Description

Windows Server 2016 Essentials offers a flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use server solution for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. Windows Server 2016 Essentials can also be used as the primary server in a multi-server environment for small businesses. Windows Server 2016 Essentials provides a set of new and enhanced features and capabilities for Windows Server Essentials, allowing small businesses to be more productive.

Features of Windows Server 2016 Essentials 

• Simplified Management: Windows Server 2016 Essentials provides a central place to manage server settings, monitor performance, and access tools for managing users, devices, storage, and applications. It offers a simplified interface for configuring server roles and features.
• Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS): Windows Server 2016 Essentials provides user and group management features that simplify the management of users, groups, and computers. It offers group policy that enables centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and users’ settings.
• Storage Spaces: Storage spaces in Windows Server 2016 Essentials allows for creating flexible and resilient storage solutions using inexpensive hard drives. 
• Data Deduplication: Data deduplication reduces the storage needs by identifying and removing duplicate data. It offers robust file services and a variety of storage options.
• Networking: DirectAccess provides seamless and secure remote access to network resources without the need for traditional VPN. BranchCache optimizes WAN bandwidth when accessing content from remote servers. Network Controller offers centralized infrastructure for managing and monitoring network devices and services.
• Security Features: Windows Server 2016 Essentials facilitates Windows Defender which is a built-in antivirus and malware protection to safeguard the server. Credential guard protects domain credentials by isolating secrets using virtualization-based security. Device guard ensures that only trusted applications run on the server.
• Remote Desktop Services (RDS): Remote Desktop Services (RDS) allows users to access desktops and applications remotely and  VPN provides secure remote access to the organization’s network.
• Azure and Cloud Integration: Azure Site Recovery feature in Windows Server 2016 Essentials is used for disaster recovery with automated protection and replication of virtual machines. Azure Virtual Network integrates on-premises servers with cloud services. Office 365 Integration facilitates the integration with Office 365 for email, collaboration, and productivity tools.
• Hyper-V: Windows Server 2016 Essentials supports built-in hypervisor for running virtual machines, with support for containers and nested virtualization. It provides lightweight virtualization to run applications in isolated environments.
• Windows Server Backup: Windows Server 2016 Essentials offers built-in backup feature for backing up and restoring files, folders, applications, and the entire server. Azure Backup feature is used for Cloud-based backup solutions integrated with Azure services.

Product Specifications

System Requirements

Installation and Activation

Microsoft licenses are provided through Microsoft Volume Licensing, allowing businesses to activate multiple devices efficiently. Upon acquiring a Windows Server 2016 Essentials license, IT administrators or users will receive detailed instructions and official download links to deploy and activate Windows Server 2016 Essentials across the organization, compatible with both new installations and updates.

Compatibility – Official Tool

To install Windows Server correctly, your computer must meet the minimum system hardware requirements. If your computer falls short of the requirements, the product may not install properly. Actual requirements vary based on your system configuration, applications, and features that are installed.

Microsoft Offers an official tool, the PC Health Check app, to assess your system’s compatibility. We recommend checking compatibility to avoid installation issues. Download and run the PC Health Check app for a hassle-free compatibility check and by thoroughly checking compatibility before deployment, you can reduce the risk of disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to Windows Server 2016 Essentials.