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.

Windows Server Datacenter

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

Windows Server 2019 enables developers and IT pros to create cloud native and modernize their traditional apps using containers and micro-services.  Increase security and reduce business risk with multiple layers of protection built into the operating system. Evolve your datacenter infrastructure to achieve greater efficiency and scale with Hyper-converged Infrastructure. 
 
Windows Server 2019 is built on the strong foundation of Windows Server 2016 and brings numerous innovations on four key themes: Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI).
 
  • 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

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:

 

 

Once logged in, you’re now ready to start using your Windows server according to your requirements:

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

Avatar for Andrew Fitzgerald
Andrew Fitzgerald

Cloud Solution Architect. Helping customers transform their business to the cloud. 20 years experience working in complex infrastructure environments and a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert on everything Cloud.

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