Which Windows Versions are Supported by Ansible?

Ansible, a powerful open-source automation tool, simplifies complex IT tasks through the use of playbooks. While it is well-known for its proficiency in managing Linux systems, it also extends its capabilities to Windows environments. This article explores the compatibility of Ansible with various Windows versions, providing insights into the supported platforms.

Ansible and Windows Compatibility:

Ansible has made significant strides in enhancing its compatibility with Windows operating systems. However, it's crucial to note that not all Windows versions are supported equally. The following sections delve into the specifics of Ansible compatibility with different Windows releases.

Supported Windows Versions:

Windows Server Versions:

Ansible is highly compatible with various Windows Server versions. This includes, but may not be limited to:

1. Windows Server 2012:

   • Ansible ensures seamless integration with Windows Server 2012, enabling automation for tasks on this platform.

   - name: Example Playbook for Windows Server 2012
     hosts: windows_servers
     tasks:
       - name: Ensure a specific feature is installed
         win_feature:
           name: Web-Server
           state: present
   

2. Windows Server 2016:

   • Ansible extends support to Windows Server 2016, allowing automation of tasks and configurations on this version.

   - name: Example Playbook for Windows Server 2016
     hosts: windows_servers
     tasks:
       - name: Ensure a specific service is running
         win_service:
           name: wuauserv
           state: started
   

3. Windows Server 2019:

   • The latest Windows Server version is fully supported by Ansible, providing automation capabilities for modern IT environments.

   - name: Example Playbook for Windows Server 2019
     hosts: windows_servers
     tasks:
       - name: Ensure specific Windows updates are installed
         win_updates:
           category_names:
             - SecurityUpdates
           state: installed
   

Windows Desktop Versions:

While Ansible's primary focus is on server environments, it also offers support for specific Windows desktop versions. This includes:

1. Windows 10:

   • Ansible can be utilized to automate configurations and tasks on Windows 10 machines.

   - name: Example Playbook for Windows 10
     hosts: windows_desktops
     tasks:
       - name: Ensure a specific application is installed
         win_chocolatey:
           name: notepadplusplus
           state: present
   

Prerequisites for Ansible on Windows:

Before diving into Windows automation with Ansible, ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

1. PowerShell Execution Policy:

   • Set the PowerShell execution policy to allow script execution. This can be achieved by running the following command:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
   

2. WinRM Configuration:

   • Ansible communicates with Windows systems through WinRM (Windows Remote Management). Ensure it's properly configured:

   winrm quickconfig -q
   

So, Ansible has significantly expanded its compatibility with Windows operating systems, covering various server and desktop versions. The provided examples showcase the flexibility and power of Ansible in automating diverse tasks on Windows platforms. By adhering to the outlined prerequisites, users can seamlessly integrate Ansible into their Windows automation workflows.