Windows Server 2019: An overview of important new features

Better container support, optimised interaction with Azure and easier encryption. Here's a look at the best new features in the upcoming Windows Server 2019.

Windows Server 2019 comes with a wealth of new features. Collaboration with Microsoft Azure is improved, container technology is significantly expanded and Linux finds broad support. File servers with Windows Server 2019 can also be operated much more effectively and migrations can be carried out more easily. We give a preview of the ten best new features.

All the new features from Windows Server 1709/1803

Windows Server 2019 will include all the new features from the semi-annual versions Windows Server 1709 and Windows Server 1803. These include optimised container management, better Storage Spaces Direct, expanded support for Linux and more. There’s also the added benefit of Windows Server 2019 getting a graphical interface to make the new features easier to manage.

New container image with almost complete Windows server

With Windows Server 2019, Microsoft provides a new container image with the current name „windows“. In addition to the two images „nanoserver“ and „windowsservercore“, the „windows“ image is supposed to have a greatly expanded range of functions with which almost all Windows programmes can be used. This means that developers can also run apps in containers with which this is currently not possible.

Kubernetes support and better containers

In general, Microsoft wants to improve the work with containers with Windows Server 2019. Windows Server 2019 will work directly with Kubernetes so that hybrid container environments can also be operated. The individual images for containers will be improved. For example, the core image will be further reduced in size, the nano image will be expanded, and collaboration between containers will be optimised.

Better virtualisation of Linux servers

Linux servers can be virtualised better with Windows Server 2019. In addition, Linux servers can be secured with shielded VMs in Windows Server 2019. This is currently only possible with Windows servers. In general, Linux will connect better with Windows Server 2019.

Windows Subsystem for Linux

The Windows Subsystem for Linux enables the integration of a Linux distribution within a Windows installation. This allows Linux servers to be managed directly from Windows servers using Linux commands. Windows servers can thus also be administered via Linux commands. This improves cooperation between Linux and Windows enormously. Numerous distributions are to be added in Windows Server 2019.

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

Windows Server 2019 works directly with Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection. This is an advanced attack protection that works without signature files and can detect zero-day attacks and root kits. The service has cloud connectivity and reliably detects attacks that are not detected by virus scanners. ATP does not replace anti-malware scanners, but complements them.

Better encryption

In Windows Server 2019, data can be encrypted easier and better. Network traffic can also be encrypted better in Windows Server 2019. This also applies to virtual machines.

Storage migration wizard from numerous sources

The new Storage Migration Service helps migrate file servers and the data to Windows Server 2019. The wizard can also move data from NAS systems, works with Microsoft Azure, and can transfer data and permissions quickly and easily. The target can be servers running Windows Server 2019, and the source can be a whole range of devices. Migrating to Windows Server 2019 should be easier than ever for this reason.

Better integration with Microsoft Azure

Windows Server 2019 works more closely with Microsoft Azure. Data can be synchronised between Azure and Windows Server 2019, data can be backed up with Azure Backup, and file servers can be populated with data from the cloud via Azure Files. Clusters can be connected to Microsoft Azure, and the aforementioned Storage Migration Wizard can also import data from the cloud or back up data to the cloud.

New express updates

Windows 10 computers and current Windows servers, as well as Windows Server 2019, will benefit from the new Express Updates. Express Updates are much smaller than the current Cumulative Updates and Delta Updates, which only reload missing updates. Express updates work much like backups that build on each other and can be downloaded and installed much faster. It also significantly reduces the number of reboots.

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