Server 2019 LTSC or SC

[Ertech]

hi

 

As far as I understand there are 2 versions of Server2019 which are LTSC and SC - which version do you recommend/use?

 

Thanks

[Jcx500]

LTSC , from memory SC doesn’t have a very long support life. Also I think SC has core releases only. Edited March 29, 2022 by Jcx500

[Norphy]

Microsoft aren't doing semi-annual channel releases for Windows Server any more. That ended with 20H2.

 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/servicing-channels-comparison

[CHiLL]

I use the LTSC versions, as it's effectively like the older releases of Server XXXX every few years, with only security and critical updates to worry about and extra support lifetime. I'm not sure I like the idea of a production server adding extra features every few months by itself or upgrading it more frequently. Edited March 29, 2022 by CHiLL

[Ertech]

The Volume Licensing Service Center have 2 ISO and the descriptions does not help... - am I right at thinking the second one is the LTSC (1809 - updated Aug 2021)?

 

Windows Server 2019 (Standard Core/Datacenter Core) (updated April 2020) 64 Bit English

SW_DVD9_Win_Server_STD_CORE_2019_1909.4_64Bit_English_DC_STD_MLF_X22

 

Windows Server 2019 (Standard Core/Datacenter Core) (updated Aug 2021) 64 Bit English

SW_DVD9_Win_Server_STD_CORE_2019_1809.18_64Bit_English_DC_STD_MLF_X22

[Norphy]

The "numbered" versions of Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022) are all LTSC versions. The version updated in August just has the latest patches and service stack updates as of then.

[CHiLL]

The Volume Licensing Service Center have 2 ISO and the descriptions does not help... - am I right at thinking the second one is the LTSC (1809 - updated Aug 2021)?

 

Windows Server 2019 (Standard Core/Datacenter Core) (updated April 2020) 64 Bit English

SW_DVD9_Win_Server_STD_CORE_2019_1909.4_64Bit_English_DC_STD_MLF_X22

 

Windows Server 2019 (Standard Core/Datacenter Core) (updated Aug 2021) 64 Bit English

SW_DVD9_Win_Server_STD_CORE_2019_1809.18_64Bit_English_DC_STD_MLF_X22

That's interesting, I'm seeing the same thing. Presumably 1909 is the most up to date of the two (despite the update dates), since it's made from a newer build. It's probably just that they've recompiled the ISO for 1809 to include more updates out of the box.

 

I think the Server editions that specify a year, 2016, 2019, 2022, etc are the LTSC versions. With the editions named just "Windows Server Standard" and "Windows Server Datacenter" being the SAC versions.

Edited March 29, 2022 by CHiLL

[Norphy]

That's interesting, I'm seeing the same thing. Presumably 1909 is the most up to date of the two (despite the update dates), since it's made from a newer build. It's probably just that they've recompiled the ISO for 1809 to include more updates out of the box.

 

I think the Server editions that specify a year, 2016, 2019, 2022, etc are the LTSC versions. With the editions named just "Windows Server Standard" and "Windows Server Datacenter" being the SAC versions.

 

I think that 1909 in the file name there must be a typo, as 1909 wasn't a LTSC build.

 

Reference: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/windows-server-release-info

[Ertech]

I've just called MS and they have confirmed that both are LTSC - one has the latest updates.

 

Thanks everyone.