Windows Server deployment

This Windows Server deployment topic center provides tips to help administrators roll out a solid foundation that will reduce downtime in the data center. This section also provides implementation advice, such as how to configure high-availability clusters for business-critical applications, namely SQL Server.

October 09, 2019 09 Oct'19
October Patch Tuesday resolves 59 vulnerabilities

Microsoft attempts to stamp out printing issues that originated from a faulty out-of-band patch for an Internet Explorer zero-day.
February 28, 2007 28 Feb'07
Server data sheets: How they can simplify your server installations

Servers are complex environments that are constantly changing, especially if users are assigned to them. A server data sheet allows you to keep track of all those changes. Here's what a server data sheet should contain.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Use Puppet for Windows ops automation with dsc_lite

With DSC and dsc_lite, as well as a native option, users operate in Puppet within the familiarity of PowerShell settings. Here's how each approach works. Continue Reading
Use this Microsoft deployment tool for easier setups

It's not new, but the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit tends to be overlooked when administrators need a way to set up Windows in an automated fashion. See why MDT is worth using. Continue Reading
How to build a Packer image for Azure

Packer is an open source tool that automates the Windows Server image building process to give administrators a consistent approach to create new VMs. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

Clearing up the Nano Server vs. Server Core confusion

The debut of Windows Server 2016 contained a lighter server OS deployment to replace Server Core, but then Microsoft made a drastic change that still has some admins puzzled. Continue Reading
WVD vs. RDS vs. VDI: Which should you choose?

Application and desktop virtualization delivered by Windows Server continues to do the job, but is it time to give Microsoft's new cloud-based desktop service a look? Continue Reading
Configure Windows Storage Spaces to serve up hot data fast

To avoid the high cost of a software-defined SAN, IT shops can turn on the tiered storage virtualization feature in newer versions of Windows Server. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Windows IIS server hardening checklist

Use this handy Windows IIS server hardening checklist on the job to ensure your IIS server is deployed safely and stays secure in use. Continue Reading
Microsoft tweaks Windows PowerShell DSC in Windows Server 2016

Microsoft refined PowerShell Desired State Configuration in Windows Server 2016 to make server configurations less of a chore for administrators and developers. Continue Reading
Examine the top Windows 10 deployment tools

With the general release of Windows 10 drawing near, admins can choose from a bevy of tools to help install the new OS. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Boost Windows Server performance with these 10 tips

A small investment in time to execute these Windows Server performance tuning tips and techniques can optimize server workloads for more satisfactory results. Continue Reading
Avoid downtime with rolling upgrades in Windows Server 2016

Microsoft attempts to make switching to a new operating system less painful and reduce downtime by implementing a rolling upgrade feature in Windows Server 2016. Continue Reading
How Windows Server 2012 can solve Windows failover cluster headaches

In Windows Server 2012, Microsoft tried to smooth out some major Active Directory bumps in failover clusters. Did it fix what's bothering you? Continue Reading