Windows Server 2025 Launched: Features, Support, and Known Issues

On November 4, 2024, Microsoft officially launched Windows Server 2025, marking the latest addition to its long-term servicing channel (LTSC). This release promises an extended support lifecycle until October 2034, coupled with significant enhancements in security, storage capabilities, and virtualization technologies. As businesses increasingly migrate to hybrid cloud environments and demand robust, scalable server solutions, Windows Server 2025 is poised to meet these evolving needs with its comprehensive feature set.

Extended Support Lifecycle​

Microsoft continues its tradition of providing reliable and long-term support for its server operating systems. Windows Server 2025 enters the market with mainstream support slated to continue until October 2029, followed by extended support through October 2034. This extended support period ensures that organizations can rely on consistent updates and security patches, minimizing disruptions and maintaining operational stability over a decade-long horizon.

Enhanced Security Features​

In an era where cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Windows Server 2025 introduces a suite of advanced security features designed to safeguard critical infrastructure:

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Enclaves​

VBS enclaves provide isolated environments for sensitive operations, ensuring that critical processes remain protected even in the event of a system compromise. By leveraging hardware virtualization, VBS creates secure enclaves that are resistant to tampering and unauthorized access, significantly enhancing the overall security posture of the server.

GPU Partitioning​

Windows Server 2025 enhances GPU virtualization through GPU Partitioning, allowing for more efficient and secure allocation of GPU resources. This feature not only improves performance for graphic-intensive applications but also ensures that GPU resources are managed securely across different virtual machines, reducing the risk of resource contention and potential security vulnerabilities.

Advanced Storage Solutions​

Storage performance and reliability are paramount for enterprise-level applications and data management. Windows Server 2025 introduces several improvements to address these critical areas:

Improved I/O Performance​

Optimizations in input/output operations ensure faster data access and reduced latency, which are essential for applications requiring real-time data processing and high-throughput storage systems. Enhanced I/O performance translates to better application responsiveness and overall system efficiency.

Hybrid Cloud Support​

With the growing adoption of hybrid cloud architectures, Windows Server 2025 offers seamless integration with both on-premises and cloud-based storage solutions. This flexibility allows organizations to optimize their storage strategies, balancing between local performance and the scalability of cloud storage.

Comprehensive Virtualization Enhancements​

Virtualization remains a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, and Windows Server 2025 delivers substantial advancements in this domain:

GPU Virtualization​

Beyond GPU Partitioning, Windows Server 2025 provides enhanced GPU virtualization capabilities, enabling more efficient utilization of GPU resources across multiple virtual machines. This is particularly beneficial for workloads that demand high graphical processing power, such as machine learning, data analytics, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).

Containerization and Orchestration​

The new release introduces improved support for containerization technologies and orchestration tools, facilitating the deployment and management of containerized applications. Enhanced container lifecycle management and orchestration capabilities empower IT teams to streamline application deployment, scaling, and maintenance.

Broad CPU Support​

Understanding the diverse hardware landscape of enterprise environments, Microsoft has expanded the list of supported CPUs for Windows Server 2025, encompassing a wide range of processors from both Intel and AMD:

Intel Processors​

Support extends to multiple generations of Intel’s Xeon processors, including Granite Rapids, Emerald Rapids, Ice Lake, and Cascade Lake. This broad compatibility ensures that organizations utilizing various Intel Xeon architectures can seamlessly upgrade to Windows Server 2025 without hardware constraints.

AMD Processors​

For AMD users, the server operating system supports EPYC processors from the Zen 2 to Zen 5 families, specifically models ranging from 7xx2 through 9xx5. This inclusivity caters to a wide array of performance requirements, from high-end data centers to entry-level server deployments.

Entry-Level Processor Support​

In addition to high-performance CPUs, Windows Server 2025 also supports entry-level processors such as Intel’s Pentium G7400 and G7400T. This ensures that smaller businesses or specific use cases requiring cost-effective solutions can leverage the latest server technologies without unnecessary expenditure on high-end hardware.

Known Issues and Mitigations​

While Windows Server 2025 introduces numerous enhancements, Microsoft has acknowledged the presence of a few known issues based on early deployments and testing:

English Text Display During Installation​

Users have reported instances where English text does not display correctly during the installation process. Microsoft is actively investigating this issue and plans to release a patch to rectify the text rendering problem in upcoming updates.

Boot Errors in iSCSI Environments​

Boot errors have been noted in environments utilizing iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) for network-based storage solutions. These errors can impede the boot process, affecting system availability. Microsoft recommends monitoring affected systems and following best practices for iSCSI configurations until a fix is deployed.

CPU Compatibility Beyond 256 Threads​

Systems equipped with CPUs that have more than 256 threads are experiencing longer installation times, slower restart processes, and instances of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when running certain applications. As an interim solution, Microsoft advises reducing the processor count to 256 threads or fewer to mitigate these issues. A permanent fix is underway and will be included in future updates.

Getting Started with Windows Server 2025​

Organizations interested in evaluating Windows Server 2025 can take advantage of a free 180-day trial available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. This trial period allows IT teams to test the new features, assess compatibility with existing infrastructure, and plan for a seamless migration to the new server environment.

Conclusion​

Windows Server 2025 represents a significant step forward in Microsoft’s server operating system lineup, offering enhanced security, superior storage solutions, and advanced virtualization capabilities. With extended support until 2034, broad CPU compatibility, and a focus on meeting the demands of hybrid cloud environments, Windows Server 2025 is well-positioned to support organizations in their digital transformation journeys. While a few issues have been identified, Microsoft’s proactive approach in addressing them ensures that businesses can adopt the new server OS with confidence, leveraging its robust features to drive efficiency and innovation.
For more detailed insights and updates on Windows Server 2025, stay tuned to WindowsForum.com, your reliable source for the latest in Microsoft technologies and IT advancements.

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Source: MSPoweruser Windows Server 2025 is now out—here are its supported CPUs