Windows Server 2022 vs 2025: Features, Licensing, and Pricing Comparison

Windows Server 2022 vs 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison of Features, Licensing, and Pricing

Microsoft’s Windows Server 2025 introduces significant enhancements over Windows Server 2022, with modernized features, enhanced security, and updated pricing structures. This comparison examines the key differences to help organizations make informed infrastructure decisions.

New Features in Windows Server 2025

Windows Server 2025 adopts the Windows 11 design language, providing a contemporary interface with native Bluetooth support for wireless peripherals [1]. Key additions include DTrace for real-time system monitoring, enhanced file compression supporting ZIP, 7z, and TAR formats, and improved cloud identity integration with Microsoft Entra ID [1].

The platform introduces a modernized Task Manager with Mica design, customizable Start menu with administrative tools, and default Wireless LAN Service installation. Security enhancements include Credential Guard enabled by default and Active Directory improvements with optional 32k database page sizes [1].

Removed and Deprecated Features

Windows Server 2025 removes several legacy components to improve security and reduce maintenance overhead [5]. Completely removed features include Data Encryption Standard (DES), IIS 6 Management Console, NTLMv1 authentication, SMTP Server, and WordPad.

Deprecated features scheduled for future removal include Computer Browser service, Network Load Balancing (NLB), Remote Mailslots, TLS 1.0/1.1, Windows Internal Database (WID), WMIC, and PowerShell 2.0 Engine [5]. Organizations must plan migration strategies for applications dependent on these features.

Feature Comparison Tables

New Features Exclusive to Windows Server 2025

Feature CategoryFeatureDescriptionBusiness Impact
User InterfaceWindows 11 Style DesktopModern interface with contemporary design elementsImproved administrator productivity and familiarity
ConnectivityNative Bluetooth SupportDirect wireless peripheral connectivitySimplified hardware setup and reduced dependencies
File ManagementEnhanced CompressionZIP, 7z, TAR support with right-click interfaceStreamlined file archival and storage optimization
System MonitoringNative DTraceReal-time system instrumentation and analysisAdvanced troubleshooting and performance optimization
AuthenticationCloud Identity IntegrationMicrosoft Entra ID and modern account supportEnhanced hybrid identity management capabilities
User ExperienceCustomizable Start MenuPinned applications for administrative toolsOptimized administrative workflow and efficiency
System ManagementModern Task ManagerMica design with enhanced monitoring capabilitiesImproved system administration and diagnostics
Network ServicesDefault Wireless LAN ServiceSimplified wireless connectivity enablementFlexible deployment options and connectivity

Removed Features Comparison

FeatureWindows Server 2022 StatusWindows Server 2025 StatusRecommended Alternative
Data Encryption Standard (DES)Disabled by defaultCompletely removedAES encryption algorithms
IIS 6 Management ConsoleDeprecatedCompletely removedCurrent IIS management tools
NTLMv1 AuthenticationDeprecatedCompletely removedNegotiate protocol with Kerberos
SMTP ServerAvailableCompletely removedExchange Server or third-party SMTP
WordPadAvailableCompletely removedMicrosoft Word or Notepad
Computer BrowserDeprecatedDeprecatedModern network discovery methods
Network Load BalancingAvailableDeprecatedSoftware Load Balancer (SLB)
Remote MailslotsDeprecatedDeprecatedModern IPC mechanisms
TLS 1.0/1.1AvailableDisabled by defaultTLS 1.2 or higher
WMICAvailableFeature on Demand onlyPowerShell for WMI
PowerShell 2.0 EngineAvailableNot installed by defaultPowerShell 5.1 or 7.x

Security Enhancement Comparison

Security FeatureWindows Server 2022Windows Server 2025Enhancement Details
Credential GuardAvailable with configurationEnabled by defaultAutomatic protection on compatible systems
HotpatchPreview in Azure EditionPreview for Azure ArcExpanded availability for hybrid scenarios
Active DirectoryStandard capabilities32k database page sizeEnhanced scalability for large deployments
Encryption StandardsDES disabled by defaultDES completely removedElimination of weak encryption methods
AuthenticationNTLM availableNTLMv1 removed, NTLMv2 deprecatedStronger authentication requirements
Network SecurityTLS 1.0/1.1 availableTLS 1.0/1.1 disabled by defaultEnhanced transport security

Detailed Pricing Analysis

Windows Server 2025 introduces significant pricing changes that impact total cost of ownership calculations. The Standard Edition shows reduced pricing while Datacenter Edition costs increase substantially.

Base Server License Costs

EditionWindows Server 2022Windows Server 2025Price DifferencePercentage Change
Standard (16 cores)$1,680 (with 10 CALs)$1,176 (license only)-$504-30% (license portion)
Standard (license only)~$1,280 (estimated)$1,176-$104-8.1%
Datacenter (16 cores)~$3,500 (estimated)$6,771+$3,271+93.5%

Client Access License Costs

CAL TypeQuantityWindows Server 2022Windows Server 2025Price Difference
User CAL1 License~$40-45 (estimated)$39.99Minimal change
User CAL5 License Pack~$200-225 (estimated)$189.95-$10-35
Device CAL1 License~$40-45 (estimated)$38.99Minimal change
Device CAL5 License Pack~$200-225 (estimated)$189.95-$10-35

Total Cost of Ownership Scenarios

ScenarioServer ConfigWindows Server 2022Windows Server 2025Cost Difference
Small Business1 server, 16 cores, 25 users$2,680 ($1,680 + $600 CALs)$2,176 ($1,176 + $1,000 CALs)-$504
Medium Enterprise2 servers, 32 cores, 100 users$7,760 ($3,360 + $4,400 CALs)$6,352 ($2,352 + $4,000 CALs)-$1,408
Large Datacenter4 servers, 64 cores, unlimited VMs$14,000 (estimated)$27,084 ($27,084 + CALs)+$13,084

Virtualization Licensing Comparison

Standard Edition Virtualization Rights

FeatureWindows Server 2022Windows Server 2025Notes
Physical Server Rights1 instance per license1 instance per licenseUnchanged
Virtual Machine Rights2 VMs per license2 VMs per licenseUnchanged
Hyper-V Containers2 containers per license2 containers per licenseUnchanged
Storage Replica1 partnership, 2TB volume1 partnership, 2TB volumeUnchanged

Datacenter Edition Virtualization Rights

FeatureWindows Server 2022Windows Server 2025Notes
Physical Server Rights1 instance per license1 instance per licenseUnchanged
Virtual Machine RightsUnlimited VMsUnlimited VMsUnchanged
Hyper-V ContainersUnlimited containersUnlimited containersUnchanged
Storage ReplicaUnlimited partnershipsUnlimited partnershipsUnchanged

Strategic Recommendations

Windows Server 2025 Standard Edition offers improved value with reduced pricing and enhanced features, making it attractive for organizations with limited virtualization needs. However, the substantial Datacenter Edition price increase requires careful justification through extensive virtual machine deployments.

Organizations should evaluate security requirements, as Windows Server 2025’s enhanced security features, removal of weak encryption standards, and improved compliance capabilities provide significant value for regulated industries. The removal of legacy features requires compatibility assessments and migration planning for affected applications.

For hybrid cloud strategies, Windows Server 2025’s enhanced Azure Arc integration ($33.58 per CPU core monthly) and modern management capabilities support long-term architectural objectives [4]. Organizations should align licensing decisions with actual infrastructure requirements, virtualization strategies, and growth projections.

Windows Server 2025 supports in-place upgrades from Windows Server 2012 R2 and later versions, providing flexible migration options [1]. The consistent licensing model between versions facilitates budget planning and reduces complexity during transitions.


Windows Server 2025 represents a significant platform evolution with enhanced security, modern management capabilities, and updated pricing structures. While Standard Edition pricing improvements benefit smaller deployments, Datacenter Edition costs require careful evaluation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive assessments considering direct costs, operational impacts, security requirements, and strategic objectives when choosing between Windows Server 2022 and 2025.

References

[1] Microsoft Learn. (2025, February 28). What’s new in Windows Server 2025

[2] Microsoft Learn. (2025, April 8). What’s new in Windows Server 2022

[3] Microsoft Store. (2025). Buy Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition

[4] Microsoft. (2025). Windows Server 2025 Licensing & Pricing

[5] Microsoft Learn. (2025, April 28). Features removed or no longer developed in Windows Server

[6] Trusted Tech Team. (2025). Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Client Access Licenses

Alex Cojocaru

Alex has been active in the software world since he started his career as an Analyst in 2011. He had various roles in software asset management, data analytics, and software development. He walked in the shoes of an analyst, auditor, advisor, and software engineer, being involved in building SAM tools, amongst other data-focused projects. In 2020, Alex co-founded Licenseware and is currently leading the company as CEO.