Clearing up the Nano Server vs. Server Core confusion

In the same blog that revealed the refined purpose for Nano Server, Microsoft also shared plans for a new servicing channel program for Windows Server that would consist of two channels rather than one.

The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) — previously known as the Long-Term Servicing Branch — is the channel for the long-standing servicing option with five years of mainstream support, followed The Semi-Annual Channel for Windows Server would follow the release and support cadence of the Windows 10 SAC: a major release every six months with 18 months of mainstream support and no option for extended support. Microsoft said SAC is meant for enterprises that follow the quicker pace of DevOps that want the newest features and updated functionality as quickly as possible.

Microsoft said Nano Server and Server Core would be part of the SAC, while Server Core and Server with Desktop Experience would belong to the LTSC. Despite Server Core appearing to belong to both channels, the SAC and LTSC Server Cores are not interchangeable due to the difference in support terms.

To run containers on Windows, Microsoft offers several base images used to build the container image. Each base image offers different functionality depending on the type of container workload to run. The container base images are Nano Server, Windows, Server Core or Windows 10 IoT Core.

Customers who do a search for Nano Server on Microsoft’s site will still find outdated documentation for Windows Server 2016 that details the original purpose of this deployment option.