When and how do we move to Windows Server 2025?
Windows Server 2025 is GA since late 2024, with security improvements (delegated MSAs, on-prem hotpatching), performance and hybrid features. No need to rush, useful at refresh time.
Try this first
- 1Build a 2025 test VM and validate all line-of-business apps: vendor support for 2025 is not yet universal.
- 2For new servers in 2025/2026: build straight on 2025, longest support runway through 2034.
- 3For existing 2019/2022: in-place upgrade is possible, but at hardware refresh prefer clean install with data migration. Clean and tested.
- 4For DCs: promote a new 2025 DC, let replication settle, transfer FSMO and demote the old. Don't in-place upgrade.
- 5On-prem hotpatching: 2025 supports it via Azure Arc, can save reboots on production servers. Check licensing cost.
When to bring us in
For large complex environments: Microsoft has Storage Migration Service to help with file-server migration between versions. A local partner or MS Premier can also assist.
See also
- One DC or two DCs for an SMB office?Two is almost always the right answer; one DC is a single point of failure for logon, DNS and GPOs.
- Should I split FSMO roles across two DCs?For a small domain all on one DC is fine; with two DCs splitting is tidier but not required.
- How do I know my AD replication is healthy?Replication errors creep in silently; they only surface when logins or GPOs misbehave.
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