Insider Announcing Windows Server LTSC Preview Build 22526

jimbo45 · Jan 10, 2022

Works brilliantly -- BTW it's fun also setting these things up to act as a Desktop OS --I know that's not what it's intended for but very do-able -- and BTW the boot up and efficiency of the system just blows away standard W11 -- even when running from a "Physical VHDX" file.

You get 180 days or so as trial so for those wanting to learn about Windows servers and use them --just try it, I'd suggest a few mods to get it to behave like a desktop OS --very do-able and a really good learning experience.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 · Jan 11, 2022

Hi folks
I downloaded the iso and then installed it on a physical vhdx file on an external SSD device (via SATA->USB connection) -- works really fast if you "Convert it to a Workstation" e.g eliminating some of the typical things Servers do on start up / shutdown.

It expires in Mid september so plenty of "Free Testing Time" !!!

You can download a HYPER-V vhdx file as well if you want to try it out as a VM - however I want to try it as a "Physical system".

Well worth having "a go" with -- most programs can be installed on it apart from a couple like "Macrium" which detects a "Server" but you can still use the "Stand alone bootable recovery" to back it up and restore (or if using VHDX files simply save those).

A good thing about this is that if you ensure "Desktop experience" is chosen you get a Windows 11 experience on hardware that won't necessarily run W11 and there's no check on hardware capability.

Ms Office installs without a problem on it without needing "Seats" or Licenses other than of course your own product ID / key.

Normally getting access to Windows servers is quite expensive or you need to be on some approved course -- this is an excellent way for individuals to start testing this type of stuff.

As it's a server I suspect performance of HYPER-V on it will blow away standard performance on W11 as HYPER-V was originally designed for servers.

(Also another way for users of W10/W11 HOME editions to get access to things like RDP server, and HYPER-V of course).

Will report back later on HYPER-V performance after I've played around with the server a bit.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 · Jan 11, 2022

Hi folks

Don´t bother with this one --you can´t install any "Optional Features" such as OPENSSH SERVER and without a Server not being able to serve SSH connections it´s a bit pointless. Also supplementary Non European fonts can´t be installed etc etc and half the drivers are missing and won´t install from W2K22 LTSC server, W2K19 server or W11 with messages "3rd party inf files don´t have digital signature.

After looking promising this version is "Epic Fail" so don't waste any time on it.

If you want servers use the current 180 day free trial ones -- at least you can install things on them. !!!!!

Cheers
jimbo