Windows Server 2025: Install in 30 Mins

Key insights

• Windows Server 2025 is the latest release of Microsoft's server OS, available since November 1, 2024. It introduces advancements like hotpatching, next-gen Active Directory, and enhanced security features.


• This version focuses on virtualization enhancements and supports two service channels: the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) for stability and the Annual Channel (AC) for frequent updates.


• Key features include:
  • Hotpatching: Apply patches without rebooting to minimize downtime.
  • SMB over QUIC: Secure file sharing with support for alternative ports beyond UDP/443.
  • Enhanced Security: Includes hardened firewall defaults and protections against attacks.


• The installation process involves checking hardware requirements, obtaining installation media, setting up server roles using Server Manager or PowerShell, and configuring hybrid capabilities like Azure Arc.


• Advantages: Reduced downtime through hotpatching, improved security with advanced protocols, flexible file access via SMB over QUIC, cloud-native readiness with Azure Arc support, and performance boosts in Hyper-V and storage performance.


• The integration with Azure Arc and AI-focused enhancements positions Windows Server 2025 as a future-ready platform bridging on-premises and cloud workloads effectively.

Overview of Andy Malone’s Tutorial

In a clear and fast-paced you_tube_video, Andy Malone [MVP] walks viewers through installing and configuring Windows Server 2025 in roughly 30 minutes. He focuses on building a virtual lab, performing the core OS setup, and enabling three foundational services: DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). The presentation follows a logical sequence from environment creation to role management, ending with concise conclusions. As a result, the format suits learners who want practical skills without unnecessary detours.

Virtualization and Installation Walkthrough

Malone begins by creating a virtual environment and then installing Windows Server 2025 from scratch. He shows how a free virtualization approach can help learners practice safely before touching production systems. However, there are tradeoffs: free hypervisors and limited hardware can constrain CPU, memory, and storage, which affects performance during labs. Therefore, viewers should balance resource allocation against responsiveness, and consider snapshots only when they do not slow down routine tasks.

Configuring DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory

After installation, Malone renames the server and uses Server Manager to add roles for DNS, DHCP, and AD DS. He demonstrates setting DHCP scopes and options, creating or validating DNS zones, and promoting the server to a domain controller. This rapid method is ideal for demonstrations and test labs; nevertheless, production deployments require more planning. In reality, teams must consider redundancy, backup strategies, delegated administration, and hardened defaults to reduce risk while maintaining agility.

What’s New in Windows Server 2025

Beyond setup, the tutorial highlights advances in Windows Server 2025, which reached general availability in late 2024. Features such as hotpatching reduce downtime by applying some updates without reboots, while next-generation Active Directory strengthens security and scalability. Moreover, SMB over QUIC with alternative ports improves secure file access over the internet, and enhanced defaults help mitigate brute force and relay attacks. Even so, each enhancement brings considerations: hotpatching coverage varies by update type, SMB over QUIC needs certificates and client support, and new security baselines may require careful compatibility testing.

Hybrid Readiness and Servicing Choices

Malone also notes how the platform aligns with hybrid operations, including integration with Azure Arc and support for containerized workloads. This creates flexibility for organizations that manage on-premises and cloud resources in one place. Yet, hybrid designs introduce governance and cost decisions, especially when connecting on-prem resources to cloud services. Additionally, choosing the LTSC channel favors stability and long support, while the Annual Channel prioritizes faster access to features at the expense of more frequent change.

Practical Takeaways and Challenges

The video shows that a focused plan and predefined settings can compress a server build into a half hour. Still, real-world rollouts must address network design, identity lifecycle, monitoring, and incident response. Teams need to test policies, validate certificates for SMB over QUIC, and confirm that AD DS changes align with compliance requirements. Ultimately, Malone’s walkthrough offers a strong starting point for learners, while also underscoring that production success depends on careful planning, layered security, and ongoing maintenance.

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