The latest version of Microsoft Windows Server is progressing well, and users have the opportunity to download and test it through the Windows Server Preview program on Windows Server Insiders. Microsoft recently rolled out the initial release of the Windows Server 2025 Preview Build. In this article, I’ll examine this release along with the deployment and installation of Windows Server 2025 operating system.
What’s New?
Windows Server 2025, the next release of Windows Server, is designed to address the evolving needs of IT environments. Here are some key areas where enhancements are being made:
- Windows Server Hotpatching for Everyone: This feature allows you to apply security patches without rebooting the server, ensuring continuous uptime and improved maintenance efficiency.
- Next Generation Active Directory and SMB: Expect enhancements in Active Directory performance, scalability, and management. Additionally, improvements in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol will enhance file sharing and communication.
- Mission Critical Data & Storage: Windows Server 2025 focuses on robust data protection, storage reliability, and scalability. Whether it’s handling critical databases or large-scale file storage, this release aims to meet enterprise needs.
- Hyper-V & AI: Hyper-V, Microsoft’s virtualization platform, receives updates for better performance, security, and management. Additionally, AI features are integrated to optimize resource allocation and workload management.
Download
To download Windows Server 2025 preview version you have to be in The Windows Insider Program. To join the program all you have to do is sign up with your email address.
Then, click here to download the ISO. Confirm the version, language and click Download.
License
The license is freely available here.
Keys are valid for preview builds only.
- Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
- Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67
Installing Windows Server 2025
Lets deploy a VM and install Windows Server 2025 operating system. I will create a VM directly on ESXi host, and I will use 4 CPUs with 8GB of RAM.
1. In the ESXi web console click Create VM.
2. Type name of your VM and select the OS. Windows Server 2025 is available in drop-down list.
3. Select a datastore.
4. Customize settings of your VM and attach the ISO. Remember to upload ISO to a datastore before.
5. Select ISO image. Then click Next and Finish.
6. Let’s Power On the VM and open Browser Console.
Right after that Press any key to boot from DVD. If you miss pressing a key to boot, just restart the VM and the prompt will appear again.
7. Select language.
8. Select keyboard.
9. Select Install Windows Server and I agree everything…
10. Enter the license key now or choose I don’t have a product key to enter it later.
11. Select version.
12. Accept the license.
13. Select disk.
14. Finally, Install.
15. Enter product key if you haven’t entered it before.
- Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
- Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67
16. Accept the license terms.
17. Enter your new Administrator password.
And finished! Windows Server 2025 is installed, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to unlock and login.
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