Starting with Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Core and Nano Server configurations were made available to reduce the OS footprint. These releases also offer a complete desktop experience.

Traditionally, Microsoft supports Windows Server for 10 years, with five years of mainstream support and an additional five years of extended support. Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server (July 1993).Windows Server 2003 R2 (December 2005).Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 2009).Windows Server 2012 R2 (October 2013).Windows 2000 Server is the first OS to include Active Directory, DNS Server, DHCP Server, and Group Policy. Microsoft's history of developing operating systems for servers goes back to Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server. With the release of Windows Server 2003, the brand name was changed to Windows Server. The first OS that was released for this platform is Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server. Windows Server (formerly Windows NT Server) is a group of operating systems (OS) for servers that Microsoft has been developing since July 27, 1993.

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