The main difference between Windows and Windows Server lies in their purpose and functionality: Windows (like Windows 10 or 11) is designed as a client operating system for everyday use such as browsing, gaming, productivity, and personal computing, while Windows Server is built as a server-grade OS intended to manage networks, host applications, handle databases, provide remote desktop services, and support enterprise-level tasks. Although they share a similar interface and core, Windows Server includes features like Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, Hyper-V, and advanced security tools, which are not available in standard Windows editions.
Windows vs Windows Server
Microsoft releases a full line of Windows Server for its OS. Some of them are:
- Windows Server 2022 (soon to be released)
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2008 R2
Some people may mistakenly replace the regular Windows operating system with Windows Server. Although these two are different, they have some similarities. Below are some common similarities and differences between the two.
Similarities of Windows vs Windows Server
Windows Server and Windows release times are consistent. Because of this, they share some similarities, mainly because both operating systems have an identical codebase. These similarities are:
- Both OSs look the same when used on a desktop.
- Whether using Windows or Windows Server, you will have the same icons, Start button, and taskbar.
- You can perform many similar functions on both OSes as they allow users to install most of the same programs and software.
Differences between windows vs windows server
Initially, Windows Server and Windows operating systems look almost identical. However, they are significantly different than similar. Below is an in-depth look at some of the differences between Windows Server and Windows.
GUI requirement
To run Windows 10, you must have a GUI, a graphical user interface, because it allows you to navigate the OS. With Windows Server, the case is different. Using the GUI with the latter is not mandatory, but you can if you want. There are two ways to install a graphical user interface on a Windows server. You can get it in the form of Desktop Experience or Server Core.
Unlike its counterpart, Windows Server lets you install only the server roles you need to use. This flexibility allows users to manage their operations as they see fit, reducing their footprint. If you want to manage your Windows server in the absence of a GUI, you can manage your OS remotely using Windows PowerShell from the command line. You can also use tools like Windows Admin Center.
Cost
Since Windows Server is primarily used for business purposes, its operating system is obviously more expensive than the standard Windows 10. Pricing depends on which version you want.
Windows Server has server-specific tools
Because Windows Server’s OS is built for servers, it includes software and tools that you won’t find in Windows 10. Software such as Windows Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell are pre-installed on this OS. They also allow you to run your operation remotely. Additionally, Windows Server supports various business-friendly software designed exclusively for servers, for example, DHCP.
Although some of the tools mentioned can be used in regular Windows, third-party software may be required. In contrast, Windows Server lacks some of the exciting features found in Windows 10. The main reason behind this is that this software is mainly for organizational use. Therefore, don’t expect to come across tools like the Microsoft Store, Cortana, or Edge.
Power
Windows Server is an enterprise-level product, so it contains more powerful hardware to support a wider network. While Windows 10 Pro offers 2TB of RAM, which most regular users won’t even use on a personal machine, Windows Server offers a maximum of 24TB of RAM.
Compared to Windows 10’s two sockets, Windows Server has 64 CPU sockets which mean its hardware can support more processors and cores.
Connection limit
Windows 10’s connection limit is 20 devices which is not a problem if you are using it commercially for your small business or at home. However, this may prove problematic for users who want to use Windows on a larger scale. Windows Server, on the other hand, has virtually unlimited connectivity, which is ideal for any organization regardless of size.
Conclusion
Some people aren’t too enthusiastic about getting the latest software versions, especially since newly-released apps tend to be unstable. Because Windows Server provides 10 years of support with each software purchase, it will not be sustainable and will require the purchase of the latest version each time it is released. Microsoft Windows Server is a good server, and your current version should be able to meet the needs of your business. If you want to know what is Cloud VPS? then you can read this article.
