Windows Server has been the backbone of almost every enterprise network since I first entered the IT world back in 2003. I still remember diving into the world of Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP, and discovering Group Policy — a concept I liked instantly!
I started with Windows 2000 Server, and I’ve worked with every version since. And somehow, in the blink of an eye, 22 years have passed, and here we are — with Windows Server 2025.
All those core roles and features we learned back then are still here, but now much more powerful and refined. Windows Server 2025 became generally available on August 21, 2025, and… You know how it goes – you install the VM, start playing a bit and then the job crushes you, so you don’t have a lot of time for learning.
Luckily, a few weeks later, Abin Baiju from Packt Publishing reached out and offered me a chance to review a book — “Mastering Windows Server 2025” by Jordan Krause. And I’m really glad I accepted!
First impressions
The book immediately impressed me with how well it’s structured and written. It starts with the basics — editions, licensing models, hardware requirements, and a list of new and deprecated features. That first chapter alone gives you a solid overview of what’s changed since the previous version.
From there, the book takes you step by step through the installation of Windows Server 2025 Active Directory Domain Services, and that’s where the fun really begins. It guides you through the process of building your first domain, configuring DNS and DHCP, and of course — my favorite part — Group Policy.
There are plenty of screenshots, clear explanations, and practical examples that make it easy to follow, even if you’re new to the field.
Networking, Security, and Beyond
I especially enjoyed the networking section. The author even mentions DirectAccess, the technology introduced way back in Windows Server 2008. It’s still alive in Server 2025, though Microsoft marked it as deprecated last year — so it’s interesting to see how it’s handled today.
I’ve implemented DirectAccess several times in the past, and while it wasn’t always the simplest solution to deploy, it served me well. Reading about it here brought back a bit of nostalgia!
Following the networking chapters, the book dives into Security, Server Core, PowerShell, and of course — Hyper-V, followed by a section on Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
The final chapter is dedicated to Troubleshooting. It’s a bit shorter, but that’s understandable — troubleshooting could easily fill an entire book on its own. Still, the author gives you a solid foundation to start from, and enough direction to explore further on your own.
Final thoughts
All in all, I genuinely enjoyed this book.
If you’re already familiar with Windows Server, it will quickly bring you up to speed with the latest improvements and features. If you’re new to the field, it’s an excellent resource for learning the fundamentals behind every Active Directory–based corporate network.
Yes, we live in the age of cloud computing — but understanding Windows Server 2025, its roles, features, and especially DNS, will give you the confidence to handle on-prem infrastructure as well.
There’s also an interesting section about split-brain DNS — and while the author and I might not see eye to eye on that topic, I respect his experience and reasoning. That’s one of the things I love about good technical books: they make you think, compare, and reflect on your own approach.
Bottom line:
Don’t hesitate — grab this book!
Windows Server has been, is, and will remain a vital part of corporate IT environments for years to come.
Huge thanks to Jordan Krause for writing such a comprehensive and practical guide, and to Abin Baiju and Packt Publishing for the opportunity to read and review it.