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What’s New and How to Install Windows Server 2025 on VMware
As a pioneer in virtualization, what changes will VMware make with the release of Windows Server 2025? How to combine the features of both to create a more robust workload environment?
By Crystal / Updated on November 28, 2024
What’s New in Server 2025 VMware
Certified approval for Windows Server 2025 has been granted for VMware vSphere 7.0 U3, 8.0, 8.0 U1, 8.0 U2, and 8.0 U3. These versions offer a reliable, high-performing environment for Windows Server 2025 to operate as a guest operating system on virtual machines.
Next, let’s explore the new changes in Server 2025 VMware.
VMware vSphere Certified First under Microsoft SVVP Program
VMware vSphere 7.0 U3, 8.0, 8.0 U1, 8.0 U2, and 8.0 U3 are among the first hypervisors certified under Microsoft’s Windows Server Virtualization Validation Program (SVVP), this SVVP certification provides official Microsoft and VMware support for running Windows Server 2025 in VMware vSphere environments.
VMware Tools Day-Zero Support for Windows Server 2025
All VMware Tools kernel-mode drivers are fully certified with Windows Server 2025, ensuring high compatibility, stability, and security.
VMware PVSCSI and VMXNET3 Drivers are Native in Windows Server 2025
Since Windows Server 2022 and now extended to Windows Server 2025, VMware Paravirtual SCSI (PVSCSI) disk controller and VMXNET3 network adapter drivers come preinstalled, simplifying the setup process, making efficient deployment of Windows Server VMs with high-performance virtual devices without installing drivers manually.
New VMXNET3 KDNET Extension for Network Kernel Debugging
VMware VMXNET3 KDNET extension plugin specifically for network kernel debugging is contained in Windows Server 2025 now. This enables seamless debugging directly within the virtual environment, providing developers with an efficient and streamlined debugging process.
Installation of Windows Server 2025 on VMware vSphere
Before deploying Windows Server 2025 virtual machines on vSphere, we recommend consulting the Broadcom Compatibility Guide to confirm compatibility with your hardware and VMware products. The compatibility guide provides essential information on supported hosts, storage devices, network adapters, and more.
How to Install Windows Server 2025 on VMware Step by Step
1. Attach the Windows Server 2025 ISO image into the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive on the virtual machine.
2. Start the virtual machine. This will begin the Windows installation.
NOTE: The VMware PVSCSI driver is included in the Windows Server 2025 ISO image, so if you are using VMware Paravirtual as the default SCSI controller, you do not need to select or install the PVSCSI driver from another media at this time.
3. Follow the prompts to install VM on VMware ESXi.
• VMXNet3 Network Driver: Added support for NDIS polling mode and NDIS 6.89.
• WDDM Graphics Driver: Simplifies installation with the WDDM Driver Helper Service.
• Software drivers only: Apply version updates to comply with new standards.
• Compliance: All VMware Tools drivers meet the classification requirements of Windows Server 2025.
Issue: Cannot Create VMware ESXi VMs with Windows Server 2025 Guest OS
When creating or editing a VMware vSphere virtual machine, there is no option to select the Microsoft Windows Server 2025 guest operating system.
This is because Windows Server 2025 is not supported for VMware ESXi virtual hardware versions 19, 20, and 21. In this case, you can select Microsoft Windows Server 2022 (64-bit) as the guest operating system for the virtual machine.
Secure and Free VMware Backup Tool with Windows Server 2025
As VMware continues to dominate the virtualization market, tools such as AOMEI Cyber Backup provide professional VMware data protection through. Whether it's disaster recovery, long-term data retention or daily backups, AOMEI Cyber Backup has you covered.
AOMEI Cyber Backup has a wide range of features that make it ideal for VMware environments:
✎ Agentless Backup: Performs backups without installing software on each virtual machine.
✎ Flexible Backup: Supports full, incremental and differential backups.
✎ Auto-scheduling: Configure backups to run automatically at specified intervals.
✎ Instant Recovery: Recover individual virtual machines to production environments in seconds.
✎ Centralized Management: Manage all VMware backups from a single interface.
Steps to Create a Reliable VMware Backup for ESXi Virtual Machines
1. Add devices: download AOMEI Cyber Backup and click Source Device >> VMware >> + Add VMware Device to Add vCenter or Standalone ESXi host. And then click … > Bind Device.
2. Create backup task: click Backup Task >> Create New Task.
- Enter task name and batch select large numbers of VMs managed by vCenter Server for centralized backup.
- Schedule: schedule backup as full / incremental / differential backup and specify time to run the backup.
- After configuring the backup task, review the information and click Start Backup.
3. Restore: click New Instant Recovery > Restore from task, and select restoration content and destination.
It rapidly restores entire VM directly to its original or a new host with minimal downtime, ensuring business continuity.
Conclusion
The release of Windows Server 2025 is a pivotal moment for businesses and IT professionals. Integrating VMware with Windows Server 2025 will bring new levels of flexibility and efficiency to organizations that are growing rapidly.
