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Microsoft Windows Server 2025 has been released two months ago and has a lot of new features. But do you know Azure Arc can add more features and capabilitiers to your Windows Server?

Azure Arc simplifies governance and management by delivering a consistent multicloud and on-premises management platform.

Azure Arc provides a centralized, unified way to:

  • Manage your entire environment together by projecting your existing non-Azure and/or on-premises resources into Azure Resource Manager.
  • Manage virtual machines, Kubernetes clusters, and databases as if they are running in Azure.
  • Use familiar Azure services and management capabilities, regardless of where your resources live.
  • Continue using traditional ITOps while introducing DevOps practices to support new cloud native patterns in your environment.
  • Configure custom locations as an abstraction layer on top of Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes clusters and cluster extensions.

Windows Server Management enabled by Azure Arc offers customers with Windows Server licenses that have active Software Assurances or Windows Server licenses that are active subscription licenses the following key benefits:

BenefitSupported Operating SystemsDescription
Azure Update ManagerWindows Server 2012 and aboveAssess the update status and deploy updates to machines (one off, recurring, maintenance windows) with visibility into update compliance and auditing.
Azure Change Tracking and InventoryWindows Server 2012 and aboveDiscovery of and changes of software, services/daemons, files, and registries of Azure Arc-enabled servers.
Azure Machine ConfigurationWindows Server 2012 and aboveConfiguration of machine properties for OS, app, and environment settings, with Azure Policy. Available natively with the Azure Connected Machine agent.
Windows Admin Center in Azure for ArcWindows Server 2025 onlySecurely manage hybrid machines from anywhere without needing a VPN, public IP address, or other inbound connectivity to your machine with RDP, Hyper-V management, event viewer, and much more.
Remote SupportWindows Server 2025 onlyOffers customers with professional support the ability to grant JIT access with detailed execution transcripts and revocation rights.
Network HUDWindows Server 2025 onlyA host networking diagnostics and operational tool. Runs spot checks, health checks, and cluster wide checks to make sure your host networking set-up is healthy and set up in an optimal and expected way.
Best Practices AssessmentWindows Server 2025 onlyCollection and analysis of server data to generate issues and remediation guidance and performance improvements.
Azure Site Recovery ConfigurationWindows Server 2016 and aboveConfiguration of Azure Site Recovery to ensure business continuity, provides replication and data resilience for critical workloads.

On this Linkedin post there is also this nice recap table:

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