Windows Server 2022 Essentials ISO not available

Question

I recently purchased windows server 2022 essentials verison and have the product key.

But I cannot find a download ISO for windows server 2022 essentials version online on Microsofts website.

I can only find the download link for the version that contains the standard and the datacenter version.

Where should I download the essentials version from?

Answer 1

There are no public downloads. May be difficult to get hold of, looks to be an OEM-only product. Might check with Dell, HP, etc. about ROK options.
Windows Server Essentials is available through our OEM Server Hardware partners.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/pricing

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

You need to download the WS2022 standard edition and use the essential key to activate the licenses:

"Windows Server 2022 Essentials edition is only available for purchase from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and only as a product key. When you receive the Essentials edition product key from the OEM, you use it to activate the Standard edition of Windows Server 2022. However, certain editions of Windows Server 2022, including the 2022 Essentials edition, may not be compatible with certain Windows Server 2022 Standard edition features, such as Remote Desktop Services (RDS). For more information, see Microsoft License Terms ".

Answer 3

Hi BB:

There seems to be a lot of confusion over this product. If I had to guess, it seems like one of the following is true:

1. You have to buy the Standard edition of Windows Server 2022 and then purchase Windows Server 2022 Essentials which as you note is "and only as a product key" and use it to activate your installation. This would make the product considerably more expensive than previous versions of the Essentials version but still less expensive than Standard edition plus CALs etc.
2. Purchase it along with a new server from HPE or Lenovo which is delivered with the Essentials version of Windows Server 2022 pre-installed.

Can somebody from MSFT please clarify what this product is, where to get it and how it is deployed?

Regards,

Mark