Windows Server 2022 Core Minimal Server

Windows Server Core is a minimal installation option. Windows Server Core includes most but not all server roles. Server Core has a smaller disk footprint, and therefore a smaller attack surface due to a smaller code base.

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter brings the latest in security innovation, unique hybrid capabilities, and enhancements for modern applications. New security feature Secured-core builds on technologies such as System Guard and Windows Server Virtualization-based Security to minimize risk from firmware vulnerabilities and advanced malware.

Windows Server 2022 includes updates to Storage Migration Service that allow customers to seamlessly migrate file servers from NetApp FAS to Windows Server. The new release also provides increased file server security and performance with SMB AES-256 encryption and SMB on-the-fly compression. Furthermore, this release packs in significant improvements to Windows container runtime such as cross-version compatibility and containerization tools for .NET, ASP.NET and IIS applications.

Server Core installation eliminates any services and other features that are not essential for the support of certain commonly used server roles. For example, a Hyper-V server doesn't need a graphical user interface (GUI), because you can manage virtually all aspects of Hyper-V either from the command line using Windows PowerShell or remotely using the Hyper-V Manager.

There is no desktop in Server Core, by design. While maintaining the capabilities required to support traditional business applications and role-based workloads, Windows Server Core does not have a traditional desktop interface. Instead, Server Core is designed to be managed remotely through the command line, PowerShell, or a GUI tool (like RSAT or Windows Admin Center).

Server Core deployments are ideal for enterprises that need to deploy and maintain a large number of servers. Microsoft recommends Server Core for servers that require minimal administration once deployed for specific infrastructure roles, such as domain controllers and certificate authorities. This solution comes with 30GB disk.