What is new with Windows 2016, compared to Windows 2012

2016-12-09

What you need to know about Windows 2016, when coming from Windows 2012

Peter Cruz

Windows Server 2016 is the latest rendition of the popular Microsoft operating system. It's also the operating system that powers much of the infrastructure where Microsoft is the foundation for security and network connectivity. Windows Server 2016 a big change from the last Windows 2012 and an even bigger change from Windows 2008, which still powers many networks today. If you're thinking about a change, here are some basic things you need to know about Windows Server 2016. Most changes revolve around virtualization and Hyper-V, so many of the updates include changes to the way virtual machines function.

Nano Server

Just need the basics without all the GUI extras and overhead? Nano Server is a lightweight version of the operating system that can power your critical hardware and software without all of the unnecessary overhead. You can use Nano Server to power Microsoft's homegrown version of virtual machine management, Hyper-V. Hyper-V is included with Windows 2012, so any administrators that need to migrate a server that powers Hyper-V machines will appreciate Nano.

Docker Containers

Docker containers were originally created for Linux-based servers, but Windows administrators now have that option as well. The source code for Windows' version of docker containers is also open-source, so it's a revolutionary addition for an operating system that is notoriously closed-source. You can use the Windows docker containers to work with Hyper-V managed servers or a dedicated Windows Server machine.

Add and Remove Virtual Adapters and No Reboot Needed

In previous versions of Hyper-V, every time you added or removed adapters from a virtual machine, you had to reboot the server. With this new edition of the Windows operating system, you no longer need to reboot the server and interrupt user productivity. As any administrator knows, rebooting a server - even virtual machines - can cost the organization money in downtime.

Nested Virtualization

Virtual machines have traditionally been for physical servers only. With Windows Server 2016, you can now nest your virtual machines within other virtual machines. This means that within your own virtual machine running Windows Server 2016, you can create a new virtual machine. While this won't be popular in every industry, it's good for lab and research outside of the standard network.

Better PowerShell Support for VMs

PowerShell is Microsoft's scripting engine, although you can also run Python scripts in Windows Server 2016. PowerShell is a combination of the .NET coding language and the standard old traditional DOS batch file language. It's a powerful tool that helps you manage your network servers and desktops. With Windows Server 2016, your PowerShell scripts have better support for virtual machines.

Linux Secure Boot

With virtual machines, you can now boot the Linux operating system on a Windows server. Windows Server 2016 includes secure boot for VMs that boot the Linux guest operating systems. It protects the system from any tampering or being attacked by root kits during boot time, which is common with hackers that target Windows machines running Linux in VM mode.

Now you know what some of the new features and changes in Windows Server 2016 are. If you're interested in Windows Server 2016, or any other Microsoft solution, just ask us. Here at Serverpoint.com, we've been managing Microsoft Server and Office products for many years. So, if you are in need of any Microsoft solution, just contact us and we will happily install and manage it for you!