Microsoft has released the Windows Server 2025 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview Build 26501, which includes both Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions. This build is primarily meant for testing on virtual machines and can be downloaded from Microsoft's official site. However, users should be aware of potential performance issues related to using SMBDirect for live migration of cluster nodes, which may lead to timeouts due to network traffic limitations.
As part of the Windows Server Flighting program, users who have signed up will receive this update automatically. The program aims to gather feedback and improve the server experience, with users encouraged to report issues under the "Windows Server vNext" label when they encounter problems.
Additionally, the Feedback Hub app is now available as an update for those utilizing the Desktop Experience option. Users can initiate the update process through the app's settings if it doesn't install automatically. However, there are known issues, particularly concerning the use of SMBDirect, which can slow down live migration significantly, potentially increasing the process time by up to five times as the system falls back on TCP/IP due to RDMA limitations.
While downloading the preview, some users may notice an incorrect flight label indicating Windows 11, though this shouldn't interfere with the installation process. Microsoft has acknowledged this error and plans to correct it in future releases.
In summary, Windows Server 2025 LTSC Preview Build 26501 offers new features and improvements for users eager to test the latest server technology, although some issues need to be addressed. Interested users are encouraged to participate in the flighting program and provide feedback to help enhance the product's performance and usability. For further details, users can refer to the official announcement on the Microsoft Community Hub.
As the development of Windows Server 2025 progresses, it is expected that Microsoft will continue to refine the software, addressing known issues and potentially introducing new features based on user feedback collected during the preview phase. This collaborative approach could lead to a more robust and reliable server environment for enterprises when the final version is officially released
As part of the Windows Server Flighting program, users who have signed up will receive this update automatically. The program aims to gather feedback and improve the server experience, with users encouraged to report issues under the "Windows Server vNext" label when they encounter problems.
Additionally, the Feedback Hub app is now available as an update for those utilizing the Desktop Experience option. Users can initiate the update process through the app's settings if it doesn't install automatically. However, there are known issues, particularly concerning the use of SMBDirect, which can slow down live migration significantly, potentially increasing the process time by up to five times as the system falls back on TCP/IP due to RDMA limitations.
While downloading the preview, some users may notice an incorrect flight label indicating Windows 11, though this shouldn't interfere with the installation process. Microsoft has acknowledged this error and plans to correct it in future releases.
In summary, Windows Server 2025 LTSC Preview Build 26501 offers new features and improvements for users eager to test the latest server technology, although some issues need to be addressed. Interested users are encouraged to participate in the flighting program and provide feedback to help enhance the product's performance and usability. For further details, users can refer to the official announcement on the Microsoft Community Hub.
As the development of Windows Server 2025 progresses, it is expected that Microsoft will continue to refine the software, addressing known issues and potentially introducing new features based on user feedback collected during the preview phase. This collaborative approach could lead to a more robust and reliable server environment for enterprises when the final version is officially released
Windows Server 2025 LTSC Preview Build 26501 released
Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows Server with both Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions. This new build is available for testing on virtual machines and can be downloaded from Microsoft's official website. However, users may experience performance issues when using SMBDirect for live migration of cluster nodes due to network traffic limitations. Users participating in the Windows Server Flighting program will receive the update automatically later today.
Windows Server 2025 LTSC Preview Build 26501 released @ NT Compatible
