Windows Server Preview Build 26296: Enhancing VM Environment Security to New Heights 

Windows Server Preview Build 26296

Exciting news for Windows Server Insiders! Microsoft has unveiled the latest build of the forthcoming Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview.

This new release, identified as Build 26296, offers both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for the Datacenter and Standard editions, includes the Annual Channel for Container Host, and introduces the Azure Edition, designed exclusively for virtual machine evaluation.

Windows Server Preview Build 26296, the company has announced that the latest build features refreshed branding for the forthcoming release, Windows Server 2025. Testers are encouraged to reference the Windows Server 2025 preview when addressing any issues. This build will be automatically presented to those who have Server Flighting turned on.

This new build brings the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview, enabling testers to implement a variety of recommended security configurations for virtual machine roles directly through the Windows Admin Center. Windows Server Preview Build 26296, the security baseline comprises more than 350 settings categorized into three groups: Domain Controller (DC), Member Server, and Workgroup Member.

Additionally, in Build 26296, Windows Server 2025 preview users can now conveniently download and install Windows Admin Center directly from the Windows Server Desktop via the in-OS application. Windows Server Preview Build 26296, it’s important to note a couple of issues that users should be mindful of, particularly one concerning the Sysprep tool. Windows Server Preview Build 26296, this tool is intended to generalize a Windows installation for imaging, but it appears to be malfunctioning in the latest build.

What are the key features and updates of Build 26296?

1. Editions and Installation Options
   • Datacenter and Standard Editions with:
     • Desktop Experience
     • Server Core installation
   • Azure Edition: Tailored for virtual machine evaluations.
   • Annual Channel for Container Host: For optimized containerized environments.
2. Security Enhancements
   • Introduction of the Windows Server 2025 Security Baseline Preview:
     • Over 350 security settings in three categories:
       • Domain Controller (DC)
       • Member Server
       • Workgroup Member
     • Manageable via Windows Admin Center for improved VM role security.
3. Windows Admin Center Integration
   • Download and install Windows Admin Center directly from the Desktop Experience of Windows Server via an in-OS application.
4. Branding and Updates
   • Refreshed branding for Windows Server 2025.
   • Automatic updates for testers with Server Flighting enabled.
   • Updated Sysprep Tool (with noted issues).
5. Deprecation Announcement
   • Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) will officially be deprecated next year. Users should prepare to transition to alternative update management solutions.

What are the known issues of Build 26296?

1. Sysprep Tool Malfunction
   • Issues have been reported with the Sysprep utility, which may hinder system generalization for imaging.
2. Labeling Discrepancy
   • Current build labeling might incorrectly indicate Windows 11, though the package is for Windows Server.

How to Get Build 26296?

• Insider Program: Available to Windows Server Insiders with Server Flighting enabled.
• Changelog and Details: Access the full changelog to review all changes in Build 26296.

Moreover, there seems to be a discrepancy with the label for the current flight, which might mistakenly indicate Windows 11. However, Windows Server Preview Build 26296, microsoft clarifies that the package installed is actually an update for Windows Server.

In other developments, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) will officially be deprecated next year.

You can find the complete changelog for Windows Server Build 26296 here, Windows Server Preview Build 26296.

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