Microsoft has officially unveiled the general availability of Windows Server 2025, commencing with build 26100.1742. This latest iteration of the Server operating system is part of the long-term servicing channel (LTSC) release, ensuring users can benefit from extended support for nearly a decade, lasting until October 10, 2034. Mainstream support will continue until October 9, 2029.
Key Features and Enhancements
According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2025 introduces significant advancements in security and hybrid cloud capabilities, all within a high-performance, AI-capable framework. The company emphasizes that this release represents a substantial leap forward in terms of I/O throughput performance. Further details regarding storage enhancements are expected to be shared in subsequent communications.
Among the notable improvements are enhancements related to GPU virtualization, including GPU Partitioning and Multi-Instance GPU capabilities, as well as Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enclaves.
In a move reminiscent of Windows 11 24H2, Windows Server 2025 will also adopt a new update delivery method known as checkpoint cumulatives, streamlining the process of receiving the latest updates.
Known Issues and Workarounds
As with any major software release, Microsoft has identified three known issues associated with Windows Server 2025:
- An English language-related bug during installation.
- An issue affecting CPUs with a very high thread count (exceeding 256 threads/logical processors).
- A ‘boot device inaccessible’ startup error occurring in iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) environments.
For users encountering the high core count issue, Microsoft suggests a straightforward workaround: limit the number of cores to 256 or fewer.
For those interested in exploring Windows Server 2025, a free 180-day trial is available for download from the Evaluation Center on Microsoft’s official website.
In conjunction with the launch of Server 2025, System Center 2025 is also set to be available, as previously confirmed by Microsoft. Additional details can be found on the official site.
