Windows Server and the Windows desktop operating systems (Windows 10, 11, 12) have different areas of use and are designed for different purposes.Contents:1.) ... Here is a detailed overview of the differences:
|
| characteristic | Windows Server | Windows10, 11, 12 |
|---|---|---|
| target group | Enterprise, server environments | End users, desktops, laptops |
| User Interface (UI) | Focus on server management, no consumer features | User-friendly UI with consumer features |
| Virtualization | Supports Hyper-V for server virtualization | Hyper-V (only in Pro and Enterprise), mostly for VMs |
| Update cycles | Long-term service plans, less frequent updates | Regular feature updates and security patches |
| Licensing | Per-Core or Server-Client Licenses | Single licenses, volume licensing for companies |
| Remote Desktop Services | Full multi-user support | Limited support (one remote session only) |
| ActiveDirectory | Full support as domain controller | Can be a domain member, not a domain controller |
| File server features | Comprehensive file and printer management services | Basic file sharing |
| Network management | Comprehensive network management capabilities | Basic network functions |
| Storage management | Advanced, including storage spaces and replication | Basic memory management |
| Security features | Advanced, including BitLocker, AppLocker, Windows Defender Exploit Guard | BitLocker, Windows Defender, basic security features |
| Scripting and automation | Extensive support for PowerShell and scripting | Basic PowerShell support |
| Backup and recovery | Comprehensive backup and recovery options | Basic backup tools |
| Hardware support | Optimized for server hardware | Optimized for desktop and laptop hardware |
| Cloud integration | Extensive integration with Azure and other cloud services | Limited cloud integration (OneDrive) |
| Multi session | Supports multiple concurrent user sessions | No multi-session support except via Remote Desktop |
| Customer service | Support for server and enterprise environments | Consumer support for end users |
| Pricing model | More expensive, for server applications and large infrastructures | Cheaper, for end users |
2.) Detailed explanations of the features!
1. Target audience
- Windows Server
is designed for businesses and server environments and offers features required to run networks, databases and enterprise applications.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
are intended for end users who use their computers for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office applications and entertainment.
2. User interface (UI)
- Windows Server
has a simple user interface that focuses on server management, without the typical consumer features such as the Microsoft Store or Cortana.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer a user-friendly interface with a variety of features and applications tailored to the needs of end users.
3. Virtualization
- Windows Server
offers comprehensive virtualization features with Hyper-V, which allows multiple servers to be run on one physical machine.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
also offer Hyper-V, but only in the Pro and Enterprise versions and mainly for virtualizing desktop environments.
4. Update cycles
- Windows Server
has longer servicing intervals and receives less frequent but more stable updates suitable for server environments.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
receive regular feature updates and security patches that provide new functionality and improvements for end users.
5. Licensing
- Windows Server
uses a more complex licensing model based on the number of processors or servers, while Windows 10, 11, 12 are usually available as a stand-alone license or through volume licensing agreements.
6. Remote Desktop Services
- Windows Server
offers full support for Remote Desktop Services that allow multiple users to connect to the server at the same time.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
only allow one remote session by default and are therefore unsuitable for multi-user scenarios.
7. Active Directory
- Windows Server
can act as a domain controller and offers full support for Active Directory services.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
can only act as a domain member and do not provide domain controller functionality.
8. File Server Features
- Windows Server
offers advanced file server features, including file share and print server management.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer basic file sharing options, but these may be sufficient for smaller networks.
9. Network Management
- Windows Server
has comprehensive network management tools necessary for running large networks.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer basic network management features suitable for home and small office networks.
10. Storage Management
- Windows Server
offers advanced storage management features such as Storage Spaces and replication that are necessary for managing large amounts of data.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer basic storage management tools that are sufficient for end users.
11. Security Features
- Windows Server
has advanced security features such as BitLocker, AppLocker, and Windows Defender Exploit Guard that are specifically tailored for server environments.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer basic security features such as BitLocker and Windows Defender that ensure the protection of end user PCs.
12. Scripting and automation
- Windows Server
offers extensive support for PowerShell and other scripting tools that are important for automating administrative tasks.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer basic PowerShell support, but this is usually sufficient for end users.
13. Backup and recovery
- Windows Server
offers comprehensive options for backup and recovery that are necessary for protecting corporate data.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer basic backup tools that are mainly suitable for protecting personal data.
14. Hardware support
- Windows Server
is optimized for use on server hardware and supports a wide range of server-specific devices.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
are optimized for desktop and laptop hardware and support a wide range of peripherals.
15. Cloud integration
- Windows Server
offers extensive integration with cloud services such as Microsoft Azure that enable seamless connection between on-premises and cloud environments.
-Windows 10, 11, 12
offer limited cloud integration capabilities, mainly restricted to end-user cloud services such as OneDrive.
16. Multi-Session
- Windows Server
supports multiple simultaneous user sessions, making it ideal for Terminal Services and remote work.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
do not offer support for multiple simultaneous user sessions, except through Remote Desktop connections in special cases.
17. Customer Support
- Windows Server
offers support for server and enterprise environments, including dedicated enterprise support.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
offer consumer support that focuses on end-user issues.
18. Pricing Model
:
- Windows Server
is more expensive and designed for use in server environments and large infrastructures.
- Windows 10, 11, 12
are less expensive and designed for use on standalone computers.
These differences make it clear that Windows Server is designed for use in enterprise environments, while Windows 10, 11 and 12 are designed for end-user use on desktops and laptops.
FAQ 2: Updated on: 16 June 2024 06:13
