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Windows Server 2022 Essentials is a system intended for organizations with no more than 25 users and 50 devices. The software facilitates the implementation of any organizational growth strategy - it is an operating system that connects on-premises IT environments with Azure services, enabling the use of hybrid scenarios and ensuring the maximum return on existing investments.
A modern server solution for small businesses with TLS 1.3 and Windows Server 2022 security — no CAL required
Windows Server 2022 Essentials is likely the last Essentials edition in history — Microsoft discontinued it with Server 2025. It delivers next-generation security features such as TLS 1.3 and Secured-Core in an affordable package for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices, with no CAL license requirement. IMPORTANT: In Server 2022, Essentials Experience is available as a role, but it offers limited functionality compared to the full Dashboard in Server 2019 Essentials.
TLS 1.3, Secured-Core and SMB encryption — enterprise-grade protection without the enterprise-level CAL licensing budget.
Medical practices, law firms and accounting offices — personal data protection aligned with GDPR requirements on a modern platform.
Azure Arc and Azure Backup — manage your server from Azure Portal and create cloud backups without a full migration.
SMB encryption and SMB compression — secure and fast file sharing across your local network and the internet.
Supports up to 25 users and 50 devices with no extra fees. Windows Server 2022 security at the price of a single server license key — saving you hundreds of euros on CALs.
The latest encryption standard is enabled by default. All network communication is protected without additional configuration — modern security right out of the box.
Firmware- and hardware-level protection on supported devices. VBS, HVCI and secure boot — even small businesses deserve enterprise-class protection.
Encryption and compression for network shares. More secure and faster file access — especially valuable for remote work over VPN.
Manage your server from Azure Portal. Azure Policy, Azure Monitor and Azure Backup — hybrid cloud for small businesses without major investment.
Centralised management of accounts, group policies and permissions. One domain controller with simplified setup.
Built-in backup tool for your server. Optional: Azure Backup for an additional layer of cloud data protection.
Browser-based server management — a modern interface instead of traditional MMC consoles. Monitoring, configuration and diagnostics from any computer.
Server 2022 Essentials is the most modern server operating system for small businesses without a CAL license requirement. TLS 1.3, Secured-Core and SMB encryption provide enterprise-level protection — especially important in the era of GDPR compliance and increasing ransomware attacks targeting small businesses.
IMPORTANT: This is likely the final Essentials release — Microsoft discontinued the Essentials edition in Server 2025 and recommends Azure instead. By buying Server 2022 Essentials now, you secure an original license with support until 2031 and no forced migration to the cloud.
Licensier provides instant delivery of your license key, plus technical support for installation, Active Directory configuration, Azure Arc and backups.
| System version | Windows Server 2022 Essentials |
| Number of processors | Up to 2 physical processors (CPU) |
| Maximum RAM | 64 GB |
| Maximum number of users | 25 |
| Maximum number of devices | 50 |
| CAL licenses | Not required |
| TLS 1.3 | Yes — enabled by default |
| Secured-Core | Yes (on supported hardware) |
| Hyper-V | No (not available in Essentials) |
| Azure Arc | Yes |
| Active Directory | Yes — one domain controller |
| Support until | 14 October 2031 |
Essentials 2022 vs Essentials 2019: the newer version adds TLS 1.3, Secured-Core, SMB encryption/compression, Azure Arc and longer support (2031 vs 2029). However, Essentials Experience is limited — the full Dashboard is available only in 2019. Standard 2022 has no user limit, supports Hyper-V and advanced roles — but requires expensive CAL licenses. For businesses with up to 25 users, Essentials 2022 is the best-value choice with the latest security features.
You will receive your product key within minutes after payment is completed
Most likely, yes. Microsoft discontinued the Essentials edition in Windows Server 2025. Server 2022 Essentials is therefore very likely the final version with a license that does not require CALs and includes support until 2031.
The key differences are: TLS 1.3 enabled by default, Secured-Core Server, SMB encryption/compression, Azure Arc, DNS over HTTPS, and support until 2031 instead of 2029. However, Essentials Experience is more limited compared to the full Dashboard in 2019.
Correct. Essentials does not require CAL licenses for users or devices within the limit of 25 users and 50 devices. This is the key difference compared to Standard and Datacenter.
No. Essentials does not support the Hyper-V role. If you need virtualisation, choose Standard (2 VMs) or Datacenter (unlimited VMs). Essentials is designed as a physical server solution for small businesses.
Microsoft extended support runs until 14 October 2031. That is more than 9 years from release — the longest-supported Essentials version in history.
You will need to migrate to Windows Server 2022 Standard plus CALs or to 2025 Standard. Microsoft provides migration tools and documentation. Your data and Active Directory configuration can be transferred.
Yes, you can install SQL Server Express (free) or the full version on Essentials 2022. Keep in mind the 64 GB RAM limit and the lack of Hyper-V. For small databases and business applications, this is usually sufficient.
Yes, full Secured-Core support requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot. Without this hardware, the system still works, but without firmware-level protection. Most modern servers from 2020 onward meet these requirements.
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