Windows Server: Microsoft promotes upgrade to Server 2025 via Windows Update

Microsoft briefly had problems with unsolicited upgrades via Windows Update when Windows Server 2025 was released. Microsoft got this under control in mid-April this year and made the optional upgrade available again. Now the company is promoting IT managers to upgrade their servers to the newer server version via the Windows Update mechanism.

In the Message Center of the Windows Release Health Notes, Microsoft has now pointed out that Windows Server also supports in-place upgrades to newer versions. This is intended to make it easier to migrate from Windows Server 2019 or 2022 to Server 2025. The process is said to be as simple as monthly security updates and does not require installation media. And then, however, there is a “but”.

In the “Windows Server News and Best Practices” blog, Microsoft describes that admins must, of course, plan the upgrade and take preparatory measures. The Windows Server team recommends, for example, a phased rollout of Windows Server 2025, starting with the least critical machines. They also encourage admins to test the upgrade in a test environment first to gain experience with the upgrade process. The time required for an upgrade depends on factors such as machine performance, the number of running applications, and the number of users on the computer. Overall, the process of backup or snapshot and upgrade should take about two hours, according to the Windows Server team.

Step-by-step guide

The Microsoft employees also provide a step-by-step guide that IT managers should follow for the upgrade process. Ten steps are intended to support planning; for preparing the rollout, Microsoft suggests seven further steps up to completion – for the “Desktop Experience”. Those running Server Core will need nine steps accordingly.

In addition, the Windows Server team provides practical tips on what admins should check and do after the update. Error logs, a diagnostic tool, and Microsoft customer support are intended to provide assistance with problems.

(dmk)