What’s New in Windows Server 2025: Key Features and Enhancements
Windows Server 2025, the preview version is already packed with exciting new features and enhancements designed to improve performance, security, and flexibility. From improved Active Directory capabilities to enhanced integration with hybrid cloud environments, Windows Server 2025 builds on the strong foundation of previous versions while pushing the envelope in terms of innovation.
In this post, we’ll explore the top features that make Windows Server 2025 a powerful tool for businesses looking to modernise their IT infrastructure.
1. Enhanced Active Directory Services
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) and Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) receive significant updates in Windows Server 2025, providing improved scalability and functionality. The introduction of a 32k database page size allows for better management of large directories and multi-valued attributes. This enhancement is perfect for companies that need to handle more data efficiently.
Another key feature is the AD object repair, which lets enterprise administrators easily fix objects with missing core attributes. This improves reliability and reduces the likelihood of errors in your directory.
2. Better Security with LDAP and Kerberos Updates
Security continues to be a top priority in Windows Server 2025. Enhancements to the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) now include TLS 1.3 encryption, offering stronger security for connections and eliminating outdated cryptographic algorithms. Additionally, Kerberos has been upgraded to support more cryptographic algorithms, making it more agile and secure for modern use cases.
Administrators will also find better control over confidential attributes and more secure default machine account passwords, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected across your network.
3. Performance Upgrades with NUMA and Storage Enhancements
Windows Server 2025 brings significant performance improvements, especially for those using NUMA-capable hardware. Active Directory can now take full advantage of all processor groups, supporting beyond 64 cores. This upgrade is crucial for businesses managing large-scale applications and databases.
Additionally, with Block Cloning supported on ReFS file systems, file copying tasks are completed much faster, improving efficiency and reducing I/O overhead on your storage devices. This is a boon for developers and IT administrators managing high-demand storage environments.
4. Azure Arc Integration for Hybrid Cloud Flexibility
Windows Server 2025 enhances its cloud capabilities by integrating with Azure Arc. This tool allows businesses to manage their servers across on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud environments, giving IT teams more flexibility. The user-friendly wizard makes it simple to connect servers to Azure Arc, opening up endless possibilities for hybrid cloud management.
5. Credential Guard and VBS Enclaves for Superior Security
Credential Guard is now enabled by default on devices running Windows Server 2025, offering greater protection against credential theft and securing your infrastructure from potential attacks. Additionally, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclaves allow applications to protect their secrets by isolating sensitive workloads from both the host system and other applications. This provides an extra layer of security for critical operations.
6. Windows LAPS: Better Local Administrator Password Management
Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) has been further enhanced in Windows Server 2025. IT administrators can now create and manage local accounts with ease, including a new automatic account management feature that ensures stronger password security. With passphrase support, LAPS now generates less complex but equally secure passwords that are easier to remember and type.
7. Simplified Networking with SMB Improvements
Windows Server 2025 introduces multiple enhancements to Server Message Block (SMB), including the ability to disable SMB over QUIC for tighter security control. SMB compression is also improved with support for the LZ4 compression algorithm, which results in faster file transfers and reduced storage requirements.
Administrators will also appreciate the new SMB signing and encryption auditing, which makes it easier to detect clients and servers that don’t meet encryption standards, further enhancing network security.
8. Dev Drive for Developers
Windows Server 2025 introduces Dev Drive, a storage volume specifically designed to improve the performance of developer workloads. Built on ReFS technology, Dev Drive offers greater control over storage settings, security, and optimisation for file handling, making it an ideal solution for developers working with large datasets or complex projects.
9. OpenSSH and Winget by Default
Windows Server 2025 makes OpenSSH more accessible by installing the server-side component by default. This allows IT administrators to quickly enable SSH access with a single click, making remote management more streamlined. Additionally, the Winget package manager is also pre-installed, providing a comprehensive solution for installing and managing applications on your Windows Server.
10. File Compression and Improved Task Manager
Lastly, Windows Server 2025 introduces an easy-to-use file compression feature supporting ZIP, 7z, and TAR formats. This feature, along with the refreshed Task Manager, which now sports a modern look with mica material conforming to the Windows 11 style, provides a more efficient user experience for day-to-day tasks.
Conclusion: The Future of Server Management
Windows Server 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for businesses looking to improve security, streamline performance, and embrace the hybrid cloud. With its host of powerful new features, from enhanced Active Directory services to improved security protocols and Azure integration, it’s clear that Microsoft has designed this version with modern IT needs in mind.
If you’re considering upgrading your infrastructure or exploring new possibilities with Windows Server 2025, System Plus can help you make the most of these exciting new tools. Get in touch today for more information or assistance with planning your upgrade.
Alternatively try your preview copy of Server 2025 direct from Microsoft