Master the tools and skills to modernize your IT infrastructure with Windows Server 2025, from hands-on configuration to enterprise-grade security, virtualization, and cloud integration Key Features Learn to configure, manage, secure, and troubleshoot Windows Server environments from scratch Understand and take control of key components like AD, DNS, DHCP, GPO, and PKI Go beyond theory by following real-world labs and walkthroughs that bring each server role to life Book DescriptionWritten by a 10-time Microsoft MVP with 25 years of experience in IT and technical coaching, this book is a hands-on, practical guide to professionally managing Windows Server environments. From building servers and connecting them to securing and intentionally breaking them for learning purposes, this book offers comprehensive, experience-based coverage designed to take you deep into real-world administration. Fully updated for the 2025 release, this edition prepares you to manage any Windows Server environment, whether you're deploying the latest version or still working with Server 2012 in a modern infrastructure. You'll work with tools such as PowerShell, Server Manager, Windows Admin Center, RSAT, and Azure Arc to achieve centralized and efficient administration. While the focus is on Windows Server 2025 LTSC with Desktop Experience, the book also explores Server Core, containerization, and the current status of Nano Server. Throughout the book, you'll gain hands-on experience with core services like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related toolsets. You will also explore certificate services and PKI, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop Services, Failover Clustering, DFS, Intune integration, and more, equipping you with the skills to manage and modernize complex server infrastructures.What you will learn Create an entire lab of new servers, configuring numerous roles Manage servers with Server Manager, PowerShell, and Windows Admin Center Fill knowledge gaps about core infrastructural technologies like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy Virtualize your datacenter with Hyper-V Create redundancy through Failover Clustering services Deploy Remote Desktop Services Design and implement Distributed File System with Replication (DFSR), as well as Storage Replica Don the DevOps cap as we discuss containers and Nano Server Who this book is forThis book is for IT professionals who want to level up into a full systems administrator role or modernize their server management skills. Whether you're managing legacy Windows Server deployments or preparing for 2025 migrations, you’ll find practical, hands-on content tailored for sysadmins, IT operations teams, and infrastructure engineers. Newcomers to Windows Server will gain the foundation they need, while experienced admins will discover what's new and what's next in Server 2025.