Windows Server 2025: Initial glimpse with new domain functional level

Originally published on https://www.virtualizationhowto.com on September 19, 2023 by Brandon Lee.

With the release of the latest vNext Preview, which are previews of new server operating systems and even new features of current versions, we get a glimpse at things to come in Windows Server 2025. Though the branding still includes Windows Server 2022, its obvious this release shows the evolution Microsoft is steering toward with the next version of its server operating system. Let’s look at this latest preview build and see a few of the things in store for Windows Server 2025.

Windows Server 2025 — The next Windows Server version

Well, the wait is over to know the next Windows Server version. Due to clues offered in VMware ESXi 8 and elsewhere, we see the next supported Windows Server version with mainstream support will be Windows Server 2025. However, it is interesting to note that Windows Server 2022 will have extended support until the October 14, 2031 date, so quite a long lifespan is left for the current “latest” Windows Server version.

New Features, Developments, and additional information

Note the following new features that are either documented or observed so far with the Windows Server vNext Preview Build 25951:

• Azure Arc-enabled Server onboarding experience