Microsoft Windows Server 2025 prepares you for tomorrow while delivering the security, performance, and flexibility you need today. Be more productive with easier networking, faster storage, and hybrid cloud capabilities that adapt to your needs. Get ahead of what’s next with forward-looking security, and AI-ready compute.

Some key improvements include:

• Hybrid: Adapt quickly across hybrid, cloud and edge. Easier to connect to Azure Arc to bridge on-premises and cloud-based servers. Deliver Azure capabilities to your on-premises servers.
• Security: Hardware and software-level security to deter cyberattacks; next-generation Active Directory that improves security and scalability. Enable a tailored security baseline and  configure drift protection from the start.
• Modern, future-ready platform: Windows Server 2025 is now easier to upgrade and scale, with better-than-ever app compatibility. Windows Server 2025 desktop brings consistent client and server UI experience, plus conveniences like WiFi and Bluetooth.
• Performance: Faster and easier networking and storage; live hotpatching for reduced downtime; GPU partitioning for inferencing at the edge. Improvements in flash-based storage make Windows Server an even better platform for SQL Server.

Choose an edition and an installation option:

Customers who download the full ISO will need to choose an edition and an installation option. This ISO evaluation is for the Datacenter and Standard editions. Upon general availability you will select the edition and installation option that best suits your business’s needs.

Installation options:

• Server Core: This is a smaller installation that includes the core components of Windows Server and supports all server roles but does not include a local graphical user interface (GUI). It is used for “headless” deployments which are managed remotely through Windows Admin Center, PowerShell, or other server management tools..
• Server with Desktop Experience: This is the complete installation and includes a full GUI for customers who prefer this option.

When you complete your evaluation, you can convert your evaluation versions to retail.

Languages

• ISO: Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish
• VHD: English

Evaluation options:

• Windows Server 2025 on Microsoft Azure
• Windows Server 2025 | 64-bit ISO
• Windows Server 2025 | 64-bit VHD

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Key Features

Device Protection

• File Shield: Real-time scanning of files to prevent malware infections.

• Web Shield: Monitors internet data transfers to block malicious scripts.

• Mail Shield: Scans incoming and outgoing emails for malicious content in desktop email clients.

• Behavior Shield: Detects and blocks suspicious behavior indicative of malware.

• CyberCapture: Analyzes rare, suspicious files in a secure virtual environment.

• Sandbox: Runs applications in an isolated environment to prevent potential damage.

• SmartScan: Comprehensive scanning for malware, outdated applications, and unsafe settings.

• Rescue Disk: Allows scanning of PCs before system boot to detect and remove persistent malware.

Data & Network Protection

• Advanced Firewall: Monitors network traffic to block unauthorized data transmissions.

• Ransomware Shield: Protects sensitive data from unauthorized modification or encryption.

• Remote Access Shield: Prevents unauthorized Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access.

• Network Inspector: Analyzes network status and connected devices to identify security issues.

• Data Shredder: Permanently deletes files to prevent data recovery.

• Exchange Server Protection: Scans and filters emails on your Exchange server to prevent malware from spreading through email.

• SharePoint Server Protection: Scans files uploaded to your SharePoint servers to prevent malware from spreading through shared storage.

Online Security & Privacy

• Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized access to your webcam.

• Passwords Protection: Secures stored passwords against theft.

• Phishing Protection: Blocks access to known phishing websites to protect user credentials.

• SecureLine VPN: Encrypts your internet connection to ensure online privacy and protect your data, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Additional Features

• USB Protection: Prevents unauthorized use of USB devices to avoid data theft, data loss, and malware infections.

• Web Control: Allows you to control access to websites to prevent exposure to harmful content and improve productivity.

• Patch Management (available as add-on): Helps you keep your software up to date by automatically applying patches to fix vulnerabilities.

• Cloud Backup (available as add-on): Protects your business data by backing it up to the cloud, ensuring data recovery in case of loss.

• Premium Remote Control (available as add-on): Enables IT administrators to remotely access and troubleshoot devices, reducing the need for on-site visits.

System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows:

  • Windows 7 SP1 (requires KB3033929)

  • Windows 8/8.1 (excluding RT and Starter editions)

  • Windows 10 (Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions)

  • Windows 11

  • Windows Server 2008 R2 (requires KB3033929)

  • Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 (excluding Server Core)

  • Small Business Server 2011

  • macOS:

  • macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

  • At least 500 MB of free disk space

  • Note: USB Protection requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later

• Android:

  • Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher

• iOS:

  • iOS 13.0 or higher

Hardware Requirements

• Windows:

  • 1 GHz or faster processor

  • 1 GB RAM or more

  • 2 GB free space on the hard disk

• macOS:

  • Intel-based Mac with 64-bit processor or Apple silicon chip (M1)

  • 512 MB RAM or more (1 GB RAM or higher preferred)

  • 750 MB free space on the hard disk

• Internet Connection:

  • Required for downloading, activating, and maintaining application updates and antivirus database

Key Features

Device Protection

• File Shield: Scans programs and files saved on your PC for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved.

• Web Shield: Scans data transferred when browsing the internet in real-time to help prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your PC.

• Mail Shield: Scans incoming and outgoing email messages in real-time for malicious content such as viruses.

• Behavior Shield: Monitors all processes on your PC in real-time for suspicious behavior that may indicate the presence of malicious code.

• Sandbox: Allows you to browse the web or run an application in a completely isolated, safe environment.

• CyberCapture: Detects and analyzes rare, suspicious files by sending them to the Avast Threat Lab for analysis in a safe, virtual environment.

• SmartScan: Scans for malware, outdated applications, unsafe settings, and suspicious add-ons.

• Rescue Disk: Enables you to scan your PCs before the system boots, increasing the chances of detecting and removing malware.

Data & Network Protection

• Advanced Firewall: Monitors network traffic between your employees’ devices and the internet, improving blocking of dangerous or unnecessary data transmissions.

• Ransomware Shield: Reinforces the protection of your sensitive data and other critical business documents against modification, deletion, or encryption by ransomware attacks.

• Remote Access Shield: Helps prevent Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) exploits and brute-force attacks by allowing you to choose who can remotely access your endpoints.

• Network Inspector: Checks the status of your network, devices connected to the network, and router settings to identify potential security issues.

• Data Shredder: Allows you to irreversibly erase your files or whole drives to prevent unintended recovery.

• Exchange Server Protection: Scans and filters emails on your Exchange server to prevent malware from spreading through email.

• SharePoint Server Protection: Scans files uploaded to your SharePoint servers to prevent malware from spreading through shared storage.

Online Security & Privacy

• Webcam Protection: Prevents applications and malware from accessing your computer’s webcam without your consent.

• Passwords Protection: Secures your stored passwords against theft.

• Phishing Protection: Blocks access to known phishing websites to protect user credentials.

• SecureLine VPN: Encrypts your internet connection to ensure online privacy and protect your data, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Additional Features

• USB Protection: Prevents unauthorized use of USB devices to avoid data theft, data loss, and malware infections.

• Web Control: Allows you to control access to websites to prevent exposure to harmful content and improve productivity.

• Patch Management (available as add-on): Helps you keep your software up to date by automatically applying patches to fix vulnerabilities.

• Cloud Backup (available as add-on): Protects your business data by backing it up to the cloud, ensuring data recovery in case of loss.

• Premium Remote Control (available as add-on): Enables IT administrators to remotely access and troubleshoot devices, reducing the need for on-site visits.

System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows:

  • Windows 7 SP1 (requires KB3033929)

  • Windows 8/8.1 (excluding RT and Starter editions)

  • Windows 10 (Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions)

  • Windows 11

  • Windows Server 2008 R2 (requires KB3033929)

  • Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 (excluding Server Core)

  • Small Business Server 2011

  • macOS:

  • macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

  • At least 500 MB of free disk space

  • Note: USB Protection requires macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later

• Android:

  • Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher

• iOS:

  • iOS 13.0 or higher

Hardware Requirements

• Windows:

  • 1 GHz or faster processor

  • 1 GB RAM or more

  • 2 GB free space on the hard disk

• macOS:

  • Intel-based Mac with 64-bit processor or Apple silicon chip (M1)

  • 512 MB RAM or more (1 GB RAM or higher preferred)

  • 750 MB free space on the hard disk

• Internet Connection:

  • Required for downloading, activating, and maintaining application updates and antivirus database

Features Overview

Device Protection

• File Shield – Real-time scanning of files to block threats before they infect your system.

• Web Shield – Prevents access to malicious websites and scans for hidden threats.

• Mail Shield – Scans incoming/outgoing emails in supported desktop clients.

• Behavior Shield – Detects suspicious behaviors to block unknown threats.

• CyberCapture – Analyzes rare files in Avast’s cloud lab before they can cause harm.

• Sandbox – Isolated environment to run suspicious files safely.

• Smart Scan – Combines multiple scans into one fast check.

• Rescue Disk – Clean infected devices using a bootable USB.

Data & Network Protection

• Firewall – Controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on custom rules.

• Ransomware Shield – Protects sensitive files from encryption.

• Remote Access Shield – Blocks unauthorized remote desktop connections.

• Network Inspector – Finds vulnerabilities in your network and devices.

• SharePoint Protection – Scans shared files for malware.

• Data Shredder – Securely deletes sensitive files beyond recovery.

Online Privacy & Security

• Phishing Protection – Prevents identity theft by blocking fake websites.

• Webcam Shield – Notifies and blocks unauthorized access to your webcam.

• Passwords Protection – Safeguards stored login credentials from cybercriminals.

Remote Management via Business Hub

• Manage all devices and Avast services from one dashboard.

• Deploy protection remotely, monitor device health, and handle alerts.

• Centralized license management and reporting.

System Requirements

• Operating Systems: Windows 7 SP1 or later, Windows Server 2012 R2 or later

• RAM: 1 GB minimum

• Hard Disk Space: 2 GB

• Internet connection required for activation and updates.

 ESET Security Features Overview

 

Feature	Description
Anti-Phishing	Protects against fake websites trying to steal sensitive data like passwords or banking info.
Exploit Blocker	Blocks malware designed to avoid antivirus and targets apps like browsers, PDF readers, Java, etc.
Advanced Memory Scanner	Detects persistent, encrypted malware hiding deep in system memory.
Cloud-Powered Scanning	Speeds up scans and blocks unknown malware using a cloud-based reputation system.
Scan While Downloading	Scans certain file types like archives during download, reducing wait times.
Idle-State Scanning	Runs deep scans only when the system is idle to boost performance.
Device Control	Blocks unauthorized devices and data copying via USB, CD/DVD, Bluetooth, etc.
Host-Based Intrusion Prevention (HIPS)	Allows advanced users to define system behavior rules for tighter control.
Script-Based Attack Protection	Blocks malicious scripts attacking through PowerShell or browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
Ransomware Shield	Stops malware that tries to lock your files and demand payment.
UEFI Scanner (New)	Protects against threats that start even before Windows loads (for UEFI systems).
Antivirus & Antispyware	Proactively detects and blocks all online and offline threats.
Small System Footprint	Uses minimal resources, keeps devices fast, and reduces update size.
Gamer Mode	Silently runs in the background during gaming, videos, or presentations.
Portable Computer Support	Delays pop-ups and updates to save battery and improve performance on laptops.
License Manager	Manage licenses and installations via the my.eset.com portal.
One-Click Solution	Shows protection status and provides one-click fixes for issues.
Smooth Product Upgrades	Automatically receives new features and technologies.
Advanced User Settings	Customize scanning depth, file sizes, and time limits. Ideal for tech-savvy users.
ESET SysInspector®	Diagnostic tool to analyze system and troubleshoot complex issues.

 ESET Security Features Overview

Feature	Description
Anti-Phishing	Protects against fake websites trying to steal sensitive data like passwords or banking info.
Exploit Blocker	Blocks malware designed to avoid antivirus and targets apps like browsers, PDF readers, Java, etc.
Advanced Memory Scanner	Detects persistent, encrypted malware hiding deep in system memory.
Cloud-Powered Scanning	Speeds up scans and blocks unknown malware using a cloud-based reputation system.
Scan While Downloading	Scans certain file types like archives during download, reducing wait times.
Idle-State Scanning	Runs deep scans only when the system is idle to boost performance.
Device Control	Blocks unauthorized devices and data copying via USB, CD/DVD, Bluetooth, etc.
Host-Based Intrusion Prevention (HIPS)	Allows advanced users to define system behavior rules for tighter control.
Script-Based Attack Protection	Blocks malicious scripts attacking through PowerShell or browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
Ransomware Shield	Stops malware that tries to lock your files and demand payment.
UEFI Scanner (New)	Protects against threats that start even before Windows loads (for UEFI systems).
Antivirus & Antispyware	Proactively detects and blocks all online and offline threats.
Small System Footprint	Uses minimal resources, keeps devices fast, and reduces update size.
Gamer Mode	Silently runs in the background during gaming, videos, or presentations.
Portable Computer Support	Delays pop-ups and updates to save battery and improve performance on laptops.
License Manager	Manage licenses and installations via the my.eset.com portal.
One-Click Solution	Shows protection status and provides one-click fixes for issues.
Smooth Product Upgrades	Automatically receives new features and technologies.
Advanced User Settings	Customize scanning depth, file sizes, and time limits. Ideal for tech-savvy users.
ESET SysInspector®	Diagnostic tool to analyze system and troubleshoot complex issues.