Windows server 2025

Microsoft has officially launched Windows Server 2025, making it generally available as of November 1st. This new version, initially released to Windows Insider program members in January 2024, brings significant advancements including hotpatching, an updated Active Directory, and support for SMB over QUIC alternative ports.

Key features include:

• Hotpatching via Azure Arc: Enhances cloud security with automatic updates.

• NVMe Storage Performance: Offers up to 60% more IOPS compared to Windows Server 2022.

• Block Cloning Support: Improves performance in file copying tasks.

• Enhanced Active Directory: Introduces new functionalities like AD object repair and better security features.

• Credential Guard: Default protection against credential theft.

• SMB Hardening: Enhances security for file shares over the Internet.

• Delegate Managed Service Accounts: Automates password management for service accounts.

• Accelerated Networking (AccelNet): Reduces latency and CPU utilization for VMs.

• DTrace: A real-time monitoring tool for system performance.

• Virtualization-based Security (VBS): Protects application secrets from unauthorized access.

• Windows LAPS: Automatically manages local admin passwords for enhanced security.

Despite its advancements, Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing investigations into some known issues affecting devices running Windows Server 2025.