Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs Standard: Which One to Choose?

Hello Dev! If you are reading this article, chances are you are trying to figure out which version of Windows Server 2019 to use for your business needs. Whether you are an IT administrator, a small business owner or just someone who is curious about the differences between Windows Server 2019 Essentials and Standard, this article is for you. In this article, we will compare the features, capabilities, and limitations of both versions, so you can make an informed decision.

What is Windows Server 2019 Essentials?

Windows Server 2019 Essentials is a version of Windows Server designed for small businesses that have up to 25 users and 50 devices. It is a simpler and more affordable version of Windows Server that includes the essential features needed to run a small business without the complexity of the Standard version. It includes a user-friendly dashboard that allows you to easily manage user accounts, devices, and applications.

Features of Windows Server 2019 Essentials

Windows Server 2019 Essentials comes with a range of features that make it an ideal choice for small businesses. Here are some of the key features of Windows Server 2019 Essentials:

Limitations of Windows Server 2019 Essentials

While Windows Server 2019 Essentials is a great option for small businesses, it does come with some limitations. Here are some of the main limitations of Windows Server 2019 Essentials:

• Supports up to 25 users and 50 devices
• Does not support Hyper-V virtualization
• Does not support clustering
• Does not include some features of the Standard edition, such as Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded VMs, and Software-defined Networking

What is Windows Server 2019 Standard?

Windows Server 2019 Standard is a version of Windows Server designed for larger businesses that require more features and capabilities. It includes all the features of Windows Server 2019 Essentials and many more features that are not available in the Essentials version. It is ideal for businesses that require advanced virtualization, networking, and storage capabilities.

Features of Windows Server 2019 Standard

Windows Server 2019 Standard comes with a wide range of features that make it ideal for larger businesses. Here are some of the key features of Windows Server 2019 Standard:

Limitations of Windows Server 2019 Standard

While Windows Server 2019 Standard is a powerful and feature-rich version of Windows Server, it does have some limitations. Here are some of the main limitations of Windows Server 2019 Standard:

• Requires more hardware resources than Windows Server 2019 Essentials
• More complex to manage than Windows Server 2019 Essentials
• More expensive than Windows Server 2019 Essentials

Which One to Choose: Essentials or Standard?

So, which version of Windows Server 2019 should you choose for your business needs? The answer to this question depends on your specific requirements and budget. Here are some factors to consider:

Number of Users and Devices

If you have a small business with up to 25 users and 50 devices, Windows Server 2019 Essentials may be the best choice for you. If you have more than 25 users or 50 devices, you will need to use Windows Server 2019 Standard.

Hardware Resources

Windows Server 2019 Standard requires more hardware resources than Windows Server 2019 Essentials. If you have limited hardware resources, you may want to choose Windows Server 2019 Essentials.

Features and Capabilities

If you require advanced virtualization, networking, and storage capabilities, you should choose Windows Server 2019 Standard. If you only need the essential features for running a small business, you may want to choose Windows Server 2019 Essentials.

Budget

Windows Server 2019 Standard is more expensive than Windows Server 2019 Essentials. If you have a limited budget, you may want to choose Windows Server 2019 Essentials.

FAQ

1. Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2019 Essentials to Windows Server 2019 Standard?

Yes, you can upgrade from Windows Server 2019 Essentials to Windows Server 2019 Standard. However, you will need to purchase a license for Windows Server 2019 Standard.

2. Can I use Windows Server 2019 Essentials in a virtualized environment?

Yes, you can use Windows Server 2019 Essentials in a virtualized environment, but only as a single host instance in a Hyper-V virtual machine.

3. Does Windows Server 2019 Essentials support Remote Desktop Services?

No, Windows Server 2019 Essentials does not support Remote Desktop Services. You will need to use Windows Server 2019 Standard for Remote Desktop Services.

4. Can I use Windows Server 2019 Essentials as a file server?

Yes, you can use Windows Server 2019 Essentials as a file server, but it has some limitations on storage capacity and file sharing.

5. Does Windows Server 2019 Essentials support DNS and DHCP services?

Yes, Windows Server 2019 Essentials supports DNS and DHCP services.

In conclusion, choosing between Windows Server 2019 Essentials and Standard can be a difficult decision, but it all depends on your specific needs and budget. We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between the two versions and make an informed decision. If you have any further questions or need help deciding, feel free to reach out to us.