What exactly is Windows Server 23H2?

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by AlexDelRio, Oct 11, 2023.

  1. AlexDelRio

    AlexDelRio MDL Novice

    Oct 11, 2023
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    Looks like 21H2 is what Microsoft calls Windows Server 2022 as this is referred in all Microsoft knowledge base and evaluation options to download. I have this installed on my laptop and the current built is 10348.2031 as of the last update of 10/10/2023. On uupdump.cn (which works fine, don't know if this is a fork of the original or original itself with a new domain) there's also 22H2 and 23H2. The former ls, i guess, just azure stack added and it cannot be converted to ISO as the website explains. As of 10/10/23, the links to 23H2 (25398.469) work and it can be downloaded. My question is what is 23H2? Why does it come only as Core with no GUI option? Even more confusing for me is that 23H2 isn't officially available anywhere from Microsoft but available on uupdump? What is going on?
     
  2. Paul Mercer

    Paul Mercer MDL Expert

    Apr 6, 2018
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  3. AlexDelRio

    AlexDelRio MDL Novice

    Oct 11, 2023
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    #3 AlexDelRio, Oct 11, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2023
    (OP)
    So, this is not like the major Windows 11 update carrying the same abbreviature? Is 23H2 based on Windows 10 or 11? I still don't understand how would this update be delivered to 21H2 or where is it to download? Microsoft went overboard with all those long-term, annual, semi-annual, monthly and what not updates and upgrades I already lost count which is which. Thanks anyway!
     
  4. Paul Mercer

    Paul Mercer MDL Expert

    Apr 6, 2018
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    this 23H2 build 25398 is not regular Server version, and it's not LTSC as well, the latest one is still Server 2022 build 20348
    23H2 is based on WIndows 11, the same build 25398 is available now on Xbox consoles

    if you need GUI then wait for the next LTSC Server version
    if you do containers then you can install Server 23H2 and import your Server 2022 container image to the new 23H2 host
     
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  5. Ulti P. Uszer

    Ulti P. Uszer MDL Member

    Sep 18, 2019
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    #5 Ulti P. Uszer, Oct 13, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2023
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  6. acer-5100

    acer-5100 MDL Guru

    Dec 8, 2018
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    Its just the Win11 based version of Azure Stack HCI (one of the best things ever released by MS), we discussed extensively here

    If you need Server 11 with GUI you can just find it here , hidden in plain sight.
     
  7. atgpud2003

    atgpud2003 MDL Addicted

    Apr 30, 2015
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    Right now Windows Server 2022 Standard is 21H2.. They had not release next update such 22H2 or 23H2??? SO, therefore still support from Windows 10 thru Windows 11 (and newer Windows 12 coming soon) should work just fine with Windows Server 2022 STD or Windows Server Windows Server Datacenter 2022 and Windows Server Essentials 2022 is most current is 21H22 for now..

    ATGPUD2003
     
  8. Carlos Detweiller

    Carlos Detweiller Emperor of Ice-Cream

    Dec 21, 2012
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    Server 2022 is not the same build as any client OS.

    Client Windows 10 21H2 is 19044
    Server 2022 is 20348
    Client Windows 11 21H2 is 22000

    Desktop Experience is only in the Server LTSC releases, interim versions are only ServerCore.
     
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  9. abbodi1406

    abbodi1406 MDL KB0000001

    Feb 19, 2011
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    Does Server-AppCompat-FoD add GUI experience for ServerCore?
     
  10. dummekuehe

    dummekuehe MDL Addicted

    Jan 11, 2009
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    It should, but it doesn't appear to work for me on server 23H2 (25398.1)
    I tried to add the capability from the downloaded cab file from UUP via dism or powershell cmdlet by specifying source and -LimitAccess, no success
    then I tried to let it download from windows update. if I check with "Get-WindowsCapability -online" it now says that the package is "Installed" and I can find "explorer.exe" in winsxs folder
    but the necessary files (explorer.exe) are not in Windows folder nor the System32 or SysWOW64 folders.

    Is there an official Languages and Features On Demand ISO file like for Server 2022. Couldn't find anything.
     
  11. pm67310

    pm67310 MDL Guru

    Sep 6, 2011
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  12. Skylined

    Skylined MDL Senior Member

    Nov 10, 2008
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    Look for this 25398.1.230610-1204.zn_release_amd64fre_SERVER_LOF_PACKAGES_OEM.iso