What's new in Windows Server 2025
Windows Server 2025 (released in November 2024) is the largest update in years:
| New feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotpatching | Security updates without restart (requires Azure Arc) |
| GPU Partitioning | Sharing GPU between virtual machines (AI/ML) |
| NVMe Performance | Up to 70% more IOPS on the same hardware |
| SMB over QUIC | Secure file access without VPN |
| Active Directory | 32K page sizes, default LDAP encryption |
| Winget | Package manager (like apt/yum in Linux) |
| Win 11 Interface | New GUI look, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
System requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1.4 GHz, 64-bit, SSE4.2 + POPCNT |
| RAM | 512 MB (Core) / 2 GB (Desktop Experience) |
| Disk | 32 GB (recommended 64+ GB) |
| TPM | 2.0 (required) |
| Firmware | UEFI 2.3.1c with Secure Boot |
| Network | Ethernet PCIe ≥ 1 Gbps |
Important: Server 2025 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot — just like Windows 11. Older hardware without TPM is not supported.
Standard vs Datacenter
| Feature | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual machines | 2 VMs per host | Unlimited |
| Storage Spaces Direct | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDN (Software Defined Networking) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Shielded VMs | ✗ | ✓ |
| Storage Replica | Limited | Unlimited |
When to use Standard? Physical servers or light virtualization (up to 2 VMs). For 3+ VMs or HCI — Datacenter.
Step 1: Download ISO
From the email from KluczeSoft, download the Windows Server 2025 ISO file.
Step 2: Create installation media
USB drive (Rufus)
- Rufus → SELECT ISO → GPT → UEFI → START
Virtual server (Hyper-V/VMware)
Mount the ISO directly in the VM settings.
Step 3: Install Windows Server
- Boot from USB/ISO → language: Polish → Install now
- Enter the key from KluczeSoft (or "I don't have a key" and activate later)
- Choose the edition:
- Windows Server 2025 Standard — command line (Server Core)
- Windows Server 2025 Standard (Desktop Experience) — with graphical interface
- Accept the terms → Custom → select partition → wait
- Set the administrator password (complex: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters)
Server Core vs Desktop Experience: Core has no GUI — management through PowerShell and RSAT. Desktop Experience has a full Windows 11 interface. For smaller companies, we recommend Desktop Experience.
Step 4: Activate with a key
Through GUI
Settings → System → Activation → Change key → enter key
Through CMD/PowerShell
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr /ato
By phone
slmgr /dti → 00 800 121 1654 → slmgr /atp CODE
Step 5: Basic configuration
1. Windows Update
sconfig
Choose option 6 → Download and install updates
2. Change server name
Rename-Computer -NewName "SRV-NAME" -Restart
3. Configure static IP
Network settings → adapter → IPv4 → enter IP address, mask, gateway, DNS
4. Add roles (Server Manager)
Server Manager → Add roles and features → choose:
- Active Directory Domain Services
- DNS Server
- DHCP Server
- File and Storage Services
- Hyper-V
- Web Server (IIS)
Licensing — CAL
Windows Server requires Client Access Licenses (CAL) for each user or device connecting to the server:
| Type of CAL | When |
|---|---|
| User CAL | Each user (regardless of devices) |
| Device CAL | Each device (regardless of users) |
Hint: You have 5 employees with 2 computers each? 5 User CALs (not 10 Device CALs). You have 3 shared computers used by 20 people? 3 Device CALs.
KluczeSoft offers CALs separately — check our offer.
Troubleshooting
"TPM 2.0 not found"
Server 2025 requires TPM 2.0. Check BIOS → Security → Intel PTT / AMD fTPM. Older hardware may not support TPM 2.0 — consider Server 2022.
Error code 0xC004F074
Check your internet connection, slmgr /ato. Or activate by phone.
Server Core — how to manage?
Install RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) on your Windows 10/11 PC, connect to the server by IP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CAL in addition to the server license? Yes — each user/device connecting to the server needs a CAL.
Standard or Datacenter? Standard: up to 2 VMs. Datacenter: unlimited VMs + S2D + SDN.
Does Server 2025 require TPM? Yes — TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are mandatory.
How long does support last? 10 years (5 mainstream + 5 extended). Server 2025 until November 2034.
Can I upgrade from Server 2022? Yes — in-place upgrade from 2022 to 2025 is supported.
Need help?
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Phone: 00 800 121 1654
- Help Centre: pomoc.kluczesoft.pl