Exploring Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview Build 26304: New Features and Windows Defender Application Control

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John Callaham

Neowin

@JCalNEO

Oct 11, 2024 13:38 EDT

with 0 comments

Microsoft has released the latest Windows Server build for members of the Windows Server Insider Program. The new build number is 26304. Keep in mind that this and future Windows Server Insider builds now have the Windows Server 2025 branding.

The major highlight of this release is the introduction of Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC), a feature aimed at enhancing security for Windows Server 2025. Below is the changelog:

What’s New

[NEW]Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC)

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) for business is designed as a software-based protective layer that minimizes the attack surface by implementing a defined list of permitted software. For Windows Server 2025, we are offering a ‘default policy’ defined by Microsoft, which can be applied to the server using PowerShell cmdlets, through our ‘Security configuration platform’ known as ‘OSconfig’. To find out more details, please refer to Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC) – Microsoft Community Hub.

Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview

We are excited to announce the launch of the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview starting with build 26296. This allows you to establish a secure environment from the beginning by implementing a recommended security posture for your device or virtual machine. The baseline comprises over 350 preconfigured Windows security settings designed to facilitate the application and enforcement of detailed security measures that align with the best practices suggested by Microsoft and industry standards. The content has been categorized into three distinct groups based on server roles:

Note: This security baseline is intended for testing purposes only. While there is an option to use the ‘Remove’ command, please be aware that not all configurations can be undone. For further information, please visit Announcing Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview – Microsoft Community Hub.

Windows Server Flighting is here!!

If you have enrolled in Server Flighting, you can expect to receive the new build automatically later today. For detailed information, visit Welcome to Windows Insider flighting on Windows Server – Microsoft Community Hub.

The updated Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users! This app should receive the latest version automatically; however, if it does not, just Check for updates in the app’s settings.

Known Issues

Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com)

Flighting: The label associated with this flight might inaccurately mention Windows 11. However, when you choose this option, the package that gets installed is actually the update for Windows Server. Please disregard the label and continue with the installation of your flight. This issue will be rectified in an upcoming release.

WinPE – Powershell Scripts: The installation of the WinPE-Powershell optional component does not correctly incorporate Powershell into WinPE. Consequently, Powershell cmdlets will not function as intended. Users relying on Powershell within WinPE are advised to steer clear of this build.

If you are assessing upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022, we strongly advise against using this build due to identified intermittent upgrade failures.

This build also presents a problem where using the “wevetutil al” command to archive event logs results in a crash of the Windows Event Log service, causing the archiving process to fail. To resolve this issue, the service needs to be restarted by executing “Start-Service EventLog” from an administrative command line prompt.

If you have Secure Launch/DRTM code path enabled, it is not advisable to install this build.

Available Downloads

Downloads might not be accessible in certain countries. For more information, see Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia – Microsoft On the Issues.

Keys: Keys are only valid for preview builds.

Symbols: Accessible through the public symbol server – refer to Using the Microsoft Symbol Server.

Expiration: This Windows Server Preview is set to expire on September 15, 2025.

You can obtain the latest Windows Server preview from Microsoft’s website, and you can also read the complete blog post here.

By John Callaham

June 28, 2024

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John Callaham