Key Windows Server 2025 Updates: What's New and Noteworthy

Microsoft has officially launched Windows Server 2025. This is an important development for IT administrators and businesses. While technically Windows Server 2025 general availability was since January for special licensing customers, it is now widely accessible. This new version has important security upgrades, hot patching features, and a user-friendly design that matches Windows 11.

Here are the most notable Windows Server 2025 new features & updates you need to know:

1. Visual and UI Enhancements

If you’re expecting a dramatic UI overhaul, you won’t find one here. Windows Server 2025 largely retains the look and feel of Windows Server 2022, but with a Windows 11-style facelift. The overall experience remains familiar to long-time users, ensuring a smooth transition without the need for extensive retraining.

2. Hot Patching: Fewer Reboots, More Uptime

One of the most exciting features is hot patching, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a reboot. This means that instead of rebooting your servers 12 times a year, you only need to do so four times annually.

However, it’s an opt-in feature with certain restrictions—some updates will still necessitate a reboot. This is a big step forward. It brings Windows Server up to speed with competitors that have had similar features for a while.

3. Security and Active Directory Enhancements

Security has been a central focus in this release, particularly for Active Directory (AD). Microsoft has introduced several key improvements:

• LDAP Now Supports TLS 1.3 by Default: LDAP will now prefer encryption by default, a first for Windows Server. This enhances security for login and directory services.
• Active Directory Database Performance Improvements: Larger page sizes help improve performance, especially in large environments. These changes set the foundation for future feature enhancements.
• Credential Guard is Now On by Default: Credential Guard was once an optional security feature. Now, it is turned on by default for new setups, improving protection against stolen login details.
• NTLM Deprecation in Progress: Microsoft is actively moving toward deprecating NTLM. Administrators can now find NTLM settings more easily in Active Directory management tools as NTLM is gradually replaced by more secure methods.

4. SMB Over QUIC: VPN-Free Secure File Sharing

SMB over QUIC was only available in Windows Server 2022 Azure Edition. Now, it is available in all editions, including Standard and Datacenter.

SMB traffic can now be tunneled over HTTPS, removing the need for VPNs. This lets you use mapped drives like OneDrive and allows secure access to files from anywhere without needing complicated VPN setups.

To use this feature, you need PKI infrastructure and the latest version of Windows Server. It can greatly improve remote work.

5. SMB Security Enhancements

Beyond QUIC, Microsoft has introduced other important SMB security upgrades:

• SMB Signing Enabled by Default: This prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures data integrity.
• Rate Limiting for NTLM Hash Requests: Slows down brute-force attacks on NTLM hashes.
• NetBIOS Ports Disabled by Default: This improves security by minimizing outdated, vulnerable ports.

These changes greatly improve file-sharing security and bring Windows Server up to date with current security standards.

Final Thoughts

Windows Server 2025 is an incremental but impactful update, focusing on security, efficiency, and usability. The look is similar to Windows Server 2022, but the upgrades in hot patching, Active Directory, and SMB security make it a compelling choice—especially for organizations that prioritize security and performance.

For businesses with large Active Directory systems, these updates will enhance security and help operations run more smoothly. And for organizations still relying on VPN-based file sharing, SMB over QUIC offers a compelling alternative.

With Windows Server 2025, Microsoft is taking steps to modernize its server OS while keeping it familiar and stable. If you’re considering an upgrade, now is the time to start planning for these enhancements.

What’s noteworthy is that Windows Server 2025 lifecycle will stop receiving support on October 10, 2029. Extended support will end five years later, on October 10, 2034.

Discover more about Windows Server 2025 here.