Introduction
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 is the upcoming operating system for servers. It was announced on January 26, 2024. This Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release is expected in the second half of 2024. Windows Server 2025 aims to improve security, performance, and flexibility. Let’s explore some key features of Windows Server 2025.
Active Directory Domain Services
Windows Server 2025 brings several enhancements to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS).
Database Page Size Increase: The database page size increases from 8KB to 32KB. This allows for larger objects in Active Directory. Bigger pages mean fewer trips to the disk, which speeds up data access.
New Log Database Files (LDF): Three new LDF files extend the AD schema: sch89.ldf, sch90.ldf, and sch91.ldf. These files help the system handle more complex tasks.
Repair Objects with Missing Core Attributes: Administrators can now repair objects missing core attributes like SamAccountType and ObjectCategory. In this way, problems can be fixed in very easy way.
New Forest and Domain Functional Levels: Windows Server 2025 has introduced ForestLevel 10 and DomainLevel 10. These new levels help improve the system’s overall performance and security.
Resetting LastLogonTimeStamp Attribute: Administrators can now reset the LastLogonTimeStamp attribute to the current time. This helps keep track of user activity.
LSA Name and Sid Lookup Forwarding: LSA Name and Sid lookup forwarding between machine accounts now use Kerberos authentication and the DC Locator algorithm. This makes it more secure and efficient.
Updated Kerberos Protocol: The updated Kerberos protocol supports stronger hashing and encryption protocols, such as SHA256 and SHA384. This makes the system more secure.
NUMA Codes Support: AD DS now supports Non-uniform Memory Access (NUMA) codes. It accommodates over 64 cores and uses CPUs in all processor groups. This means the system can handle more tasks at once.
Azure Arc
Windows Server 2025 installs the Azure Arc setup Feature on Demand by default. It includes a user-friendly wizard interface and a system tray icon to simplify adding servers to Azure Arc. This makes it easier to manage servers across different environments.
Bluetooth Connectivity
With Windows Server 2025, you can now connect peripheral devices like mice, keyboards, headsets, and audio devices via Bluetooth. This adds more flexibility and convenience.
Desktop Shell Experience
The desktop shell experience in Windows Server 2025 resembles Windows 11, offering a familiar style and appearance. Users may now navigate and use the system more easily as a result.
Hotpatching
The updated Hotpatching feature allows system updates to be applied seamlessly on a live system without needing a reboot. In-memory code updates enable applications to continue running uninterrupted. This keeps the system operating smoothly and reduce downtime.
Hyper-V Enhancements
Windows Server 2025 makes Hyper-V VMs better. It can use up to 1,792 virtual processors and 29.7 terabytes of RAM.New GPU partitioning (GPU-P) allows sharing a GPU across multiple VMs and supports live migration and failover clustering. This improves performance and flexibility for virtual machines.
File Storage Enhancements
Microsoft boasts a 90% increase in IOPS when using Windows Server 2025 with Native Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) storage. Other enhancements include native deduplication for Resilient File System storage and added support for thin disk provisioning in Storage Spaces. These improvements boost storage performance and efficiency.
Server Message Block (SMB) Enhancements
Windows Server 2025 enhances SMB by supporting QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections), allowing for more secure and fast connections. This makes file sharing over a network faster and more reliable.
Conclusion
Windows Server 2025 introduces significant enhancements in Active Directory, Azure Arc, Bluetooth connectivity, desktop shell experience, hotpatching, Hyper-V, file storage, and SMB. These features promise to improve server management, performance, and security. The new capabilities help administrators manage systems more efficiently and securely.
FAQs
1. What is the release date for Windows Server 2025? The release date for windows server 2025 is expected in the second half of 2024.
2. What are the new forest and domain functional levels? Windows Server 2025 introduces ForestLevel 10 and DomainLevel 10.
3. Can I connect Bluetooth devices to Windows Server 2025? Yes, you can connect peripherals like mice, keyboards, and audio devices via Bluetooth.
4. How does Hotpatching work in Windows Server 2025? Hotpatching allows system updates to be applied without rebooting, updating in-memory code and keeping applications running.
5. What improvements does Windows Server 2025 bring to Hyper-V? It supports up to 1,792 virtual processors, 29.7 terabytes of RAM, and GPU partitioning, enhancing performance and flexibility.