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.

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.
March 12, 2019 12 Mar'19
March Patch Tuesday shuts down two zero-day exploits

In addition to the March Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft's attempts at improving performance following Spectre variant 2 patches backfire for some users on Windows 10.
February 12, 2019 12 Feb'19
Microsoft zero-day vulnerability closed on Patch Tuesday

Administrators should prioritize patching systems affected by a zero-day vulnerability resolved by the February Patch Tuesday updates.
January 08, 2019 08 Jan'19
Light January Patch Tuesday follows IE out-of-band security update

Administrators should prioritize an out-of-band patch that addresses an Internet Explorer zero-day before tackling the 47 vulnerabilities corrected by the January Patch Tuesday fixes.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)

The Preboot Execution Environment or PXE (commonly pronounced as pixie) is a client-server environment that enables network computers to boot over the network interface card (NIC), instead of from a CD-ROM or hard disk. Continue Reading
Ctrl-Alt-Delete

On a personal computer with the Microsoft Windows operating system, Control+Alt+Delete is the combination of the Ctrl key, the Alt key, and Del key that a user can press at the same time to terminate an application task or to reboot the operating ... Continue Reading
Use command-line options to edit registries with regedit.exe

Did you know this venerable Windows GUI tool has several switches for basic registry editing tasks? See what tweaks Microsoft inserted in regedit for administrative use. Continue Reading

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

5 WSUS alternatives for patch management

Compare the features and functionality of five prominent patch management tools for Microsoft and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization. Continue Reading
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

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Remote possibilities: Out-of-band management admin options

COVID-19 puts added strain on administrators who need to compensate for lack of personnel in data centers, which leads to the need for a remote access strategy. Continue Reading
5 PowerShell tools to help simplify admin tasks and support

Learn how systems admins, software developers and engineers can use tools, such as Cimitra Software, to build better PowerShell scripts to manage and automate repetitive tasks. Continue Reading
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

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
How to work with Azure DNS zones

Microsoft's hosting service for DNS domains is an option for organizations with a heavy Azure investment that want the benefits associated with a cloud service. Continue Reading
6 quick server troubleshooting tips

Understand, communicate, monitor, check logs, ask for support. Follow these guidelines, and make troubleshooting server problems quick and easy. Continue Reading