Windows Server 2025 In-Place Upgrade: Step-by-Step Guide

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of performing an in-place upgrade, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to make your upgrade process efficient and reliable.

By @Rosie Last Updated November 28, 2024

Will There Be a Windows Server in 2025?

Windows Server 2025 was officially released on November 1, 2024. The latest iteration of Microsoft’s server operating system brings new features designed to support modern workloads, enhanced security, and improved performance. As businesses continue to embrace hybrid cloud environments, AI, and containers, Windows Server 2025 is built to meet the growing demand for scalability, efficiency, and innovation in enterprise IT infrastructures.

In this article, we will focus on how to perform a Windows Server 2025 in-place upgrade, ensuring that your upgrade process is smooth, efficient, and minimally disruptive to your operations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Server 2025 In-Place Upgrade

Step 1: Pre-Upgrade Preparation

Before upgrading to Windows Server 2025, it’s essential to prepare your environment to ensure compatibility and minimize the risk of issues.

Review Your System Environment

  • Start by reviewing your current server configuration.
  • Understand what hardware and software are installed, and assess any potential conflicts with the new version.
  • It's important to know if any applications may need updating or adjusting after the upgrade.

Check for Updates

  • Ensure that your current version of Windows Server (e.g., Server 2019 or Server 2022) is fully updated.
  • Install the latest patches and updates to make the upgrade process smoother.
  • Includes any driver or firmware updates for your hardware.

Confirm Hardware Compatibility

  • Verify that your server meets the minimum specifications, including CPU, RAM, disk space, and storage type.
  • If your hardware is outdated, it may be time to upgrade it before proceeding with the upgrade.

Step 2: Backing Up Server Data

The upgrade process generally preserves your data, settings, and installed applications, but it's always wise to back up your server to avoid any unforeseen issues.

AOMEI Backupper Server is a powerful backup tool that helps you securely back up your entire system, including data, system configurations, and applications. Ensure you perform a full backup of your server before starting the upgrade. This will provide peace of mind, allowing you to restore your system quickly in the event of an issue.

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  • System Backup: Protect your entire server and quickly restore it if there's a failure or corruption.

  • Disk and Partition Backup: Back up key disks and partitions for fast recovery and less downtime.

  • File Backup: Safeguard important files and easily recover them when needed.

  • Scheduled Backups: Automate backups with flexible scheduling to ensure regular data protection.

  • Universal Restore: Restore your server to new hardware or virtual environments with ease, ensuring smooth operation.

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Backup Your Server in 3 Steps

Step 1. Download and open the AOMEI Backupper Server. Go to Backup and select System Backup.

Step 2. Pick a folder or drive where you want to save the Windows Server system image file.

Step 3. Adjust the backup settings to match your needs, then click Start Backup to begin saving your server’s OS.

Step 3: Initiating the In-Place Upgrade

1. Download the Installation Media

  • Download the Windows Server 2025 installation media (ISO file) from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Microsoft Evaluation Center (for trial purposes).
  • Ensure you have the correct version of the ISO (Standard, Datacenter, etc.) that matches your current setup.

2. Mount or Insert the Installation Media

  • Physical Server: Insert the installation DVD or USB media into the server.
  • Virtual Machine: If upgrading a virtual machine, mount the ISO file using your hypervisor (VMware, Hyper-V, etc.).

3. Run Setup.exe

  • Navigate to the installation media (DVD, USB, or mounted ISO).
  • Double-click on setup.exe to launch the upgrade process.

4. Launch the Installation Wizard

  • The Windows Server Setup wizard will appear. It may take a few moments to load.
  • If prompted, confirm that you want to allow changes to the system (you may need administrator rights).
  • When prompted, choose the Upgrade option: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications.
Notes:✎...
If you haven't already entered a valid product key for Windows Server 2025, you'll be asked to provide it now. This step can be skipped if you're upgrading from a valid version and it’s already activated. Ensure that the key matches the edition you are upgrading to (Standard, Datacenter, etc.).

5. Accept License Terms

Carefully review and accept the license terms to proceed with the upgrade.

6. Choose What to Keep

You’ll be prompted to choose whether to keep:

  • Personal files and apps: Keeps all your files, applications, and settings intact.
  • Nothing: This wipes all files, apps, and settings (not typical for an in-place upgrade).

For an in-place upgrade, select the option to keep your files and applications.

7. Begin the Upgrade

Once all options are selected and reviewed, the Upgrade button will initiate the process.

The server will begin upgrading to Windows Server 2025. This process can take a significant amount of time (anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on hardware and configuration).

Step 4: Post-Upgrade Validation

Once the upgrade to Windows Server 2025 is complete, it’s important to validate that everything is working properly.

Check System Performance

  • Run diagnostic tests to ensure that your server is operating at optimal performance levels.
  • Check CPU, RAM, disk usage, and network throughput.
  • Ensure there are no unexpected slowdowns or errors.

Verify Application Compatibility

  • Test your critical applications to ensure they function as expected.
  • Some software may require updates to be fully compatible with Windows Server 2025.
  • If issues arise, check with the software vendor for compatibility patches.

Troubleshoot Issues

If you encounter any issues during the upgrade, refer to the backup you made using the AOMEI Backupper Server. In case of a serious problem, you can restore your server to its previous state and troubleshoot the issue before attempting the upgrade again.

Further Reading: Windows Server In-Place Upgrade

Windows Server in-place upgrade involves upgrading your existing system to the latest version of the operating system while keeping all your data, settings, and applications intact. This means you essentially "upgrade" your current server without erasing your existing configurations.

Advantages of In-Place Upgrade

  1. Minimal Disruption: Since your settings, applications, and data remain in place, the process is quicker and less disruptive. You can maintain business continuity and reduce downtime.
  2. Cost-Effective: There is no need to reinstall software or reconfigure systems, making this option cheaper. You can save time and money on software reinstallation and setup.
  3. Preservation of Data and Applications: All of your existing applications, services, and data stay intact, which can be a significant advantage for businesses that rely on complex setups or critical applications.
  4. Faster Upgrade Process: The process is generally faster than a clean install because the system doesn't have to rebuild from scratch. The upgrade wizard will update the core OS and keep everything else in place.
  5. Fewer Resources Required: An in-place upgrade doesn’t require the same level of resources as a clean install (e.g., no need for extensive hardware preparation or reinstallation).

Disadvantages of In-Place Upgrade

  1. Potential for Compatibility Issues: If your current applications or settings are not fully compatible with the new OS, you may experience performance issues or software conflicts.
  2. Clutter and System Bloat: Over time, system updates can accumulate old files and unnecessary configurations that might impact performance. These can carry over during an in-place upgrade.
  3. Limited Clean Slate: Since the upgrade only updates the operating system, it doesn’t provide the fresh, clean start that a clean install can offer. Some old system issues or misconfigurations may persist.

FAQs About Server 2025 In-Place Upgrade

1. How long does the in-place upgrade take?
 
The upgrade process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your server’s hardware, the amount of data, and the complexity of the system.
2. Can I upgrade to Server 2025 from older versions, such as Server 2019 or 2022?
 
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022 to Windows Server 2025, as long as your hardware meets the new system requirements.
3. What if my applications are not compatible with Server 2025?
 
Incompatible applications may need to be updated to newer versions that support Windows Server 2025. Always check with the software vendor for updates or patches before upgrading.
4. Is it possible to roll back an in-place upgrade if something goes wrong?
 
Yes, with the backup created using AOMEI Backupper Server, you can roll back the upgrade if any issues arise, restoring your system to its previous state with minimal hassle.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Windows Server 2025 through an in-place upgrade is an efficient and cost-effective way to keep your server environment up to date with minimal disruption. By following the proper steps for preparation, backup, and validation, you can ensure a smooth transition.

To make the process even easier and to safeguard your data during the upgrade, we recommend using the AOMEI Backupper Server for secure backups. This reliable tool will help protect your critical data and system configurations, providing you with peace of mind as you move forward with the upgrade.