Windows Server is the operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services enabling hybrid scenarios and maximizing existing investments, including:

• Unique hybrid capabilities with Azure to extend your datacenter and maximize investments
• Advanced multi-layer security to help you elevate your security posture
• Faster innovation for applications enabling Developers and IT Pros to create new and modernize their apps, and
• Unprecedented Hyper-converged Infrastructure to evolve your datacenter infrastructure

Terms of Use

Your use of the Windows Server images from Azure Marketplace Virtual Machine Gallery are provided to you for use with virtual machine instances under your Azure subscription which are governed by the Online Services Terms. These virtual machine instances are limited for use with Azure. 

Latest Images

Windows Server 2019 is the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release with five years of mainstream support + five years of extended support. Choose the image that is right for your application needs: 1) Server with Desktop Experience includes all roles including the graphical user interface (GUI), 2) Server Core omits the GUI for a smaller OS footprint, or 3) Containers option includes the Server with Desktop Experience, plus ready-made container images.

• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter - Server with Desktop Experience (more details)
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter - with Containers (more details)
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter - Server Core (more details)
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter - Server Core with Containers (more details)

Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel releases deliver new operating system capabilities at a faster pace and are based on the Server Core installation option of the Datacenter edition. A new release comes out every six months and is supported for 18 months. Check the Lifecycle Support Page for support dates and always use the latest release if possible. 

• Windows Server Datacenter, version 1809 with Containers (more details)

Older Images

• Windows Server 2016 Datacenter - Server with Desktop Experience (more details)
• Windows Server 2016 Datacenter - Server Core (more details)
• Windows Server 2016 Datacenter - with Containers (more details)
• Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter (more details)
• Windows Server 2012 Datacenter (more details)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 with free Extended Security Updates (more details)