Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Standard Edition is great, but sometimes you may not need it as much. If you are a small business under the age of 25, Windows Server 2019 Essentials may be a better choice. Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Essentials Edition has key features, such as running traditional programs, file sharing, and print sharing.
Lightweight and compact users of the Essentials version receive a special server license that allows at least 25 to 50 computers to connect to the server. The software is available at a very affordable price, making it a great fit for small businesses that have neither the resources nor the need for cloud-based technology.
However, there are some new attractions that come with this version, which will definitely make your business easier. This compact version will enjoy continuous hardware support and software updates that are integrated with the other two versions. Accompanying support includes Storage Migration Services and System Insights, among others.
New system configuration
Another thing to consider is the system configuration. If the server is configured as a domain controller, you cannot use another domain controller. Windows Server 2019 Essentials must be the sole domain controller and take over the role of all flexible Single Master operations.Unfortunately, two-way trust with other Active Directory domains will be impossible.
Windows Admin Center
In addition, the traditional Essentials Experience application, which is primarily intended to simplify file sharing and device management on the server, will not be available. These tasks are managed by Windows Admin Center, another application.
Overall, this is great software for small businesses whose day-to-day tasks don't involve much interaction in the cloud. The price tag is also a huge charm compared to the steep prices of Standard and Datacenter.
Make Windows Server evaluation editions standard
If, like me, you quickly created a new server or virtual machine by downloading a Microsoft evaluator, you'll find that when you get the license key and try to connect it, it won't work. You simply cannot use an otherwise valid key on a Windows Server evaluation instance .
But don't worry, the solution is pretty simple. You only need to run this command from a high command prompt:
DISM / online / Set-Edition: <edition ID> / ProductKey: XXXXX -XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX / AcceptEula
The edition ID will be ServerStandard , then enter the product key. The server runs the image conversion process and then restarts it twice.
After restarting the server, you must reactivate the server and re-enter the key.
It is important to note that if you used an evaluation version to build a domain controller, you cannot change the version. You must either create a new domain controller, or replace the domain controller for the trial version, set the version ID, and then promote it again.
This key can activate the ONE Windows device only once. Once the activation process is complete, you CANNOT use the same key again. Formatting the hard disk actually deletes the key. You cannot transfer the license to another computer.
