Windows Server 2016 Upgrade or Migrate to 2019/2022

This article covers in-place server upgrade solutions and Server data migration from an old PC to a new PC. Figure out your target first:

If you want to start an in-place upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to Server 2019 or 2022, and keep all existing apps and files, locate Part 1.

If you want to change old devices and plans to migrate applications, databases, domain accounts, user profiles from one server to another, see Part 2. 

Should You Upgrade or Migrate to Windows Server 2019/2022?

According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2016 will continue to update until Jan 12, 2027. And the end of life for Windows server 2019 is Jan 9, 2029. Windows Server 2022 has released in Sep 2021.

Even though Windows Server 2016 still acts as the main workhorse on many companies, we recommend upgrading to the latest version due to the new security function and better performance.

Comparison of Windows Server 2016 vs. 2019

Windows 2019 updates storage migration service, Kubernetes platform support, unified management, virtual network peering, enhanced Windows Defender ATP, etc. However, Window Server 2016 has removed iSNS, business scanning, remote desktop connection broker, remote desktop virtualization host, print components, and more.

Read Microsoft guide about editions comparison window server 2019.

Comparison of Windows Server 2019 vs. 2022

Server 2022 unveils four advanced functions of improved security: Hypervisor-based code integrity, secured-core server, hardware-enforced stack protection, and transport Layer Security (Enable TLS 1.3). 

It also provides better platform flexibility, a new Windows admin center, upgraded Hyper-V Manager, Hybrid Cloud Support, and Enhanced Kubernetes Experience. 

Learn more: check editions comparison server 2022.

Part 1. How to Upgrade Windows Server to 2019/2022

A step-by-step guide to performing In-Place Server Upgrade:

Phase 1: Start Server setup.

Step 1. Go to the Windows Server 2019 setup media, and then click setup.exe.

Step 2. Click Yes to Confirm the setup process.

Step 3. Then you can see the windows of "Get updates, drives, and optional features." Select "Download updates, drivers and optional features (recommend)" and then click "Next."

Step 4. Wait for setup to check the device configuration. When it finishes, select "Next."

Step 5. Enter the Server license key to continue. (If you are confused about finding the Windows server product key, you can check this guide.) 

Step 6. Select the wanted Windows Server 2019 image and then choose "Next."

Step 7. Click "Accept" to agree with the Applicable notices and license terms.

Step 8. Choose what to keep and click Next:

Please choose "Keep personal files and apps" to keep data. 

"Nothing" will cause all data to be deleted, including files, apps, and settings.

Step 9. After analyzing finish, you can click "Install" to prompt.

Phrase 2: Check whether the system is successfully upgraded.

Type Registry Editor on the search box and click to open it:

Follow the path to see ProductName: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

Your ProductName should be Windows Server 2019. Remember to check all applications are running well. If apps or files are lost, EaseUS Todo PCTrans can help you create image files to keep everything.

If you find Windows Server goes wrong, you can follow the path (C:\Windows\Panther) and zip the files. Then, contact Microsoft to help you.

Part 2. How to Migrate Server 2016 to 2019 of 2022

If the in-place upgrade is not your option, please shed light on Server Migration to move data quickly. For Server users, it is a headache to find a cost-effective and flexible method to transfer files and data, even users' accounts and domain accounts, to a new PC. 

This part will give you another choice to migrate all programs, files, and settings - Download the Windows Server migration tool. Advanced Windows Server PC transfer utility - EaseUS Todo PCTrans Technician is capable of Windows Server transfer solution between Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022.

Still, hesitate to use EaseUS Todo PCTrans? Check the video guide. Get more info about this advanced Windows Server file & app transfer software.

Steps about migrating to Windows Server 2019/2022:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on your source and target computers, connect both PCs via the internet.

1. At the "PC to PC" section, click "PC to PC" to continue. 

2. Select your target computer via its device name, then enter its account password or verification code and select the transfer direction. Then click "Connect" to continue.

You can check the verification code on the right top of "PC to PC" mainscreen on the target computer.

Step 2. Select the categories Applications, Files, and Accounts to transfer via the internet.

If you want to transfer data selectively, click "Edit" under each category, and choose the specific items.

Step 3. Click "Transfer" to start transferring your apps/files/accounts from one computer to another computer via the Internet.

Final Thoughts

This post provides two parts in Server upgrade and Server migration. If you focus on upgrading Windows Server 2016 to 2019 or 2022, a Windows built-in method is enough to complete the task. One more important thing - here is a case that in-place upgrade turns to wrong and your data lost. So, to protect your data, we recommend making a backup image by EaseUS Todo PCTrans.

In addition, data transfer also becomes the client's purpose. Therefore, you can enjoy the direct migration to Server 2019 or 2022.