Comparison between Windows Server 2022 and 2025
Prem Narayan
Senior Technical Lead | Azure AD | Active Directory |PowerShell | Azure | AWS | Windows Administration| VMWare
Windows Server 2022 and the upcoming Windows Server 2025 represent significant milestones in Microsoft's server operating system evolution. Below is a comparative analysis based on the known features and improvements:
Windows Server 2022
Release Date: August 2021
Key Features
Security: Advanced multi-layer security, secured-core server, and secured connectivity.
Hybrid Capabilities with Azure: Enhanced integration with Azure for management, backup, and disaster recovery.
Container Improvements: Smaller and more efficient container images, improved Kubernetes support.
Storage: Storage Migration Service enhancements, faster SMB (Server Message Block) over QUIC protocol.
Networking: Improvements in network performance and security, including support for SMB Direct with RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access).
Performance: Improved performance through technologies like TCP HyStart++ and RACK for fast and loss-resilient data transmission.
Windows Server 2025 ()
Release Date: Expected in 2025 (Exact date TBD) Currently in Insider Preview state
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Key Features
Enhanced Security: Further advancements in security features, likely building upon the secured-core server with more robust threat protection and detection mechanisms.
Deeper Azure Integration: Even more seamless hybrid cloud capabilities, potentially including better support for Azure Arc and Azure Auto-manage.
AI and Automation: Integration of AI-driven management and automation tools to simplify server management and operations.
Containerization and Microservices: Continued focus on optimizing containers and support for microservices architectures.
Storage and Networking Innovations: Improvements in storage management, possibly with advancements in SSD and NVMe technologies, and networking performance enhancements, including better support for emerging protocols.
Sustainability: Features aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of server operations.
Comparison Summary
Security: Windows Server 2022 already provides robust security features, and Windows Server 2025 is expected to enhance these further with cutting-edge threat protection and detection.
Hybrid Capabilities: Both versions emphasize hybrid cloud capabilities, with Windows Server 2025 expected to offer even more seamless integration with Azure services.
Performance and Efficiency: Each new version typically brings performance improvements. Windows Server 2025 is anticipated to continue this trend with better resource management and efficiency.
AI and Automation: The integration of AI for server management is a key area where Windows Server 2025 is expected to advance beyond what Windows Server 2022 offers.
Sustainability: With growing emphasis on sustainability in IT, Windows Server 2025 might include features aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.
These anticipated features of Windows Server 2025 are based on industry trends and Microsoft's historical approach to server operating system development. As the release date approaches, more detailed and specific information will become available.