Windows Server is the operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services enabling hybrid scenarios and maximizing existing investments, including:

• Unique hybrid capabilities with Azure to extend your datacenter and maximize investments
• Advanced multi-layer security to help you elevate your security posture
• Faster innovation for applications enabling Developers and IT Pros to create new and modernize their apps, and
• Unprecedented Hyper-converged Infrastructure to evolve your datacenter infrastructure

Available Images

Windows Server 2019 is the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release with five years of mainstream support + five years of extended support. Choose the image that is right for your application needs.

Latest: Windows Server 2019

• Server with Desktop Experience includes all roles including the graphical user interface(GUI)
• Server Core omits the GUI for a smaller OS footprint, or
• Containers option with both Nano and Server Core containers pre-installed on Server with Desktop Experience, or Server Core.

Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel releases deliver new operating system capabilities at a faster pace and are based on the Server Core installation option of the Datacenter edition. A new release comes out every six months and is supported for 18 months. Check the Lifecycle Support Page for support dates and always use the latest release if possible.

Terms of Use

Your use of the Windows Server images from Azure Marketplace Virtual Machine Gallery are provided to you for use with virtual machine instances under your Azure subscription which are governed by the Online Services Terms. These virtual machine instances are limited for use with Azure. All Server images, including Semi-Annual Channel releases, may be used under the Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server.

Learn more

Windows Server Virtual Machine Documentation
Windows Server Documentation
What's New in Windows Server