I just installed server 2025 via hyper-v using the original iso, I know the file name is preview but there is no watermark showing the version and build so is this more or less the final build.
There is no watermark nor expiration date because it is no INSIDER PREVIEW but simply early access preview aka 26100.1 just like it was with 20348.1 Server 2022 Preview ISOs.
I removed windows defender using the server manager and I now get this when it loads to desktop. The service is greyed out as well ?
That's not how it's done, but if you've already done it that way, disable the notification so it won't pop up all the time if that's your goal.
Ok thanks, I’m only playing in hyper-v anyway so no worries if I break it. just out of interest how is it done then.
I second what @maur0 suggested, try Windows 11 Enterprise/IoT Enterprise (N) LTSC 2024. I recently tried Windows Server 2025 converted to workstation and in terms of snappyness, I doubt you´ll notice any difference. Use Rufus to create installation media with a local account and you will have very much the clean OS you and most here are so passionate about
In Windows Server it is via PowerShell: (at least how I've always done it) Remove-WindowsFeature Windows-Defender
I've been using Server 2022 as a workstation OS ever since it came out. Absolute beast that made all consumer and pro-sumer Windows versions look like a joke. Tried the new 2025 which brought all the GUI nonsense and other annoyances of Windows 11. They added up real fast to a point I deleted the whole thing. Used more RAM, more power, more resources and kept the system about 7-10 degrees C hotter. There was noticeable lag in all operations on a relatively capable machine. I hope by the time 2022 is obsolete there will be Windows 12 or whatever which will save us from this abomination called Windows 11. Again, this is my review of Server 2025 as a desktop OS and not as its intended purpose of a server. Honestly, they should just call it Windows 11 Server Edition instead of trying to make it it's something entirely else, which it is not. Some posts above suggested using Windows Enterprise IoT instead which I find hilarious as both are not even close compared side by side and for so many other reasons.
I have a question about Windows Server 2025: As far as I understand, the latest downloads is still preview version of Server2025. Final Version will be released in September or so. Jeys are only valid til late September. If I install and use Windows Server2025 with this Versions/Keys here, am I able to upgrade/change it to final Version later WITHOUT loosing data or do I have to completely new install a clean version of the final Server 2025? Thank You.
It's and will still the same build general availability will just include preinstalled Cumulative Update same thing as Server 2022
@abbodi1406 : So I can install preview now and use it even in october when final version was released? Or I can make update/change to final version without loising data? I am not familiar with this procedure as you mention same as Windows 2022. So I asked. If I can use it longer than September or upgrade/change to final I would install it now. If I have to make a completely clean Install from preview to final when final version is relased I would wait for final version. Can you give me Information about this?
Yes 2022: RTM = en_windows_server_2022_preview_x64_dvd_3bd1e657.iso = 20348.1 GA = en-us_windows_server_2022_x64_dvd_620d7eac.iso = 20348.169 2025: RTM = en-us_windows_server_2025_preview_x64_dvd_ce9eb1a5.iso = 26100.1 GA = en-us_windows_server_2025_x64_dvd_????????.iso = 26100.????
even though RTM server 2025 present iso files can't do in place upgrade no matter what tools and scripts I find to try as the included installer reverts back to greying out the option to save apps and data will have to wait for non eval release unless someone here has tried or has registry trick to change on 2022 datacentre to fool and has some instructions on that as mine just a basic 6th gen laptop
If you use the Server as a workstation and need rock solid, lightning fast and bloat free production work horse, stick with Server 2022. Absolutely no reason to upgrade to 2025 and all the reasons not to. Server 2022 will continue to receive sec updates until 2031 and by then Windows 11 will be long forgotten.
-------------------- Download the uup files and do a clean install. Why bother upgrading on top of the current OS?