Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2

Welcome to the Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 TechNet Library.

You have discovered the most comprehensive and up-to-date library for technical information about Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008. The content in this library is authored by a writing team who works directly with Windows Server software designers, developers, and testers in an effort to bring you the most technically accurate content about Windows Server that is available anywhere.

Important

Mainstream support for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 ends on January 13, 2015, and extended support ends on January 14, 2020. For the most recent version of Windows Server, see the Windows Server TechNet Library.

For Windows client information for IT professionals, see the Windows TechNet Library.

For Windows information for those using PCs at home, see the Windows How-To site.

For product evaluations, see Previous Versions on the TechNet Evaluation Center.

In this library

To find content for both Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008, browse using the sections provided below.

What's New in Windows Server

Discover new features, tools, and technologies in Windows Server 2008 R2 .

Browse Windows Server Technologies

Learn from the full set of documentation for technologies in Windows Server, including Security, Networking, and Active Directory services technologies.

Windows Server Content by Category

Browse Windows Server content categories, such as Evaluation, Deployment, Getting Started, Management and Operations, Migration, and Technical Reference.

Windows Server Commands, References, and Tools

Find detailed information about Windows by using command references and the Windows glossary, and use tools such as Windows Search, Backup and Recovery, and Performance to work with your server.

Install and Deploy Windows Server

Learn about management and installation tools and server roles. Includes pre-installation information, including system requirements; what you need to do before you start Setup; and supported upgrade paths.

Troubleshoot Windows Server

Use events, error messages, and other tools to troubleshoot and support Windows Server.

Secure Windows Server

Browse information on Windows Server security technologies.

Computer Hardware and Windows Server

Find out about using Windows Server with computer hardware and peripherals.

Service Pack Information for Windows Server

Learn more about Windows Server service packs with release notes, installation instructions, and other information.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Solutions

Learn how to deploy solutions by combining multiple Windows-based technologies or Microsoft products.

Migrate Server Roles to Windows Server 2008 R2

Find migration documentation and tools for migrating server roles, features, operating system settings, and data from an existing server that is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 to a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 R2.

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage downloading software updates from Microsoft Update and distributing them to computers in your network.

Features deprecated in Windows Server 2008 R2

The following documentation identifies features and functionalities that were available in previous versions of the Windows and Windows Server operating systems that are no longer available in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

Licensing resources