Windows Server 2016 Build 14393970 Enus April 2017 2021 -
Windows Server 2016 Build 14393.970 (ENU) - April 2017 Update: A Detailed Review
In April 2017, Microsoft released an update for Windows Server 2016, bringing the build number to 14393.970 (ENU). This update was part of the ongoing effort to improve the stability, security, and performance of the Windows Server 2016 operating system. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the details of this update, its significance, and what it means for Windows Server 2016 users.
What is Windows Server 2016 Build 14393.970 (ENU)?
Windows Server 2016 Build 14393.970 (ENU) is a cumulative update that was released on April 11, 2017. The update is also known as KB4015217 and is applicable to Windows Server 2016 systems with the English (United States) language pack installed.
Key Features and Fixes
The April 2017 update for Windows Server 2016 includes several key features and fixes, including:
- Security updates: The update includes security patches for several vulnerabilities in Windows Server 2016, including fixes for issues related to remote code execution, elevation of privilege, and information disclosure.
- Performance improvements: The update includes performance improvements for various Windows Server 2016 components, including the operating system, storage, and networking.
- Stability and reliability fixes: The update includes fixes for several issues that could cause Windows Server 2016 systems to crash or become unresponsive.
Notable Fixes and Changes
Some notable fixes and changes in the April 2017 update for Windows Server 2016 include:
- Fixed an issue that caused the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) to stop working: The update fixes an issue that could cause RDS to stop working when a user tries to connect to a remote desktop session.
- Improved support for Azure Active Directory (Azure AD): The update includes improvements to Azure AD support, including better handling of authentication and authorization requests.
- Fixed an issue with DNS server crashes: The update fixes an issue that could cause the DNS server to crash when handling certain types of DNS queries.
How to Install the Update
To install the April 2017 update for Windows Server 2016, follow these steps:
- Check for updates: Open the Settings app and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Search for updates: Click on the "Check for updates" button to search for available updates.
- Install the update: If the update is available, click on the "Install now" button to begin the installation process.
Conclusion
The April 2017 update for Windows Server 2016 (build 14393.970 ENU) is an important cumulative update that includes security patches, performance improvements, and stability and reliability fixes. Windows Server 2016 users should install this update as soon as possible to ensure their systems are up-to-date and protected against known vulnerabilities.
Update History
Here is a brief summary of the updates for Windows Server 2016:
- Build 14393.0: Initial release of Windows Server 2016
- Build 14393.51: First cumulative update, released in October 2016
- Build 14393.103: Second cumulative update, released in November 2016
- Build 14393.187: Third cumulative update, released in December 2016
- Build 14393.479: Fourth cumulative update, released in March 2017
- Build 14393.970: Fifth cumulative update, released in April 2017
By installing the latest updates, Windows Server 2016 users can ensure their systems remain secure, stable, and performant.
Windows Server 2016 Build 14393.970 refers to a specific system state achieved after applying the March 22, 2017 cumulative update ( The references you found likely point to a custom "Gen2" ISO release
or an "all-in-one" (AIO) installer created by third-party collectors (such as Generation2). These versions often bundle the original 2016 installation media with cumulative updates released through 2021 to ensure a more secure deployment out of the box. Key Technical Details Original Build: Windows Server 2016 was released in 2016 with base build Build 14393.970: windows server 2016 build 14393970 enus april 2017 2021
Specifically indicates the server has been patched with the March/April 2017 updates. 2021 Context:
While the build version is from 2017, the "2021" tag in file names usually signifies that the installer includes additional security patches or administrative tools updated as late as 2021. Editions Typically Included:
These ISOs often contain Standard, Standard Core, Datacenter, and Datacenter Core editions. Life Cycle & Support Mainstream Support: January 11, 2022 Extended Support: Remains active until January 12, 2027 Maintenance:
Beyond build 14393.970, many subsequent cumulative updates have been released. For example, by late 2024, the stable build version had reached 14393.7428. Important Considerations for Deployment
Deploy Storage Spaces Direct on Windows Server - Microsoft Learn
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Windows Server 2016: This is the base version of the server operating system, released by Microsoft on September 26, 2016. It's part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and is designed to provide a platform for developing, running, and managing enterprise-level applications and services.
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Build 14393.970: This refers to a specific build of Windows Server 2016. The build number is a unique identifier for a particular version or update of the operating system.
- 14393 is the base build number, which was initially released as part of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update (Version 1607) and also applied to Windows Server 2016.
- .970 indicates a specific cumulative update applied to the base build. This means the server has been updated to the September 2017 cumulative update, as updates were typically delivered monthly and addressed various security and performance issues.
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en_US: This denotes the language and region for which the software is configured. In this case, "en" stands for English, and "US" stands for United States, indicating that this version of Windows Server 2016 is set for use in the United States and uses English as the display language. Windows Server 2016 Build 14393
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April 2017 2021: This seems to be a bit confusing or possibly a typo. If referring to updates or support periods:
- April 2017 might relate to when certain updates or features were available or supported.
- 2021 could refer to an extended support period or a specific timeframe of relevance for updates or lifecycle support.
Part 3: Why Build 14393.970 Matters for 2021 Administrators
In 2021, Windows Server 2016 mainstream support ended on January 11, 2022 (extended support runs to January 2027). However, many air-gapped or compliance-bound servers (finance, healthcare, defense) were still on builds from 2017–2018.
1.3 Language: en-US (English – United States)
The enus (en-US) designation ensures that:
- System menus, error messages, and PowerShell help files are English.
- Date/time, number formats, and locale settings default to US standards.
- MUI (Multilingual User Interface) packs could still be installed separately.
For global enterprises, en-US is typically the baseline image before adding language packs.
Example of a real build string:
10.0.14393.970 (rs1_release_sec.170401-1500)
So your 14393970 is likely 14393.970 with an extra digit.
If You Must Use This Build (Offline/Lab Only)
- Disable the network adapter or isolate the VM in a sandbox with no internet access.
- Immediately apply the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) and Latest Cumulative Update (LCU) for Server 2016.
- Better yet – use the latest available ISO from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Evaluation Center.
Myth 3: en-US version is incompatible with non-English apps
- Fact: Applications query the system locale or UI language independently. Build 14393.970 en-US runs perfectly alongside French, Japanese, or Arabic software. Only console output and event logs default to English.
What Is This Build?
- Operating System: Windows Server 2016 (RTM base build: 14393)
- Exact Version: 10.0.14393.970
- Language: English (United States) – en-US
- Original Release Wave: April 2017 (Cumulative Update for Windows Server 2016)
In April 2017, Microsoft released KB4015217, which updated Windows Server 2016 from the RTM build (14393.953) to 14393.970. This was a standard monthly quality update focused on reliability and security fixes.
Understanding the Build and Its Lifecycle
Windows Server 2016, like other Windows versions, has a lifecycle that includes support periods. Microsoft provides support for its products in multiple phases, typically including mainstream support and extended support. Security updates : The update includes security patches
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Mainstream Support: For Windows Server 2016, mainstream support was available until January 11, 2022. During this phase, Microsoft provides support and releases updates (including security updates, non-security updates, and paid support).
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Extended Support: Windows Server 2016 entered its extended support phase on January 11, 2022, which will last until January 13, 2026. In this phase, Microsoft continues to provide security updates (free of charge), but non-security updates are only available through paid support.