MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2025 DATACENTER

Windows Server 2025 Datacenter

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter is built on the solid foundations of its predecessor and introduces a series of innovative improvements to meet the needs of modern businesses. This latest version aims to optimize performance, scalability, and reliability of IT infrastructures.

Main Features

Windows Server 2025 Datacenter offers unlimited virtualization possibilities and is ideal for highly virtualized environments and data centers. The main features include:

Hyper-V improvements: support up to 2,048 processors per VM per host, as well as GPU sharing for graphically intensive and artificial intelligence applications.

Integration with Azure Arc: allows unified management of local and cloud resources with advanced security policies.

Enhanced security: introduced hotpatching, which allows security updates without rebooting the server.

Improvements over previous versions

Compared to Microsoft Windows Server 2022, the 2025 Datacenter Edition offers significant advantages:

Storage and hardware: improved performance and reliability for modern workloads.

Active Directory: significant improvements to simplify identity and access management.

Network performance: UDP, TCP and vSwitch optimizations for better connectivity.

Containers and hybrid environments: extended support for modern application architectures.

Target group

Windows Server 2025 Datacenter is mainly aimed at:

Large companies with high virtualization requirements

Data centers requiring maximum scalability and performance

Organizations seeking seamless integration between on-premise and cloud infrastructures

The license is per processor core, with the option of the vCore license with CSP subscriptions. Users also require CAL per user or CAL per device for access.

Windows Server 2025 is currently in preview and available to members of the Windows Insider program. Microsoft is actively collecting feedback to ensure that the final product not only meets current needs but also provides a solid foundation for future innovation.

Advanced Security Features

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter introduces cutting-edge security features to comprehensively protect data and applications. These improvements aim to protect the IT infrastructure from current and future threats.

Threat Defense

The automated threat prevention in Windows Server 2025 Datacenter provides proactive protection. A key element is Credential Guard, which is now enabled by default on all compatible devices. This prevents unauthorized access to credentials and protects against identity theft.

Another innovation is the VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) enclaves. This trusted software-based execution environment isolates sensitive workloads from both the host application and the rest of the system. This makes it possible to protect the application's secrets without having to rely on administrators.

Access Controls

Windows Server 2025 Datacenter significantly improves access controls:

Increased security for default computer account passwords with randomly generated passwords

Stronger Kerberos encryption with AES SHA256 and SHA384

Major revision of Kerberos PKINIT support for cryptographic agility

Blocking of older RPC SAM methods on remote calls

The LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution) from Windows simplifies password management and increases administrator password security through automatic generation and secure management in Active Directory.

Data Encryption

Data encryption has been significantly strengthened in Windows Server 2025 Datacenter:

LDAP sealing when LDAP clients communicate after a SASL bind

TLS 1.3 support for LDAP on TLS connections

SMB-over-QUIC for all editions, allowing faster and more secure connections

Data encryption with SMB-over-QUIC with TLS 1.3

VBS Key Protection allows Windows developers to protect cryptographic keys using virtualization-based security. VBS keys are isolated in a secure process during use and encrypted by a TPM key at rest.

These advanced security features make Windows Server 2025 Datacenter a solid and reliable platform for businesses that require the highest security standards.

Performance and Scalability

Windows Server 2025 Datacenter brings significant improvements in performance and scalability. These innovations aim to increase the efficiency and flexibility of IT infrastructures.

Minimum Requirements for Windows Server 2025 Datacenter

Supported operating systems: Windows Server 2025 Datacenter

Processor: 64-bit processor at 1.4 GHz with at least 2 cores (recommended: 64-bit processor at 3.1 GHz with at least 4 cores)

RAM: minimum 4 GB (recommended: 8 GB or more depending on the roles and services running)

Disk space: at least 32 GB of free space for installation (recommended: additional space for virtual machines and data)

Network connection: Gigabit Ethernet or fast network adapter for optimal performance

Graphics card: DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with WDDM 1.0 driver

Optical drive: DVD-ROM drive for physical media installation (optional)

Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher