What is the new "Container Server" that is came with 24H2?

Hi Quinn, I appreciate your reply!

As I mentioned earlier, I know what docker and k8s are.

I understand you might also not have as much information regarding this since this is still very new. But I think you are posting misinformation and not regarding my question, Unless you are saying if I install this "Container Server", Windows will automatically install Docker and K8S on my system. However that is obviously not possible, for Windows, those are 3rd-party software instead of a Windows feature. And the actual backend for containerized technology is installed by the feature called "Containers".

It's possible for Windows to install an API server and enable it to join a k8s cluster. But this is purely guessing since I'm unable to get this feature installed.

Hello, I'm Quinn, and I'm happy to help.

Yes, it came with 24H2. A container server in Windows manages containers, which are isolated environments for running applications without affecting the host system. Windows supports two types: Windows Server Containers for lightweight isolation and Hyper-V Containers for stronger isolation via virtual machines. Developers and IT professionals use containers for app deployment, scalability, and management, especially in development, testing, or production environments.

If I would compare containers to something, they are similar to virtual machines like VirtualBox, but they are much lighter. While virtual machines simulate an entire operating system with its own kernel, containers share the host system's kernel but keep the application and its environment isolated. This makes containers faster to start and use less resources than full VMs, though VMs provide stronger isolation since each runs its own OS.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!

Hi Quinn, thanks for your reply.

But I believe what you are talking about is the "Containers" feature, which is the one below "Container Server" and has existed for years. I know what that is and using it for years.

What I wanna know is the "Container Server", is a new thing with 24H2, and does not exist in 23H2.

(Screenshot from 23H2 below)

Thanks again for your reply.

Could you please also provide me with the reference or source of your information? Or documents for this specific feature? ("Container Server", NOT "Windows containers")

Thank you in advance.

Hello, I apologize if my previous response was unclear. A container server is an infrastructure designed to efficiently run, manage, and coordinate containers. It utilizes containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes to isolate and manage these containers effectively, making it easier to develop, ship, and run applications reliably.

I understand that detailed information about this specific feature is still somewhat limited, which can be frustrating. However, I hope this overview provides a solid foundation on the topic.