Get started with Windows Server Essentials
Applies to: Windows Server 2016 Essentials; Windows Server 2019 Essentials
Windows Server Essentials edition is a cloud-connected first server designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. However, if you are considering installing any version of Windows Server Essentials, we would encourage you to consider Microsoft 365. For more information about moving beyond Windows Server Essentials to Microsoft 365, see What's New in Windows Server 2019 Essentials.
Note
Windows Server 2022 Essentials edition is only available for purchase from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and only as a product key. When you receive the Essentials edition product key from the OEM, you use it to activate the Standard edition of Windows Server 2022. However, certain editions of Windows Server 2022, including the 2022 Essentials edition, may not be compatible with certain Windows Server 2022 Standard edition features, such as Remote Desktop Services (RDS). For more information, see Microsoft License Terms.
In this library
For information about installing, configuring, managing, using, and troubleshooting Windows Server Essentials, see the following documentation:
Updates and downloads
Updates: see Support Windows Server Essentials
End-to-end solution guides
To learn how to centralize data storage, restrict data access permissions, and back up your data both on-premises and in the cloud, see Provide data protection in small and midsize businesses.
To learn how to securely access business data on any Internet-connected device from any location, see Secure remote access in small and midsize businesses.
To learn how to securely collaborate with partners and vendors, see Improve collaboration in small and midsize businesses.