Microsoft has released Windows Server Insider Preview 26040, marking the first Windows Server 2025 build for admins enrolled in its Windows Insider program.
This build is the initial release for the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview, offering both Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, as well as Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only).
“We’ve resumed the Windows Server Insider program after our winter break and there’s a new build, new features, and – finally – the official branding: Windows Server 2025”
Microsoft Principal Program Manager Ned Pyle
This release introduces hotpatching, next-gen Active Directory, and SMB over QUIC alternative ports, empowering Windows admins to switch from the default SMB over QUIC UDP/443 port to a port of their choice.
Support for SMB alternative ports initially arrived with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25992 in the Canary channel in November. At that time, Microsoft stated that the SMB client could connect to an SMB server over TCP, QUIC, or RDMA using network ports other than the default setting.
Windows Server flighting and Desktop Experience changes
Today, Microsoft announced the launch of flighting for Windows Server insiders, enabling admins to automatically install new Insider builds via Windows Update instead of manual deployment.
“From now on, we plan to publish each new build to Windows Update (aka “flighting”) at the same time we publish the familiar ISO to our Windows Server insider community. It’s your choice to upgrade using Setup as before, or to use Windows Update for the same,”
Microsoft software engineer Artem Pronichkin
Microsoft will also expand Windows Server Insider flighting with additional Insider channels, mirroring Windows 11 flighting channels.
Windows Server with Desktop Experience will also receive the same ‘Email & Accounts’ experience as Windows 11, increased coverage for Bluetooth devices, and the Wi-Fi Wireless LAN service enabled by default for Edge scenarios.
“You will need the appropriate hardware and drivers handy. Please verify that your wireless devices work properly. When hardware and the correct drivers are present, see the corresponding Settings and Taskbar experiences,”
Microsoft
How to Download Windows Server 2025
Registered Insiders can visit the Windows Server Insider Preview download page to access ISO and VHDX images for this Windows Server 2025 preview build. For those not yet registered as an Insider, additional details are provided on the Windows Insiders for Business portal.
Further information about Windows Server 2025 Insider builds, including Server Standard and Datacenter keys, can be found here. This Windows Server Preview build will expire on September 15, 2024.
