Windows Server management

Windows Server administration requires knowledge of the processes and tools to get the most out Microsoft's server operating system. This Windows Server management topic center provides tutorials and troubleshooting advice in key areas, such as network security, and the Core Server and Nano Server minimal server deployment options.

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December 11, 2018 11 Dec'18
December Microsoft security patches bring a light end to 2018

Microsoft resolved a zero-day and a public disclosure this December patch Tuesday, while experts revisit 2018 in patching and what needs improvement.
November 13, 2018 13 Nov'18
Windows zero-day fix highlights November Patch Tuesday

In addition to the November Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft offered assistance to combat a new side-channel attack and rereleased a Windows 10 update and Windows Server 2019.
October 09, 2018 09 Oct'18
October Patch Tuesday grounds JET Database Engine flaw

Administrators have a relatively light workload for October Patch Tuesday, but IT workers should pay attention to multiple workstation fixes and issues with older patches.
September 11, 2018 11 Sep'18
Microsoft shuts down zero-day exploit on September Patch Tuesday

Administrators should prioritize patching systems affected by four public disclosures resolved by the Patch Tuesday updates.

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
Unlock storage savings with Windows Server deduplication

Windows Server comes with a data deduplication feature to reduce the organization's storage crunch, but it's important to plan around some potential drawbacks. 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

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

Taking stock of Windows Server management tools

Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision. 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
Microsoft software-defined networking gets baked into Windows Server

The Microsoft SDN technology that comes in the Windows Server 2016's Datacenter edition features a range of basic to nuanced virtual control options. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Windows Server hardening still weighs heavily on admins

Windows Server hardening procedures drew renewed interest following the rash of ransomware outbreaks this year. See what tips on server safeguards got the most views in 2017. Continue Reading
Updates to Sysinternals tools benefit server admins

Microsoft updated several of its freeware Sysinternals utilities to assist administrators with tracking down malware and rooting out needless system processes in Windows. Continue Reading
Disable SMB1 before the next WannaCry strikes

As long as SMB1 lingers in your systems, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Use these tools and techniques to find and remove all signs of this unsafe network protocol. Continue Reading

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

5 tips to master server troubleshooting

Understand, communicate, monitor, check logs, ask for support. Follow these guidelines, and make troubleshooting server problems quick and easy. Continue Reading
Tips to track down and neutralize PowerShell malware

The benefit of PowerShell is its wide-ranging access to Windows systems, but industrious hackers can exploit its abilities to launch attacks from inside your data center. Continue Reading
Windows troubleshooting tools to improve VM performance

Fine-tune virtualized workloads and diagnose performance issues with help from these Windows troubleshooting tools every server administrator should know. Continue Reading