Windows Server 2025 is the latest version of Microsoft's flagship operating system for servers, cloud, and hybrid environments. It is expected to be released in the second half of 2025, following the launch of Windows 11. In this blog post, I will highlight some of the new features and improvements that Windows Server 2025 will offer. 

 

Security and Identity 

Windows Server 2025 will introduce several enhancements to protect data, devices, and identities from cyberattacks. Some of the key security features are: 

  • Zero Trust Architecture:
    Windows Server 2025 will support the Zero Trust model, which verifies every request and device before granting access. This will reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive resources. 

  • Azure Active Directory:
    Windows Server 2025 will integrate with Azure Active Directory, the cloud-based identity and access management service. This will enable single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, conditional access, and identity protection for Windows Server 2025 devices and applications. 

  • Secure Boot and BitLocker:
    Windows Server 2025 will enable Secure Boot and BitLocker by default, ensuring that only trusted code and data can run on the server. Secure Boot will prevent malware from tampering with the boot process, while BitLocker will encrypt the entire drive to protect data at rest. 

 

Performance and Scalability 

Windows Server 2025 will also deliver significant improvements in performance and scalability, making it suitable for the most demanding workloads and scenarios. Some of the key performance features are: 

 

  • Hyper-V:
    Windows Server 2025 will enhance the Hyper-V virtualization platform, which allows running multiple operating systems on a single physical server. Hyper-V will support nested virtualization, which enables running a virtual machine inside another virtual machine. This will enable scenarios such as testing, development, and disaster recovery. 

  • Storage Spaces Direct:
    Windows Server 2025 will improve the Storage Spaces Direct feature, which enables creating a software-defined storage cluster using local disks. Storage Spaces Direct will support NVMe over Fabric, which allows using high-performance NVMe devices over a network. This will boost the speed and efficiency of storage operations. 

  • Containers:
    Windows Server 2025 will support both Windows and Linux containers, which are lightweight and isolated environments for running applications. Windows Server 2025 will also support Kubernetes, the popular orchestration platform for managing containerized workloads. This will enable deploying and scaling applications across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. 

 

Management and Automation 

Windows Server 2025 will also offer several enhancements to simplify and streamline the management and automation of servers, applications, and resources. Some of the key management features are: 

 

  • Windows Admin Center:
    Windows Server 2025 will leverage the Windows Admin Center, the web-based console that provides a unified and modern interface for managing Windows Server devices and features. Windows Admin Center will support remote management, role-based access control, extensions, and integration with Azure services. 

  • PowerShell:
    Windows Server 2025 will expand the capabilities of PowerShell, the powerful scripting language and command-line tool that enables automating tasks and workflows. PowerShell will support cross-platform compatibility, module management, error handling, and debugging. 

  • Windows Update:
    Windows Server 2025 will simplify the update process, ensuring that the server is always up to date and secure. Windows Server 2025 will support two types of updates: feature updates, which introduce new functionality and enhancements, and quality updates, which provide security and reliability fixes. Feature updates will be optional and can be deferred, while quality updates will be mandatory and installed automatically. 

 

Windows Server 2025 is a major release that will offer many benefits and advantages for server administrators, developers, and users. It will provide a secure, performant, scalable, and manageable platform for running and deploying applications and services across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements on Windows Server 2025 as we get closer to its launch.