On Nov. 1, Microsoft announced the new version: Windows Server 2025, the successor to Windows Server 2022. Windows Server 2022, introduced in August 2021, is now more than three years old.
What’s new in Windows Server 2025
- Hotpatching: Security updates can be installed without a system reboot, minimizing downtime.
- Active Directory enhancements: New identity management features, stronger encryption with AES-256 and AES-384, and improvements in domain and forest functionality.
- Improved storage performance: 70% performance improvement for NVMe storage, with support for native deduplication on the Resilient File System (ReFS).
- New SMB security: Support for SMB over QUIC, which provides enhanced security for data transport over untrusted networks.
- Windows Experience: The new version has the same look and feel as Windows 11.
- Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS): Several improvements have been made, including automatic account management and image rollback detection.
- Winget: Winget is now installed by default, which makes installing applications easier.
Support for Microsoft 365 Apps
Microsoft 365 Apps is fully supported on Windows Server 2025 as long as it is in mainstream support, which runs until October 2029. This means you can use the latest features and updates of Microsoft 365 Apps without compatibility issues.
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
Citrix is offering support for Windows Server 2025 from day one. However, optimal operation requires users to upgrade their Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) to version 2407. Want to make sure your organization is ready for this upgrade? Then let us perform a health check first, so we can identify possible obstacles and ensure the upgrade goes smoothly and without problems.
Conclusion
Windows Server 2025 introduces many new features and a look and feel that matches what users currently experience in Windows 11. Does your organization want to start upgrading to Windows Server 2025 and do you have questions or need help with this? If so, get in touch.