Microsoft has announced the release of a new version of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview for Windows Server Insiders. This version encompasses the Annual Channel for Container Host, Azure Edition for VM evaluation, as well as options for Desktop Experience and Server Core installations for both Datacenter and Standard editions.
Announcing Windows Server Preview Build 26311
Hello Windows Server Insiders!
Today we are pleased to release a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview that contains both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Branding has been updated for the upcoming release, Windows Server 2025, in this preview - when reporting issues please refer to Windows Server 2025 preview. If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically.
What's New
Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC)
Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) for business is a software-based security layer that reduces attack surface by enforcing an explicit list of software that is allowed to run. For Windows Server 2025, we have provided Microsoft defined ‘default policy’ which can be applied to the server via PowerShell cmdlets, powered by our ‘Security configuration platform called ‘OSconfig’.
To learn more, please review Windows Defender Application Control for Business (WDAC) - Microsoft Community Hub.
Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview
Beginning with build 26296, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview. You can enable security right from the start by applying the recommended security posture for your device or VM role through application of a tailored security baseline, with over 350 preconfigured Windows security settings that help you apply and enforce granular security settings that support best practices recommended by Microsoft and Industry standards. We have organized the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline content into three categories based on server role:
- Domain Controller (DC)
- Member Server
- Workgroup Member
Note: You should preview the security baseline only on test systems. While there is a ‘Remove’ command, not all configurations can be reversed.
To learn more, please review Announcing Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview - Microsoft Community Hub.
