Windows Server 2025 Preview Features & Migration Paths

Windows Server 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most significant releases in recent memory. With a strong focus on hybrid cloud integration, advanced security, and performance optimization, this release is a must-watch for VMware admins, DevOps engineers, and IT architects planning their next infrastructure upgrade.

 

What’s New in Windows Server 2025

Microsoft has introduced a range of enhancements in the Windows Server 2025 Preview, including:

 

Advanced Security Features

  • SMB over QUIC: Secure file sharing over the internet with built-in encryption and firewall hardening
  • Delegate Managed Service Accounts (dMSA): Simplified service account management with automatic password rotation
  • Active Directory Enhancements: Improved protocol hardening, encryption, and cryptographic support

 

Hybrid Cloud & Azure Arc Integration

  • Hotpatching: Apply security updates without rebooting, enabled via Azure Arc ( Read More !! )
  • Azure Automanage: Automate configuration, patching, and compliance for hybrid workloads
  • Cloud-based disaster recovery: Seamless integration with Azure Site Recovery for VMware and Hyper-V 

 

Performance & Usability Improvements

  • DTrace for Windows: Real-time performance tracing for kernel and user-space code
  • Modern Task Manager: Redesigned with Windows 11’s Mica UI and better resource insights
  • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Support: Wireless LAN and peripheral support now enabled by default
  • File Compression: Native support for ZIP, 7z, and TAR formats
 

Migration Paths to Windows Server 2025

Microsoft supports in-place upgrades from:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2022

You can upgrade up to four versions at once, making it easier for organizations still running legacy systems to modernize without a full reinstallation.

Migration Tips for VMware Admins

  • Use Azure Migrate to assess on-prem workloads
  • Validate VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) compatibility for Hotpatching
  • Test workloads in a Windows Server 2025 Preview VM before production rollout
 

DevOps & Automation Opportunities

Windows Server 2025 is built for automation-first environments:

  • PowerShell 7+ and Windows Terminal are included by default
  • Azure Policy and ARM templates can enforce configuration at scale
  • GitOps with Azure Arc enables declarative infrastructure management across hybrid environments

Ashutosh Dixit

I am currently working as a Senior Technical Support Engineer with VMware Premier Services for Telco. Before this, I worked as a Technical Lead with Microsoft Enterprise Platform Support for Production and Premier Support. I am an expert in High-Availability, Deployments, and VMware Core technology along with Tanzu and Horizon.

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