Microsoft released the latest update to the Windows Server 2025 preview version before the end of the year. This update brings new features and security improvements to users who are concerned about enterprise-level systems.
Time node for new version release
On December 6, 2024, Microsoft launched Build 26334, which was officially recognized as the last preview version of the 2025 long-term service channel. The time point is chosen before the end of the year, which shows that Microsoft hopes to complete the main testing and feedback collection work before the new year officially starts, thus paving the way for the subsequent release of the official version.
As far as the enterprise IT department is concerned, this year-end version provides an opportunity to evaluate the stability of the platform and new features. They can take advantage of the relatively slow business period at the end of the year to carry out test deployments without causing too much interference in daily operations. This shows Microsoft's consideration of the work rhythm of enterprise users.
Core Security Functions WDAC
The Windows Defender Application Control introduced in this update is a significant security enhancement. It creates an "allowed list" and strictly limits the software that can be run on the server. This approach can effectively block unauthorized programs, thereby reducing the potential paths for malicious attacks on the system.
For administrators, they can directly apply default policies preset by Microsoft. This feature is supported by a security configuration platform called "SCP", which simplifies the deployment process. At a time when threats such as ransomware are increasing, this active defense mechanism is particularly important to protect corporate data assets.
Simplified installation of management tool WAC
Starting from the earlier Build 26252, the installation process of Windows Management Center has been optimized. Now, users can download and install this management tool directly on the server desktop, and the application will lead the user to complete all the installation steps, which lowers the operating threshold.
It should be noted that this convenience is currently limited to the desktop environment of the Data Center Edition and Standard Edition Preview. Microsoft may be taking this action because it wants to encourage more users to try and use its integrated management solutions to gradually replace some traditional distributed management tools.
Automatic updates for Insider program
If the user has signed up for the Windows Insider testing program, their system will receive the new version on its own later. This push mechanism ensures that testers can obtain the latest build version in a timely manner without having to manually search and download it.
Such an automated update process helps Microsoft collect more continuous and broader test data. For IT professionals participating in the plan, it also saves time in tracking and deploying beta versions, allowing them to focus more on functional evaluation itself.
Formalization of feedback channels
In this version, server desktop users can now submit questions and suggestions directly to Microsoft with the help of the "Feedback Center" application. The application itself will also continue to maintain an automatically updated state to ensure that the feedback channel is unobstructed and that the functionality is intact.
In the past, the feedback channels for server users may not be as clear as those for client system users. This change shows that Microsoft is paying more and more attention to the user experience of enterprise-level products and hopes to obtain more front-line information from system administrators and operation and maintenance personnel to improve products.
Installation options for different versions
Microsoft provides both desktop experience and server core installation options in multiple versions of the image. They include the data center version, the standard version, the Azure Stack HCI annual version, and the version used for evaluation on Azure virtual machines.
Installing the server core can provide smaller resource usage and a smaller attack surface, which is suitable for scenarios that require high security and high density. The version with desktop experience is different. It is more suitable for environments that require a graphical interface for management and for environments that need to run specialized applications. It is this flexibility that enables companies to make more precise choices based on actual needs.
What is your opinion on Microsoft's approach of integrating more security and management functions into server systems? Will this make your deployment and maintenance work easier, or will it introduce new complexities? You are welcome to share your personal views in the comment area. If you feel that this article is useful, please give it a like and support.
