With the release of Windows Server 2025, Microsoft is launching the latest version of its proven server OS. This release promises a combination of improved security, optimized performance, and advanced features for hybrid cloud environments. With Windows Server 2025, companies that rely on modern IT infrastructures receive a powerful solution that is suitable for both small and large organizations.
With increasing demands for IT security and efficiency, Windows Server 2025 stands out for its innovative technologies, including the integration of advanced virtualization features and improved threat detection. For companies that need a flexible and scalable IT solution, this new version provides a solid foundation.
The most important things in brief
- Security and virtualization improvements: Network isolation, zero-day protection, TLS 1.3, and optimized virtual machine support.
- Hybrid cloud integration: Seamlessly connect local systems to Azure for maximum flexibility.
- Licensing options: Essentials for small businesses, standard and data centers for larger IT environments.
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1. New features in Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025 brings a number of innovations specifically aimed at increasing the efficiency, security, and flexibility of IT environments. With a clear focus on hybrid cloud scenarios and the requirements of modern corporate networks, this version offers the following highlights: Microsoft has made it clear that hybrid environments are the preferred approach for the future for many companies.
Security improvements
The security architecture of Windows Server 2025 has been comprehensively redesigned to better ward off threats in an increasingly complex IT world. New security features include:
- Improved network isolation: Optimized separation of network zones protects critical data and applications from unauthorized access.
- Advanced threat detection: Integration of Microsoft Defender technologies to detect and defend against cyber attacks early.
Optimize virtualization
The new version offers significant virtualization improvements to help companies use their resources more efficiently:
- Increased scalability: Virtual machines (VMs) can now operate with less hardware load, resulting in cost savings.
- Faster VM deployment: Improved automation features make it possible to rapidly implement new virtual environments.
Hybrid cloud support
Windows Server 2025 continues to rely heavily on connecting local systems with cloud services. Important new features include:
- Seamless Azure integration: Companies can seamlessly connect cloud workloads and local servers, making hybrid scenarios easier to implement.
- Advanced management tools: With new management functions, hybrid environments can be controlled centrally and efficiently.
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2. Technical requirements
In order to take full advantage of Windows Server 2025, certain technical requirements must be met. These requirements ensure that the server platform can be operated stably, securely and efficiently.
hardware requirements
The minimum requirements for running Windows Server 2025 have been adjusted to optimally support modern technologies:
Supported platforms
Windows Server 2025 is designed to be used on both physical servers and virtual environments. Supported platforms include:
- Physical servers: Systems from leading manufacturers such as Dell, HP and Lenovo that are certified for Windows Servers.
- Virtualization software: Compatibility with popular solutions such as Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware ESXi, and Citrix Hypervisor.
Compatibility with older systems
For companies that want to migrate from older versions, Windows Server 2025 is backwards compatible with most applications running on Windows Server 2016 and 2019. However, it is recommended that you check the software compatibility beforehand.
3. Improved security features
Windows Server 2025 uses new protection mechanisms and advanced security features to better secure modern IT systems.
- Network isolation: Improved segmentation protects sensitive data.
- Zero-day protection: Microsoft Defender integration for rapid defense.
- Advanced encryption: Support for TLS 1.3 and SMB Encryption
4. Licensing and editions
Windows Server 2025 is offered in various editions to meet the diverse needs of companies. The selection of the appropriate license depends on the planned use and the size of the IT environment.
Windows Server 2025 editions
Standard Edition: Suitable for smaller IT environments and basic virtualization with up to two virtual machines (VMs) per license. This edition provides basic features for companies with moderate requirements.
Datacenter Edition: Designed for highly virtualized environments and cloud infrastructures. It supports unlimited VMs and additional features such as software-defined networking (SDN). Ideal for companies with extensive virtualization needs.
Essentials Edition: A cost-effective solution for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. This edition is exclusively available through OEMs, which means that it can only be purchased with new hardware.
licensing models
Processor and core-based: Licensing is based on the number of physical cores per server, with a minimum of 16 cores per server and 8 cores per processor. This allows flexible adjustment to different hardware configurations.
User CALs (Client Access Licenses): Required for every user who accesses the server. These licenses are ideal for companies with a fixed number of users.
Device CALs: Required for every device that accesses the server. Suitable for shared device environments.
Pay-as-you-go licensing
Pay-as-you-go licensing, which enables consumption-based billing via Azure, is new in Windows Server 2025. This option is aimed at companies that need additional capacity without purchasing fixed licenses. The prerequisite is to connect the server via Azure Arc.
Hot patching
The hotpatching feature allows safety-critical updates to be applied without rebooting. Use requires a connection to Azure Arc and active software assurance. Microsoft is currently planning to offer hotpatching as a separate subscription.
rates
Die Windows Server 2025 pricing varies by edition and licensing model. The Standard Edition is ideal for physical or minimally virtualized environments and has a recommended retail price (MSRP) of $1,176. The Datacenter Edition, which is suitable for highly virtualized data centers and cloud environments, has an MSRP of $6,771. Both editions use a core-based licensing model and require additional Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) for access.
5. Installation and Migration
The introduction of Windows Server 2025 requires careful planning, especially if existing systems are to be migrated. However, with the right preparations, the transition can be smooth.
migration paths
Microsoft provides clear migration paths for companies that want to upgrade older server versions:
- From Windows Server 2016 or 2019: Direct migration with full support.
- Older versions (2012 R2 and earlier): Requires an intermediate step via Windows Server 2016 or 2019 to ensure compatibility.
installation
Windows Server 2025 is installed as usual via a bootable ISO file or directly from the cloud with support for Azure. Companies can choose a graphical user interface (desktop experience) or a minimalistic core installation that is optimized for maximum performance.
Managing Windows Servers with MECM
For managing Windows Server 2025, the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), formerly System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), the first choice. MECM is specifically optimized for server environments and offers comprehensive features such as software deployment, update management, and configuration monitoring. It is also ideal for scenarios with high availability requirements. Why not Intune? Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based UEM solution, is optimized for managing client operating systems and mobile devices. However, Intune is not suitable for server operating systems such as Windows Server 2025.
Azure Arc as an alternative
For companies looking for a leaner alternative, Azure Arc be a suitable option to manage Windows servers. Azure Arc allows servers to be integrated and managed via the Azure platform, regardless of whether they run in the cloud or on-premises. While Azure Arc is particularly suitable for smaller or hybrid environments, SCCM remains the more robust solution for larger, highly available IT environments. It's a good idea to consider Azure Arc, particularly when you want fast, cloud-based management with reduced complexity.
Comparing MECM vs. Azure Arc
- MECM: Ideal for complex, locally operated IT infrastructures with high requirements for availability and adaptability.
- Azure Arc: Suitable for companies that need a lightweight, cloud-based management solution without the complexity of an on-premises installation.
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6. Conclusion
Windows Server 2025 marks another milestone in the development of modern server solutions. With its new features and improvements, it represents a future-proof platform for companies that want to optimize their IT infrastructure and make it more secure at the same time.
Through improved support for hybrid cloud environments, expanded virtualization options, and reinforced security features, Windows Server 2025 offers solutions to the challenges of modern IT systems.
Organizations that move to Windows Server 2025 can benefit from improved efficiency, greater scalability, and advanced protection against security threats. The platform provides a solid basis for a modern and future-proof IT infrastructure.
Dorian has been involved in corporate and IT strategy since 2011. Due to the endpoint security deficiencies of many companies and the information overload, he developed the endpoint strategy. Dorian is co-founder of the “Endpoint Management” expert group at IAMCP e.V.
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