For automation engineers, downloading the ISO via a script is useful. You can use Azure CLI to fetch the evaluation if you have an Azure subscription.
UEFI 2.3.1c-based system and firmware that supports Secure Boot; TPM 2.0 is highly recommended for modern security features. 3. Difference Between Standard and Datacenter
1.4 GHz 64-bit processor compatible with the x64 instruction set. Must support NX, DEP, CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW.
Cons
: Choose your preferred language (e.g., English, French, German, Japanese) and click the Download button.
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter remains a cornerstone for enterprise IT infrastructure in 2026, offering robust security, advanced hybrid capabilities with Azure, and unparalleled scalability for virtualized environments. Whether you are building a new data center or upgrading existing infrastructure, obtaining the official ISO is the first step toward leveraging these capabilities.
Features the "Secured-core server" approach, which protects against firmware attacks using hardware root-of-trust and UEFI secure boot. It also includes Shielded Virtual Machines , a feature exclusive to Datacenter that protects VM data even if the host is compromised.
Once you have your ISO file, you can install Windows Server 2022 on physical hardware or a virtual machine. This guide walks through the typical installation using the ISO.
Before diving into the download process, it is crucial to understand what makes the Datacenter edition stand out. Microsoft offers two primary commercial editions of Windows Server 2022: Standard and Datacenter.
Option C: Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Microsoft 365 Admin Center
English