Windows Admin Center Archives

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft releases final Windows Server 2025 preview build in 2024

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2025 build 26334 for Windows Insiders, marking the final update for the year, with the next expected in January 2024. This build includes Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, as well as the Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition for virtual machine evaluation. The branding remains Windows Server 2025 in this preview, and issues reported should reference Windows Server vNext preview. Users enrolled in Server Flighting will receive this build automatically. New features include Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC), which enforces a list of permitted software to minimize the attack surface, and improved accessibility for Windows Admin Center (WAC), allowing installation directly from the Windows Server Desktop for Datacenter or Standard preview users. There are known issues, including a labeling error that may reference Windows 11, which Microsoft plans to fix in a future release. Windows Server build 26334 is valid until September 15, 2025, with specific installation keys provided for Server Standard and Datacenter editions, while no key is required for Azure Edition.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

9 ways to decrease power consumption on your Windows server

Excessive power consumption in Windows Server management can result from misconfigurations and inefficient component management. Strategies to enhance energy efficiency include: 1. Adjusting power settings through the Power Options menu, which offers Balanced, High Performance, and Power Saver plans, and fine-tuning Processor Power Management settings. 2. Disabling unnecessary services and roles via Server Manager to lower CPU load. 3. Investing in energy-efficient hardware, such as processors with low thermal design points, energy-efficient RAM, and solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives. 4. Scheduling resource-intensive tasks during off-peak hours to balance power load. 5. Utilizing virtualization with Hyper-V to consolidate workloads and reduce the number of active devices. 6. Optimizing the cooling system with variable-speed fans and maintaining proper airflow. 7. Using remote management tools like Windows Admin Center and PowerShell to manage servers without physical access, reducing the need for peripherals. 8. Regularly updating firmware and drivers to ensure hardware operates efficiently. 9. Reducing display power consumption by turning off inactive monitors and setting them to sleep mode after inactivity.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

The public preview of Windows Admin Center version 2410 is now available

Microsoft has released version 2410 of its Windows Admin Center app, which cannot be installed alongside version 2311 or earlier versions. Users with a high availability (HA) setup are advised not to install this preview version, as HA is not supported in the current backend implementation. Version 2410 includes enhancements to the virtual machine tool, allowing for quicker listing of virtual machines and a new toggle feature to switch between "detailed" and "light" modes. The update also addresses several bugs to improve user experience. General availability of the app is expected by the end of 2024.

Winsage

October 12, 2024

How to evaluate AI for Windows Server environments | TechTarget

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents challenges for IT managers in Windows Server environments, requiring evaluation of operational and business factors to determine the best deployment strategy—on-premises or cloud. Windows Server 2025 is set to enhance AI features, encouraging organizations to utilize existing infrastructure for AI initiatives. AI can improve analytics and IT operations by processing large datasets and automating tasks, but it has limitations in areas requiring creativity and nuanced decision-making. A cost-benefit analysis is essential for AI projects, focusing on ROI through time savings and efficiency improvements. Microsoft provides resources to help calculate ROI, including Total Economic Impact studies and AI Business School frameworks. Key factors influencing AI deployment costs include the choice between cloud and on-premises models, custom versus prebuilt AI models, and the complexity of the business case. Operational considerations for successful AI deployment include skill development, security protocols, environmental impact, and supply chain dependencies. Windows Server 2025 will introduce features like GPU partitioning and live migration for optimizing AI workloads. The decision between on-premises and cloud deployment involves assessing control, costs, scalability, and risk management strategies.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

Windows Server build 26296 is out with Windows Admin Center improvements and more

Windows Server Insiders can explore a new preview build, numbered 26296, which introduces enhancements such as the ability to install Windows Admin Center directly from the desktop and access the new Feedback Hub app for Windows Server users. Key features of build 26296 include: - Windows Admin Center (WAC) can be downloaded and installed directly from the Windows Server Desktop for users of the Windows Server 2025 preview. - The new Feedback Hub app is available for Server Desktop users and should automatically update to the latest version. Known issues in this build include: - A Sysprep issue that affects generalizing images. - Confusion with the flighting label that may reference Windows 11. - Problems with the installation of PowerShell in WinPE. - Intermittent upgrade failures for those validating upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022. - An issue with archiving event logs causing the Windows Event Log service to crash. - Recommendations against installing this build if Secure Launch or DRTM code paths are enabled. Links and activation keys for downloading this build are available in the announcement post on the official Tech Community forums.