Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2025 Server Core installation are available for ready upgrades. We look at a quick comparison between Windows Server 2025 and 2022 below.
Salient points
- Windows Server 2025 comes with new appearance based on the Windows 11 settings and appearance.
- When you sign in for the first time on Windows Server 2025, the desktop shell experience conforms to the style and appearance of Windows 11.
- Windows Task Manager gets an upgrade as you would use the modern Task Manager app with Mica material conforming to the style of Windows 11.
- Windows Server 2025 has a new compression feature when compressing an item by performing a right-click called Compress to. This feature supports ZIP, 7z, and TAR compression formats
- The Wireless LAN Service feature is now installed by default. It’s easier to enable wireless capabilities.
- The Windows Terminal, a powerful and efficient multishell application for command-line users, is available in Windows Server 2025
- WinGet, a command line Windows Package Manager tool, is installed by default.
- The OpenSSH server-side component is installed by default in Windows Server 2025.
These functional level improvements are incorporated in the Windows Server 2025. However, the most significant improvement (in our opinion) lies in the architectural changes made in the Active Directory Domain Services.
AD uses an Extensible Storage Engine (ESE) database that uses an 8k database page size. With Windows Server 2025, new DCs can be installed with a 32k page database that uses 64-bit Long Value IDs (LIDs) and runs in an “8k page mode” for compatibility with previous versions. An upgraded DC continues to use its current database format and 8k pages. Moving to 32k database pages is done on a forest-wide basis and requires that all DCs in the forest have a 32k page capable database.
User Interface and Experience
The new Windows Server 2025 updated user interface aligns more closely with the Windows 11 aesthetic. It comes with an enhanced visual appeal and improved usability through a more intuitive navigational structure.
Key changes in Windows Server 2025 include a revamped Start menu, updated taskbar, and enhanced settings app.
Administrators can expect easier access to frequently used settings and tools. These improvements are designed to streamline management tasks and offer a more responsive experience.
Additionally, enhancements in accessibility settings ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate the system effectively.
Performance and Scalability
Windows Server 2025 is optimized for greater performance, particularly in resource-intensive applications. Developers and IT professionals can expect enhanced server workloads and more efficient resource allocation.
Key enhancements allow for better CPU and memory management, supporting higher scalability. This is crucial for businesses that demand high availability and performance in their operations.
Benchmarks indicate improved processing speeds when handling large datasets, making it suitable for cloud-native applications. The introduction of container optimization techniques further enhances application deployment and management.
Potential users should evaluate their existing infrastructure to ensure it meets these requirements before upgrading.
Hybrid Capabilities and Cloud Integration
Windows Server 2025 emphasizes hybrid cloud scenarios, facilitating seamless integration between on-premises and cloud environments. Enhanced tools for managing Azure resources are included, helping businesses transition to hybrid architectures more smoothly.
Specific features, like Azure Arc, allow for unified management across both cloud and local infrastructure. This streamlines operations and enhances visibility into resource usage.
Additionally, better support for containerized applications and microservices architecture improves deployment flexibility. Such integration is vital for organizations aiming to leverage both cloud scalability and local performance.
Core Infrastructure Services
Windows Server 2025 enhances core infrastructure services with improved virtualization capabilities. The inclusion of Hyper-V enhancements allows for better resource management and scalability.
Storage options have also advanced with Storage Spaces Direct, enhancing fault tolerance and performance. The newer version includes deduplication and compression technologies, optimizing storage cost-efficiency.
Furthermore, the introduction of Azure Arc integration offers seamless hybrid cloud capabilities, allowing easier management across on-premises and cloud environments. This feature enhances flexibility and adaptability for various IT infrastructures.
Advanced Networking Features
The introduction of SDN (Software-Defined Networking) capabilities allows administrators to manage network resources programmatically. This provides better configuration management and quicker responses to network changes.
Additionally, Network Performance Monitoring tools have been introduced. These tools enable real-time monitoring and analytics, ensuring proactive management of network health and performance.
Management and Automation Tools
Management and automation tools receive a comprehensive upgrade in Windows Server 2025. The new Windows Admin Center provides a unified, web-based platform for managing servers and clusters remotely.
Through the use of PowerShell 7, administrators gain access to improved scripting capabilities and functionality. This enhances automation across the server environment.
Containerization features also see enhancements with Windows Containers improvements, allowing for better performance and security. These tools help organizations quickly deploy applications while maintaining robust management capabilities.
Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to write about Cyber-security events and stories, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.