Windows Server 2016 Standard – Overview

Windows Server 2016 Standard delivers enterprise-level capabilities for virtualization, networking, storage, and security. Designed to support modern hybrid infrastructures, it integrates seamlessly with Azure and provides robust tools for managing cloud-connected and on-premises workloads.

This edition brings the reliability of Microsoft’s long-standing server platform to organizations that need scalability, virtualization rights, and enhanced protection against modern threats—all while maintaining predictable licensing and management simplicity.

Table of Contents

• Why Windows Server 2016 Standard?
• Key Features
• Licensing & Virtualization
• Technical Highlights
• Brand & Specifications
• Support & Delivery

Why Windows Server 2016 Standard?

• Enhanced hybrid cloud readiness and integration with Microsoft Azure.
• Advanced multi-layered security, protecting your virtual and physical environments.
• Flexible virtualization rights with up to two Operating System Environments (OSEs).
• Improved storage and networking performance for demanding enterprise workloads.

Key Features

1. Virtualization and Containers: Includes Hyper-V and Windows Containers, allowing lightweight deployment and efficient scaling across applications.
2. Enhanced Security: Credential Guard and Device Guard protect credentials and code integrity, minimizing attack surfaces.
3. Nano Server Deployment: A compact, remotely managed installation option optimized for cloud and container environments.
4. Storage Spaces Direct (S2D): Use locally attached drives to create highly available, scalable software-defined storage at lower cost.
5. Shielded Virtual Machines: Encrypt and protect your VMs from unauthorized access or tampering.
6. Cluster Operating System Rolling Upgrade: Upgrade clusters from Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2016 without downtime.
7. ReFS (Resilient File System): Prevent data corruption and improve reliability for large-scale storage volumes.
8. PowerShell 5.1 & Desired State Configuration: Automate deployments, updates, and management tasks with enhanced scripting.
9. Remote Desktop Services (RDS): Improved scalability and performance for secure remote access scenarios.
10. Windows Defender Integration: Built-in antimalware with automatic updates and minimal impact on performance.

Licensing & Virtualization

Windows Server 2016 Standard is licensed per physical core and includes rights to run up to two virtual machines (OSEs) when all physical cores are licensed. Licenses are sold in 2-core and 16-core packs, aligning with Microsoft’s consistent per-core model across server versions.

Technical Highlights

• Network Controller: Centralized management and monitoring of physical and virtual network infrastructure.
• Hyper-V Integration Services: Improved performance, live migration, and nested virtualization for developers and IT administrators.
• Storage Replica: Synchronous replication for disaster recovery and business continuity.
• SDN (Software-Defined Networking): Dynamic network provisioning and micro-segmentation for secure, multi-tenant environments.
• Improved Cluster Resiliency: Faster failover, more flexible management, and greater stability for mission-critical workloads.
• Docker Support: Native integration with Docker for Windows, simplifying application containerization and deployment.

Brand & Specifications

• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 12-10-2016
• Program type: Windows Server
• Compatibility: 32-bit and 64-bit
• Language: EU Multilingual (language can be changed after installation; additional packs available separately)
• Product code: P73-07132
• EAN/UPC: 0889842165920

Support & Delivery

After order verification, your license and setup details are securely delivered to your registered email. For help or refund policies:

• A2Keys Support
• Refund & Returns Policy