Windows Server 2022 has me baffled
Posted by methodtomymidness@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 76 comments
I'm a very junior sysadmin, so please bear with me here.
We inherited an office space with several meeting panels outside the conference rooms. These panels need to be run off of a server. Being an Azure shop in the cloud, we don't really have servers anymore. I set up a spare Lenovo ThinkSmart machine up with a Windows Server 2016 eval edition, then switched to a Windows Server 2022 eval edition when that ran out.
Now time's almost up for the 2022 eval, and I can't figure out what to do. All I need is one dinky server license on one dinky machine with 6 cores. Is a $1,000+ Server 2022 Standard license my only option? What of CALs? VM servers? We have a VAR, but they recently changed my point of contact and ever since, they've been fairly sloppy; I don't think I trust them to guide me.
Any help is appreciated.
cats_are_the_devil@reddit
Will your software run on windows 11? Just stop using server edition...
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
For real? It would just ... work? I feel like I'm missing something there.
ImFromBosstown@reddit
The only reason you would use server are for server functionalities. Based on your post I would assume you don't need server functionality
andrea_ci@reddit
and reliability and not-rebooting-randomly-for-updates and such
cats_are_the_devil@reddit
It's stupid easy to schedule patches...
ImFromBosstown@reddit
Patch management handles that
burundilapp@reddit
If you aren’t running the server OS on an actual server you are also losing various redundancies so may as well run the desktop OS, they are pretty much the same at the code level, they even leave the xbox shit in there when they port the desktop code to the server os, so long as the installer for the software doesn’t check for a server version of the OS, which most don’t, then it will work on a desktop OS.
bbqwatermelon@reddit
Theres always paying $1,800/yr for a dual core VM on Azure.
RagnarTheRagnar@reddit
Do you really need to be running Windows for these meeting panels? Do they support an open linux platform?
Or are these like the Teams Meeting Panels that MSFT sells?
I mean if its a single server, you could just get a basic resell license from somewhere, only like 80 dollars is the going market rate it appears.
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
Even if the panels supported Linux, I don't; my knowledge is almost all Windows-based. (I know, I know.) They're similar to Teams-branded proprietary stuff, just a different brand (thank goodness; we have Teams Rooms as well and they're a pain)
nme_@reddit
Windows works, no reason to put yourself down for knowing windows. I do 100% windows work and have been doing so for 20 years. I make a nice chunk of change and do work I enjoy.
BloodFeastMan@reddit
Regardless of what you choose to do in this situation, you should consider installing Linux, preferably Debian, in a VM on your own computer and learn the ins and outs. You need to do this at some point, anyway, as your value will hit a low ceiling without basic knowledge of Linux.
jamesy-101@reddit
I've had the Evoko panels and you can run the service to manage them on Windows or Linux (you dont need Windows server specifically)
Mushroom5940@reddit
Might be a good time to learn Linux through projects like these if you have the time. Learning tech is easier than ever now that you can ask chatGPT just about anything. Just don’t become reliant on it. Ask questions to learn, not to solve your problems
stufforstuff@reddit
So first youre whining about server costs, then youre whining sbout setting up an alternative solution. Junior admins dont get that much whine - you have a VERY basic task, just get it done.
Remote-Coconut2576@reddit
Lmao relax dude. I bet you have too much shit to deal with because your techs are afraid to ask you simple things lol.
stufforstuff@reddit
My techs gets shit done, not wasting time whining on a social media channel.
Extension-Ant-8@reddit
Your post history says otherwise.
havocspartan@reddit
I think you’re being disingenuous. I’m sure your techs have asked questions on Reddit or stack overflow. This junior is not whining, far from it. He’s looking for advice, wants to play devils advocate to advise outside his knowledge and is being careful about lines in the business he can cross as far as budget.
He’s definitely treading carefully and trying learn, not be a hassle. It’s very normal to question advice outside your comfort zone; you’d probably see a better result encouraging this exploration. Me, I’d hire a tech like this any day. Better than the old-know-it-alls or comfortable-won’t-ask-for-helps.
Extension-Ant-8@reddit
Your mum is a basic task. Leave the kid alone. Some you seniors think you are the shit and never had to learn anything. I will take a keen junior over an unhelpful know it all like you.
jdptechnc@reddit
He isn't whining.
I bet you're fun at parties.
zveroboy0152@reddit
Teach, don't yell. Guide him, don't berate him.
CEONoMore@reddit
Correction: Microsoft *sold
Those are being deprecated while still showing for sale in the likes of Lenovo
panopticon31@reddit
Name the meeting software/vendor.
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
Evoko (Biamp) Liso panels.
ashimbo@reddit
They have pretty simple instructions for getting it installed on Ubuntu: https://support.biamp.com/Evoko/Liso/Getting_Started/Evoko_Home_Installation%3A_Ubuntu
superwizdude@reddit
Liso supports Ubuntu server. That would be the logical move to avoid windows server licensing.
As per the docs, it doesn’t appear they support using windows 11, but it’s very possible it might work.
I would migrate to a Ubuntu server.
PawnF4@reddit
Yeah if it’s supported just go with ubuntu 22 or 24. Don’t psyche yourself out about having a Linux box. They’re only as complicated as you make them and you’re not going to need to be a terminal ninja for your purposes. Install the desktop version and you’ll be fine. It doesn’t sound like you’ll need to do more than update it and maybe restart it here and there.
Your job isn’t knowing/having all the answers, it’s just being able to find them. You got this!
music2myear@reddit
So much this. As admins we don't know everything. We know a lot of things, but not everything. What goods admins learn early in their careers is how to find things they don't know.
FearlessFloyd91@reddit
Their documentation does state you need Windows Server (though I'm not sure why you can't just use Windows 11) or Ubuntu. Why not try using an LTS release of Ubuntu?
Own_Palpitation_9558@reddit
Presuming the Windows version uses IIS as its webserver, they'd be limited to a max of 10 panels.
Windows client editions limit inbound connections to 10 simultaneous connections, at least for smb and iis.
ig88b1@reddit
I don't see any requirements for this that require windows server, you should install this on a standard windows 11 or 10 pro install with a static IP and try it.
GhoastTypist@reddit
It might just be cheaper to replace the panels with ones you can connect to your M365 environment.
If you are looking to spend money, spend money on prepping for the future not just a patch to keep something legacy working.
ChikkaChiChi@reddit
I was going to post the exact same recommendation. In your situation, I would avoid piecemeal on-prem solutions. Just tell your boss the old units aren’t supported under your current architecture and you need to replace them.
Injector22@reddit
When you say "the panels need to run off a server". Are you saying there is some kind of software you install in the server OS and that controls the panels and the software only installs in windows server? Or, do you have to go into windows server manager and install a windows server role?
Asking to find out if you really need a server os or if something else like Windows 11 LTSB would suffice.
BloodFeastMan@reddit
Find the laziest person in the building, and have his / her desktop host. You don't need a full on server, and they'll never know they're hosting.
deNosse@reddit
Why don't you use the
slmgr.vbs /rearmcommand? You can use this 4 or 6 times. So that's 2 or 3 years.Stonewalled9999@reddit
Are you sure they can't use say, Windows 11 pro? Try 2025 Eval that will buy you more time :)
wunderhero@reddit
I can't imagine they actual need Windows server to run those - I feel like OP is taking the "server' bit very literally and doesn't realize you can use a standard Windows 11 pro box to host most things like that.
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
Nope, didn't realize that.
wunderhero@reddit
Been there - you mentioned the very junior bit so wanted to point it out.
They might mention Windows server if the requirements, but that's because that's what places already have with high availability/uptime.
Do some searching or ping the product support to verify and then move the panel software over to a standard 11 box.
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I think I might hit up our Biamp contact to see what he says. If we can get away with just a Win 11 box, that'd be so much better on every level.
taniceburg@reddit
For whatever it is worth using Windows 11 (or any Windows desktop OS) as a server violates the EULA.
Stonewalled9999@reddit
That’s not correct. Windows pro allows client connections.
taniceburg@reddit
It’s entirely correct. Just because you do something doesn’t make it compliant. See 2(c)(v) and (d)(iii)
Stonewalled9999@reddit
Confidently wrong I see
ccsrpsw@reddit
You missed that 2(d)(iii) elaborates to loosen up quite a lot of the restrictions:
IIS services is, I bet, doing a LOT of the lifting for these devices (people normally assume IIS is only on Servers). In addition that phrase "software features" offers a lot of wiggle room. I take that section to read: If you install software features or IIS on the machine, and have less than 20 people connecting to it (and only 1 interactively), and (2(c)(v) provisions) its not an externally facing service on the internet or a commercial hosting service, you are fine.
gihutgishuiruv@reddit
That really depends on whether this sort of usage counts as “server use” for the terms of the EULA. Microsoft’s descriptions of this have typically been related to multiple users using a single machine (e.g. RDS). It sounds more like OP is just using this as a management plane for a few devices.
Obviously neither of us are lawyers though 😅
CEONoMore@reddit
Your business contact is gonna push business strategy and that is to delegate responsibility to service, which in this case is provided by the licensing of the OS that they are gonna recommend windows server. Meaning they will say “nooo win 11 bad practice for service”
And yes if you have a problem with it, and you cannot escalate because it is not supported, then you have a bad practice but now….
When is that problem really showing up that needs the thousand dollar support ?
You just have to be ready to deal with the consequences of whatever your choice is.
One is spending on license and maybe unnecessary
The other is maybe not spending in license that is needed for support that is not something you can achieve without Microsoft
Maybe you are not the one supposed to bear with the responsibility of the choice
oneboredmind@reddit
Proxmox and virtualise 1c and 4gb mate
dustojnikhummer@reddit
You still need to license Windows.
hihcadore@reddit
Did server licensing change? Isn’t there a minimum core requirement?
placated@reddit
Why cant you run it off an Azure server again?
BoBBelezZ1@reddit
Tellin people it is possible and perform such task is basically my job. Carve out / back - however.
bobs143@reddit
Set up an Ubuntu server and don't worry about licensing. Would be a good way to get out of your comfort zone and learn Linux.
Plus I assume the vendor could help you. And this would be a great way to see how the vendor supports the product.
ZestycloseStorage4@reddit
As a quick fix just rearm the eval?
happy_go_lucky4@reddit
Not gonna lie, Server licensing is a headache, but if all you need is one little box for meeting panels, you don’t have to drop $$$ on full Standard.
-Check if Windows Server Essentials (1 license, up to 25 users/50 devices, no CALs needed) works for your setup — way cheaper.
-If your org has Microsoft 365 / Azure AD, see if those panels can authenticate directly and skip the server middleman.
-Worst case, grab a proper Standard license through your org’s VAR or CSP, but definitely don’t buy retail pricing if you can avoid it.
Basically: Essentials if possible, CSP discounts if not.
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
My VAR doesn't appear to have Essentials. :/ Shame, it would have been perfect. I've also read that Essentials is basically a reskinned Standard, but that doesn't explain the price difference.
Not sure about skipping the server and going straight to M365. Panel setup specified either Win Server or Google Workspace, so that's what I went off of.
Remote-Coconut2576@reddit
They have Google Workspace but no 365? Man you got bamboozled by whoever bought this crap.
Remarkable_Cook_5100@reddit
Essentials can only be purchased through Dell, Lenovo, and HP when buying a new server now.
Tx_Drewdad@reddit
Why are you bothering to run Windows Server? Run it on Windows 11.
Ludwig234@reddit
If you have E3 licenses or similar CALs are at least included so you don't have to worry about those.
RCTID1975@reddit
Unlikely these have a dedicated licensed user attached to them so you'd need a device CAL
Ludwig234@reddit
As long as all the users are licensed you should be fine.
hihcadore@reddit
Windows 11 will almost certainly work. Is it just you need a host with a desktop and you’re running some app that’s displayed on the TVs?
Either way you can buy a referbished small form factor (if you have multiple panels) or a micro form factor pc with windows 11 for dirt cheap and either hide it in a cabinet / ceiling or if it’s a micro form factor slap it on the back of the monitors.
Matt_NZ@reddit
Rather than a physical machine, since you're an Azure shop have you tried using an Azure VM instead? That will take care of the licensing issues, and you can put it on a schedule so that it's only running during business hours
However, I would investigate whether the panels actually need a server running and don't have some cloud option. That would be pretty rare these days
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
Considered it; don't know how. We're a small outfit and I'm the only IT person, so I'm working a lot of roles with big knowledge gaps. Any good resources?
Matt_NZ@reddit
I assume you're directing the panels to the physical machine by entering its IP into some config somewhere? Instead of entering the IP of the physical machine, enter the public FQDN of an Azure VM instead. Just make sure you configure the VMs Azure network settings to only allow connections from the public IP of your office - you don't want the VM being available to everyone on the internet.
I know people shit on AI here, but in this instance Chatgpt can give you the step by steps on how to do the above, but ask for it for sources to the MS documentation it's using so you can read those and get a better understanding
ToolBagMcgubbins@reddit
If its just some software for meeting panels, does it need to be running windows server?
If it runs on windows 11, just run that on there for cheap.
schumich@reddit
99% of Software runs on win11 the same as on server 25/22
amperages@reddit
Ditch the panels. They aren't necessary.
SilverseeLives@reddit
If you can find one, a Windows Server 2022 Essentials license could be suitable for your use case.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows-server/it-pro/windows-server-essentials/get-started/get-started
There is no more retail product, unfortunately. Apparently, 2022 Essentials is only available from OEMs (as a license key that you apply to a Server 2022 Standard install), and I have never had the pleasure of buying one.
methodtomymidness@reddit (OP)
Yeah, the VAR doesn't offer any Essentials, and I ain't buying a whole new box for this operation. What a bummer.
whetu@reddit
But... do they? What are the panels? You may be able to get a SaaS solution...
tatysaar@reddit
There are sites that offer cheaper Server 2022 licenses. However you have stated that you are an Azure shop, why not spin up a VM in Azure and have the panels communicate with that? Or do you mean you are an Entra/M365 shop with just client devices?
autogyrophilia@reddit
You can get cheaper OEM licenses for very small servers, otherwise, yes, Windows Server is shockingly expensive. I recommend people to get SPLA if possible if only to avoid having to manage CALs.
But I think your device is not a server, but a kiosk. You don't need Windows Server for that (and it can be rearmed 3 times).