Mastering Windows Server 2025, 5th Edition
Edition: Mastering Windows Server 2025 is a hands-on administration guide covering core Windows Server roles, management tools, security, virtualization, and hybrid services. Its broad scope suits IT professionals building sysadmin skills, though readers seeking a narrow topic may prefer a more focused reference.
At a glance
- Covers Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, PKI, file services, and networking.
- Explains administration with PowerShell, Server Manager, Windows Admin Center, RSAT, and Azure Arc.
- Includes lab and walkthrough content alongside Hyper-V, clustering, Remote Desktop Services, containers, and troubleshooting topics.
- Describes coverage of Windows Server 2025 LTSC with Desktop Experience, with additional material on Server Core and legacy deployments.
Reference price: $56.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The wide range of server roles and management tools can support readers moving from IT operations into systems administration.
- Labs and walkthroughs are intended to give readers practical configuration experience rather than only conceptual coverage.
- The listed coverage spans both on-premises administration and selected cloud and hybrid topics, including Intune and Microsoft Entra.
Cons
- The broad, 824-page scope may be more than needed for readers looking for a quick reference to one server role or tool.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Packt Publishing |
|---|---|
| Edition | 5th ed. |
| Publication date | October 8, 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 824 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1837029914 |
| Weight listed | 3.06 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 1.86 x 9.25 inches |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The description says the focus is Windows Server 2025 LTSC with Desktop Experience, while also discussing Server Core, Nano Server, and maintaining older Server versions. Check the table of contents and edition details if a particular deployment or older release is your priority. The listing says a print or Kindle purchase includes a free PDF eBook, so confirm the offer for the selected format.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- IT professionals preparing to take on systems administration responsibilities.
- Windows Server administrators planning a 2025 migration or refreshing skills across core server roles.
- Infrastructure engineers and IT operations teams seeking guided labs on Windows Server management.
Less suited to
- Readers who need only a short, specialized manual for one Windows Server feature.
- Readers seeking a general-purpose guide to operating systems beyond Windows Server.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
86% 86% - 4 stars
7% 7% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
7% 7%
Aggregate customer ratings lean strongly toward the highest star category, but a smaller one-star share means the overall picture is not uniformly positive. Ratings alone do not explain what readers valued or disliked, so use them as limited context alongside the book’s stated scope and your need for a broad, hands-on Windows Server reference.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does Mastering Windows Server 2025 cover?
The listing describes installation and management, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, certificates, security, PowerShell, Hyper-V, clustering, Remote Desktop Services, file services, containers, and troubleshooting.
Is this book intended only for experienced administrators?
The listing presents it for newcomers as well as experienced administrators, including IT professionals stepping into a systems administrator role and admins updating their skills.
Does the book include hands-on exercises?
The listing describes real-world labs and walkthroughs, including creating a lab of servers and configuring multiple roles.
Is a PDF eBook included?
The listing states that purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook. Confirm that this applies to the format selected.
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