When I'm looking for a hardware driver for Server 2008 R2, but I don't see Server 2008 listed as a download choice, what Windows version is most similar to 2008 R2 from a functionality or compatibility POV?

Choices usually include Windows 7 (several flavors), Vista (again, several flavors), Server 2003 (sometimes), and XP (always). And all of those usually come with a 32 or 64 bit option.

Windows 7 is the same kernel and driver model, so choose Windows 7.

Windows Server 2008 == Windows Vista

Windows Server 2008 R2 == Windows 7

They're basically the same core Operating Systems. One is built to be used on a Desktop, and one is built to be used on a Server. The differences are very very minimal. Like cluberti said, the drivers built for one, should work for the other.

Windows Server 2008 == Windows Vista

Windows Server 2008 R2 == Windows 7

They're basically the same core Operating Systems. One is built to be used on a Desktop, and one is built to be used on a Server. The differences are very very minimal. Like cluberti said, the drivers built for one, should work for the other.

Is there a Windows 7, and a Windows 7 - 64 bit version?

If so, which one is most similar to Server 2008 R2 from a driver POV?

They're basically the same in any ways that would affect a driver unless you're talking about loading an unsigned kernel driver on an x64 machine.

R2 Server was only released as x64, so you want the W7 x64 drivers if possible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Server_2008_R2

It is the first 64-bit only operating system release from Microsoft.

Edited April 23, 201016 yr by MrJinje

Good point - I was all caught up distinguishing between x86 and x64 Win7, without paying attention to the fact the goal is to run Win7 drivers on a 2008 R2 box .