Setup Windows Server Datacenter on Azure/AWS/GCP
Windows Server Datacenter brings the latest in security innovation, unique hybrid capabilities, and enhancements for modern applications. New security feature Secured-core builds on technologies such as System Guard and Windows Server Virtualization-based Security to minimize risk from firmware vulnerabilities and advanced malware. Run Windows Server Datacenter 2022 or 2019 on Azure, AWS and GCP. Cloud Infrastructure Services certified images are always up-to-date, secure, and built to work right out of the box.
Windows Server Datacenter
Windows Server on Azure
Deploy Windows Server 2025 in Azure
Deploy Windows Server 2022 in Azure
Deploy Windows Server 2019 in Azure
Deploy Windows Server 2016 in Azure
Windows Server on AWS
Deploy Windows Server 2025 on AWS
Windows Server on GCP
Coming soon..
Getting Started with Windows Server Datacenter
RDP into Cloud Windows Server
Once you’ve deployed Windows server, the first step is to RDP into the new instance once it has fully booted up. The following links explain how to connect the VM once it has finished being deployed:
- How to RDP to AWS Windows Instance
- How to RDP to Google GCP Windows Instance
- How to RDP to Azure Windows Virtual Machine
Once logged in, you’re now ready to start using your Windows server according to your requirements:
Windows Server 2025 Features
Windows Server 2025 is Microsoft’s latest release in its server operating system lineup, designed to address the needs of modern, hybrid cloud environments. It builds upon the strengths of previous versions while introducing a range of new features aimed at enhancing security, performance, and cloud integration. Here’s a rundown of some of the key new features in Windows Server 2025:
- Enhanced Security with Zero-Trust Architecture
- Integrated Cloud Management with Azure Arc
- Automation and Management Enhancements
- Next-Generation Container Support
- Expanded Storage and Networking Options
- AI and Machine Learning Capabilities
- Improved Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Automated Patching and Updates
- Strengthened Security: Zero-trust architecture and enhanced threat detection protect sensitive information and maintain compliance.
- Seamless Hybrid Cloud Operations: Integration with Azure Arc and Azure Files makes hybrid cloud management straightforward, unifying both on-premises and cloud resources.
- Increased Efficiency through Automation: Features like Azure Automanage and hotpatching reduce administrative burden and downtime, enabling teams to focus on critical tasks.
- Enhanced Application Modernization: Support for containers, Kubernetes, and Azure AI allows organizations to modernize applications, drive digital transformation, and unlock new use cases.
- Improved Resource Management: Enhanced RBAC, container support, and storage optimizations help IT teams make the most of their resources, scaling to meet evolving demands.
Windows Server 2022 Features
Windows Server 2022 includes updates to Storage Migration Service that allow customers to seamlessly migrate file servers from NetApp FAS to Windows Server. The new release also provides increased file server security and performance with SMB AES-256 encryption and SMB on-the-fly compression. Furthermore, this release packs in significant improvements to Windows container (Docker) runtime such as cross-version compatibility and containerization tools for .NET, ASP.NET and IIS applications.
- Server with Desktop Experience includes all roles and a graphical user interface (GUI).
- Advanced multi-layer security in Windows Server 2022
- Certified Secured-core server
- Hardware root-of-trust. Used by features such as BitLocker drive encryption, Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0)
- Virtualization-based security (VBS)
- Supports Credential Guard
- TLS 1.3 enabled by default
- Secure DNS over HTTPS
- Cloud hybrid capabilities
Windows Server 2019 Features
- Server with Desktop Experience includes all roles and a graphical user interface (GUI).
- Advanced multi-layer security in Windows Server 2019
- System Insights monitoring
- Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD)
- Remote Desktop Services integration with Azure AD
- TCP Fast Open (TFO), Receive Window Autotuning, IPv6, and more
- Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
- Windows Defender ATP Exploit Guard
- Cloud hybrid capabilities
- Security with Software Defined Networking
- Shielded Virtual Machines improvements
Documentation on using Windows Server can be found on Microsoft Website
Setting up Firewall Ports on Azure, AWS, GCP
To setup AWS firewall rules refer to – AWS Security Groups
To setup Azure firewall rules refer to – Azure Network Security Groups
To setup Google GCP firewall rules refer to – Creating GCP Firewalls
Disclaimer: This image is maintained by Cloud Infrastructure Services. The respective trademarks mentioned in the offering are owned by Microsoft.
