to take effect. It’s important to save any open files and shut down any running programs before restarting the server.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand the updates that have been released for Windows Server 2016 and how they can benefit you in your development work. Remember to keep your server up to date to maintain its security and performance. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact Microsoft support for assistance.