Windows Server 2025 Administration Fundamentals: A beginner's guide to managing and administering Windows Server

Deploy, set up, and deliver network services with Windows Server 2025, along with exploring its new features, security, and Microsoft's role-based certifications
Key Features

• Install and configure Windows Server 2025 with best practices in different environments
• Enhance server security by implementing advanced features, such as secure communication protocols and authentication mechanisms
• Prepare thoroughly for the AZ-800 certification exam with practical preparation tips
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description
In this extensively updated fourth edition, veteran author Bekim Dauti delivers practical, real-world guidance for deploying, managing, and securing modern server environments, with a strong focus on virtualization and hybrid cloud integration. Ideal for IT professionals, system administrators, and certification candidates, this hands-on guide equips you to confidently manage, update, and troubleshoot Windows Server 2025 environments using Microsoft-recommended best practices.
You’ll be introduced to network fundamentals and installation procedures, and go through post-installation tasks, directory services, and adding roles. This updated edition covers the new and enhanced features of Windows Server 2025 extensively, including Active Directory Domain Services enhancements, SMB over QUIC, advanced security features, and hotpatching with Azure Arc. Additionally, numerous questions and answers at the end of each chapter help you test your knowledge of the concepts covered.
By the end of this book, you’ll be fully prepared to ensure server stability, security, and performance, and to pass the Microsoft AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure exam with confidence.
What you will learn

• Manage directory services effectively, including setting up and maintaining AD DS roles
• Implement and troubleshoot group policies to enforce consistent configurations across the network
• Utilize virtualization techniques to optimize server resources and enhance scalability
• Maintain server uptime and reliability through efficient hotpatching practices for applying updates
• Prepare for the AZ-800 certification exam with exam preparation strategies, practical tips, and chapter-end questions and answers to test your knowledge and track your progress.

Who this book is for
This book is for IT professionals, such as system administrators, network engineers, and IT managers, who are starting their journey in Windows Server 2025 administration. It is also suitable for individuals looking to update their knowledge with the latest tools and features in Windows Server 2025. Whether you’re responsible for managing server infrastructure, ensuring network security, or optimizing server performance, this book will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in your role.
Table of Contents

• Network Fundamentals and Introduction to Windows Server 2025
• Installing Windows Server 2025
• What to Do After Installing Windows Server 2025
• Directory Services in Windows Server 2025
• Adding Roles to Windows Server 2025
• Group Policy in Windows Server 2025
• Virtualization with Windows Server 2025
• Storing Data in Windows Server 2025
• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Enhancements
• Configuring SMB over QUIC
• Implementing New Security Enhancements in Windows Server 2025
• Managing Updates with Hotpatching, Azure Arc, and More in Windows Server 2025
• Tuning and Maintaining Windows Server 2025
• Updating and Troubleshooting Windows Server 2025

(N.B. Please use the Read Sample option to see further chapters)