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Get a Server 2022 Datacenter ISO version 20348.946 or later

it manager 0 Reputation points
2026-03-09T21:42:50.9066667+00:00

Trying to get SMB working on hyperv and need an iso later than 20348.946 to get it. The eval version you download from MS is too old. I have multiple licenses with DVD's but they are all too old. MS says you have to purchase volume licenses or MSDNA to get it. They say you can get it through Azure but its not included there either. Anyone know how I can get it?

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Install Windows updates, features, or roles
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  1. Jason Nguyen Tran 14,595 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-16T02:57:17.6466667+00:00

    Hi it manager,

    I’m following up to check whether the issue has been resolved. Feel free to reply if you need further information. If the information provided was helpful, please click "Accept Answer" to help others in the community. Thank you!

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  2. Jason Nguyen Tran 14,595 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-09T23:00:55.8633333+00:00

    Hi it manager,

    Windows Server 2022 Datacenter ISOs, including builds later than 20348.946, are distributed through official Microsoft licensing channels. The evaluation downloads are intentionally behind the latest cumulative updates, which is why you’re seeing an older build.

    To obtain an ISO that includes build 20348.946 or later, you’ll need to access it through one of the following channels: Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), Visual Studio (formerly MSDN) subscription, or your Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner. These platforms provide the most up‑to‑date installation media. Azure images are available, but they are intended for cloud deployments and don’t provide downloadable ISO files for on‑premises use.

    If you already have licensed media, you can install from that ISO and then apply the latest cumulative updates via Windows Update or WSUS to bring the system up to the required build. This is the recommended approach if you don’t have access to VLSC or MSDN. The cumulative updates will upgrade your installation to the latest supported build without needing a new ISO.

    I hope the response provided some helpful insight. If it clarified the issue for you, please consider marking it as Accept Answer so others with the same issue can find the solution.

    Jason

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  3. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-09T21:43:06.7+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Windows Server 2022 Datacenter ISOs with OS build 20348.946 or later are not provided as refreshed retail/eval ISOs for direct download. Newer builds are delivered either as:

    1. Updated Azure images (including Azure Edition / Azure Edition Core / Hotpatch), or
    2. A base ISO plus cumulative updates (LCU), SSU, SafeOS, and Setup Dynamic Update packages.

    From the available information, the practical options are:

    1. Use an Azure image with a newer build
      For lab or Azure-based scenarios, deploy a Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition VM that already includes a newer OS build. For example, there are images with OS builds well beyond 20348.946, such as:
      • November 2024: Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition with OS build 20348.2849 (KB5046616)
      • December 2024 / January 2025 / April 2025: multiple Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and Azure Edition Hotpatch images with builds 20348.2762, 20348.3091, 20348.3454, etc.
      These are available as Azure images, not as downloadable ISOs, and are intended for Azure VMs.
    2. Build a current image from an older ISO plus updates
      Since only older retail/eval ISOs are available publicly, the supported path to get a newer build on-premises is:
      • Install from the existing Windows Server 2022 Datacenter ISO (even if it is older than 20348.946).
      • Immediately apply the latest cumulative update (LCU) and servicing stack update (SSU) for Windows Server 2022 to bring the OS to a current build. For example, KB5046616 (OS build 20348.2849) or later.
      • Optionally, integrate these updates into a custom image using standard servicing tools (e.g., offline servicing) if a fully updated install source is required.
      Microsoft publishes the LCUs and related components (SetupDU, SafeOS, .NET cumulative updates) for Windows Server 2022, which can be applied after installation to reach the desired build level. Examples from the context:
      • KB5046616 – OS build 20348.2849
      • KB5044281 – OS build 20348.2762
      • KB5049983 – OS build 20348.3091
      • KB5055526 – OS build 20348.3454
    3. Volume Licensing / Visual Studio subscription channels
      For non-eval media that is already at a newer build, access typically requires:
      • Volume Licensing Service Center / Microsoft 365 Admin Center (Volume Licensing → View Downloads and Keys), or
      • A Visual Studio subscription (for subscriber downloads).
      These channels can provide updated installation media, but access depends on having the appropriate agreements or subscriptions in place.

    If none of the above channels (Azure images, Volume Licensing, Visual Studio subscriptions) are available, the only supported route is to use the existing ISO and patch the installation up to the required build using the latest cumulative updates for Windows Server 2022.

    References:

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