Windows server 2016 system requirements

New System Requirements of Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2016 is the latest release from Microsoft from the Server OS portfolio of Products. Unsurprisingly, with this version, Microsoft’s focus is on the Cloud Data Platform to offer a consistent platform for both On-premises and Cloud Data Centers. It will give you the ability to choose where & how you want to deploy, bare metal or in a VM, On-premises, Azure or within a multi-tenant service provider environment.

Also Read Learn about the New and Improve Features of Windows Server 2016 under 5 minutes.

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The Server Operating System will focus on Enterprise Mobility (EMS), IoT, Business Insights, Application Platform and Datacenter transformation.

Windows Server 2016 System Requirements:

Processor requirements:

• A minimum of 1.4 GHz 64-bit EMT64 or AMD64 processor. Quad Core Recommended for production systems.
• Support for security features like NX Bit and DEP (Data Execution Prevention)
•  The processor should support CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchWNeeds
• Needs to Support EPT or NPT (Second Level Address Translation)

Disk Space:

For Core installation, a minimum Disk Space of 32 GB is required. Additional 4 GB is necessary for GUI installation.

Disk Space Capacity Planning:

Microsoft Support recommends the following:

• 3 times the RAM size limited up to 32 GB. Which means 96 GB (32×3 = 96 GB)
• Additional disk space of 10-12 GB for additional roles and features installed based on server roles. For 32 GB Systems with GUI (96 + 12 = 108 GB)
• Additional 10 GB is required for Windows Updates. So, 108 GB +10 GB = 118 GB for 32 GB Systems.
• 10 GB extra space for miscellaneous files and logs (Perfmon, Server Trace, etc.) (128 GB for 32 GB Systems)
• Any Disk Space requirements for applications that are installed on the OS partition are additional. For example SQL, Exchange, SharePoint MS-CRM, etc.

Disk Controller:

• Needs to be a PCI Express Compliant Disk Controller.
• ATA/PATA/IDE/EIDE are not supported for either boot, page, or data.

RAM (Random Access memory) Requirements:

• 512 MB ECC supported Memory Modules
• 800 MB for VM Installations, post-installation, reduce RAM to 512 MB.

Optional System Requirements Features:

• Support of UEFI 2.3.1c-based system and firmware with support for secure boot
• Trusted Platform Module
• Graphics Accelerator device and monitor, capable of SVGA (1024 x 768) minimum. 1080 p monitors or higher-resolution recommended.
• Input devices such as a Keyboard and Microsoft® mouse (or other compatible pointing devices)
• Internet access to download Windows Updates where the tenant is managing the updates.

Network Requirements:

• Minimum a Gigabit Ethernet adapter with 1 Gbps throughput.
• Needs to be PCI Express Compliant hardware.
• Supports Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE).As you may know, Wireless Devices cannot be used to boot from the network.

Some of the requirements have changed compared to its predecessor, but most of the changes are already available in hardware that is sold in the market. For example, the processor feature requirements are already present in products sold for the last couple of years.

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Configuring Windows Server 2016

1. Server Roles and Features:
   • Active Directory: Set up and manage Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) for centralized domain management.
   • DNS and DHCP: Install and configure DNS and DHCP roles to manage network name resolution and IP address assignment.
   • File and Storage Services: Configure shared folders, file permissions, and storage solutions like Storage Spaces Direct.
2. Hyper-V Configuration:
   • Install Hyper-V Role: Use Server Manager or PowerShell to install the Hyper-V role and create and manage virtual machines.
   • Virtual Network Configuration: Set up virtual switches and configure networking for VMs.
3. Security Configuration:
   • Group Policy Management: Use Group Policy to enforce security settings and manage user and computer configurations across the domain.
   • Firewall and Security Settings: Configure Windows Firewall with Advanced Security and enable security features like Credential Guard.
4. Backup and Recovery:
   • Windows Server Backup: Set up regular backups using Windows Server Backup to protect data and ensure quick recovery.
   • Azure Site Recovery: Integrate with Azure Site Recovery for disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Best Practices

1. Regular Updates and Patching:
   • Windows Update: Ensure the server is regularly updated with the latest security patches and updates.
   • WSUS: Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage and deploy updates within your organization.
2. Security Best Practices:
   • Minimize Attack Surface: Disable unnecessary services and roles to reduce the attack surface.
   • Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies and use multi-factor authentication where possible.
   • Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
3. Performance Optimization:
   • Resource Allocation: Monitor and manage resource allocation to ensure optimal performance.
   • Storage Management: Regularly check storage health and optimize storage configurations.
4. Documentation and Training:
   • Document Configurations: Keep detailed documentation of server configurations, policies, and procedures.
   • Staff Training: Ensure IT staff are trained on Windows Server 2016 features, best practices, and security protocols.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Installation Problems:
   • Hardware Compatibility: Ensure all hardware components are compatible with Windows Server 2016.
   • Media Issues: Verify the integrity of installation media and consider creating new media if problems persist.
2. Network Connectivity:
   • IP Address Conflicts: Check for and resolve any IP address conflicts within the network.
   • DNS Issues: Ensure DNS settings are correctly configured and that the server can resolve network names.
3. Performance Issues:
   • Resource Bottlenecks: Monitor CPU, memory, disk, and network usage to identify and address resource bottlenecks.
   • Patch and Update: Ensure the server is up to date with the latest patches and updates to address performance issues.
4. Security Incidents:
   • Intrusion Detection: Implement intrusion detection systems and regularly review security logs for suspicious activity.
   • Response Plan: Have a security incident response plan in place and ensure staff are trained to respond to security incidents.

Windows Server 2016 for Businesses and IT Professionals

For businesses and IT professionals, Windows Server 2016 offers several advantages:

• Enterprise-Grade Security: Enhanced security features help protect critical business data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Support for modern applications and workloads, including cloud and hybrid environments, provides scalability and flexibility.
• Cost Efficiency: Licensing models and integration with existing Microsoft products can help reduce overall IT costs.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2016 is a powerful, reliable, and secure server operating system that meets the needs of modern businesses and IT environments. With its advanced features, improved performance, and robust security, it provides a solid foundation for running enterprise applications, managing IT infrastructure, and integrating with cloud services. By following best practices and leveraging Windows Server 2016’s capabilities, organizations can achieve greater efficiency, security, and flexibility in their IT operations.

Albert, a seasoned tech enthusiast at MSCDKEYS, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the team. With expertise spanning gaming, tech guides, product reviews to software development, he delivers in-depth analysis and engaging content. Known for his approachable demeanor, Albert connects with readers on a personal level, making tech accessible to all.
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