Recent Discussions
Password change error message too generic on Windows Server 2025 domain
Hi everyone, In two different production environments running on Windows Server 2025 (fresh Active Directory installations), users reported an issue when trying to change their password via Ctrl+Alt+Del → Change a password. If the new password doesn't meet complexity requirements, the system returns only a generic error: "Unable to change the password at this time." There’s no indication that the failure is due to the password not meeting policy requirements (length, complexity, history, etc.), which creates confusion and unnecessary support tickets. In previous environments running on Windows Server 2016 or 2019, the error message was more informative, clearly stating when a password was too weak or did not meet domain policy. Is this generic message a known change in Windows Server 2025? Has anyone else encountered the same issue? Is there any way to re-enable the more detailed error descriptions? Thanks in advance for any insight!20Views0likes0CommentsIIS Application Pool Recycle Permissions for Non-Admin Users
Hi, We are currently struggling with IIS Application Pool recycle permissions which we need to assign to non-admin users, they can connect to the prod server or by remotely but can only recycle, start or stop application pool. They are not allowed to do anything else. Please let me know what the best and standard approach to achieve this. Thanks5Views0likes0CommentsWindows Server 2025 Datacenter - Windows search stopped to work
Hello, Following the most recent cumulative Windows update (June 2025), Windows Search has stopped functioning on our Windows Server 2025 Datacenter. When we attempt to search, a blank window appears and loads indefinitely without returning any results. This is version of affected system: Troubleshooting Steps We've Tried: Checked for additional updates (only security updates were available) Restarted the Windows Search service Restarted Windows Explorer via Task Manager Restarted the server Ran the Windows Troubleshooter Rebuilt the search index Ran sfc /scannow and DISM health checks Has anyone else experienced this issue? If so, were you able to resolve it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!8Views0likes0CommentsAnnouncing Windows Server vNext Preview Build 26433
Announcing Windows Server vNext Preview Build 26433 Hello Windows Server Insiders! Today we are pleased to release a new build of the next Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Preview that contains both the Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options for Datacenter and Standard editions, Annual Channel for Container Host and Azure Edition (for VM evaluation only). Branding remains, Windows Server 2025, in this preview - when reporting issues please refer to Windows Server vNext preview. If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically. What's New Windows Admin Center (WAC) Windows Server preview customers can download and install Windows Admin Center right from the Windows Server Desktop using the in-OS app that takes care of downloading and guides you through the installation process. Note: You must be running a desktop version of Windows Server Datacenter or Standard preview to access this feature. Windows Server Flighting is here!! If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically later today. For more information, see Welcome to Windows Insider flighting on Windows Server - Microsoft Community Hub. Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users! The app should automatically update with the latest version, but if it does not, simply Check for updates in the app’s settings tab. Known Issues Download Windows Server Insider Preview (microsoft.com) Flighting: The label for this flight may incorrectly reference Windows 11. However, when selected, the package installed is the Windows Server update. Please ignore the label and proceed with installing your flight. This issue will be addressed in a future release. Available Downloads Downloads to certain countries may not be available. See Microsoft suspends new sales in Russia - Microsoft On the Issues. Windows Server Long-Term Servicing Channel Preview in ISO format in 18 languages, and in VHDX format in English only. Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition Preview in ISO and VHDX format, English only. Microsoft Server Languages and Optional Features Preview Keys: Keys are valid for preview builds only. Server Standard: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH Datacenter: 2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67 Azure Edition does not accept a key Symbols: Available on the public symbol server – see Using the Microsoft Symbol Server. Expiration: This Windows Server Preview will expire September 15, 2025. How to Download Registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal. We value your feedback! The most important part of the release cycle is to hear what's working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Please use the new Feedback Hub app for Windows Server if you are running a Desktop version of Server. If you are using a Core edition, or if you are unable to use the Feedback Hub app, you can use your registered Windows 10 or Windows 11 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the Windows Server category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. In the title of the Feedback, please indicate the build number you are providing feedback on as shown below to ensure that your issue is attributed to the right version: [Server #####] Title of my feedback See Give Feedback on Windows Server via Feedback Hub for specifics. The Windows Server Insiders space on the Microsoft Tech Communities supports preview builds of the next version of Windows Server. Use the forum to collaborate, share and learn from experts. For versions that have been released to general availability in market, try the Windows Server for IT Pro forum or contact Support for Business. Diagnostic and Usage Information Microsoft collects this information over the internet to help keep Windows secure and up to date, troubleshoot problems, and make product improvements. Microsoft server operating systems can be configured to turn diagnostic data off, send Required diagnostic data, or send Optional diagnostic data. During previews, Microsoft asks that you change the default setting to Optional to provide the best automatic feedback and help us improve the final product. Administrators can change the level of information collection through Settings. For details, see http://aka.ms/winserverdata. Also see the Microsoft Privacy Statement. Terms of Use This is pre-release software - it is provided for use "as-is" and is not supported in production environments. Users are responsible for installing any updates that may be made available from Windows Update. All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program is governed by the Insider Terms of Use.RDP black screen
Hello everyone, On several Windows server 2022 ,up to date, attached to a domain, when domain users initiate an RDP connection they end up with a black screen and mouse cursor only. I don't have this problem with local machine administrator accounts. The problem only occurs on Windows server 2022, not on 2019. On the server, the user who initiated the connection has only 4 processes, and they're always the same: In the server logs, we can see that several processes have been blocked by SRP: The problem is that I haven't defined anything like that... I don't encounter this problem with local administrators on the machine. What's more, it happens randomly. I can have the problem for several days and then nothing for several weeks. Does anyone have any idea what it could be? Have you encountered this problem before? Thank you in advance for your help. Matthieu20Views0likes0CommentsIn-place upgrade possibility planned for Windows Server 2025 Datacenter Azure Edition ?
There is currently no official ISO for Windows Server Datacenter: Azure Edition that supports setup.exe /auto upgrade for in-place upgrades. Azure Update Manager does not support OS version upgrades for Azure Edition through optional features. Is anyone aware of a supported workaround?32Views0likes1CommentRelease of Windows Server 2025 Datacenter Azure Edition
Hi all, I am happy to see there are still Insider versions of Windows Server Datacenter Azure Edition vNext Is there any ETA for a release for the next iteration after 2022? What are the feature benefits that justify Azure Edition "2025" to be ahead of WS 2025 Thank you for your help!134Views0likes3CommentsDynamic processor compatibility mode
Hi, I was reading up on the new Dynamic processor compatibility mode in 2025 and have been doing some testing and not happy with the result. We have about 400 blades and that comes to about 8 different CPU types in those blades. As our customers have very dynamic demands we're constantly resizing clusters and the blades give me a lot of flexibility in this. In the past the CPU compatibility setting gave us even more flexibility to live migrate between different CPU families, but it also set back the CPU to 1970 levels feature wise. Now with the new updated dynamic processor compatibility mode we have much more CPU functions that are exposed, which is good. The bad thing though is that the CPU level on the cluster is dynamic and my VMs could get different CPU features available with every power off - power on. For example when I start a new cluster with some fresh blades I just received from my supplier, the cluster will determine the common CPU level to be the latest (say XYZ). The VMs I run on it all have CPU compatibility enabled, so they see level XYZ. Now the customer asks for some quick expansion of the cluster and I have to add some older type of blade. My personal testing has learned that the cluster now determines the common level to be somewhat lower, say RST. The VMs that are already running will keep seeing the XYZ (as expected) but: - they can't live migrate to the older host - on next power off and restart, they will go back to level RST. This gives me two major issues. One is that I can't just update my clusters anymore without VM downtime since I can't move VMs to the older hosts. And the bigger issue is that VMs can sometimes have and sometimes not have a specific CPU feature set. Would love to have an option to manually set a CPU feature set for a cluster. I would take my oldest blade, get that feature set and apply it on all clusters and when that blade type is gone, I'd just update all clusters to a new lowest level. Also, I can't find anywhere how I can see through powershell or GUI, what the common CPU feature set for a cluster is. Love to hear everyone's thoughts about this.....25Views0likes0CommentsErreur Windows update KB5060531
Bonjour, J'ai un serveur Windows 2019 qui rencontre un problème pour installer une mise a jour. Auriez-vous des idées pour solutionner cette erreur ? Erreur rencontrée : Mise à jour cumulative 2025-05 pour Windows Server 2019 (1809) – Systèmes x64 (KB5058392) Code erreur : 0x800706be34Views0likes0CommentsConnect a Workgroup device on 802.1x Network with NPS
We have an 802.1X-secured Wi-Fi network using EAP-TLS authentication with machine certificates. Domain-joined devices connect and authenticate successfully. However, we have a scenario where some non-domain (Workgroup) Windows 11 devices must connect to this network — and they fail to authenticate. What we've tested so far: User Certificate Approach: Created a duplicate of the User certificate template. Set Compatibility to Windows Server 2008 (to enable key storage provider support). Set Application Policies to include only Client Authentication. Set Subject Name to Supply in the request. During enrollment, we ensured the UPN in the certificate matches the AD user's UPN (e.g., mailto:user@domain). We verified the certificate appears under Published Certificates in the AD user's account. Machine Certificate Approach: Created a certificate with: CN=host/hostname.domain.local in the Subject DNS=hostname.domain.local in the SAN Client Authentication EKU Ensured the certificate is installed in the Local Machine store with private key. In AD: Created a Computer object matching the machine name. Added the ServicePrincipalName (SPN): host/hostname.domain.local Added altSecurityIdentities: "X509:<i>CN=CA Name,DC=domain,DC=local<s>CN=host/hostname.domain.local</s></i>" What we observe in NPS Event Viewer: Each connection attempt from a Workgroup machine — even with valid certificate, and proper mapping — results in: Reason Code: 16 Reason: Authentication failed due to a user credentials mismatch. Either the user name provided does not map to an existing user account or the password was incorrect. We also ensured that: NPS has a valid certificate with Server Authentication EKU The authentication method used is Microsoft: Smart card or other certificate (EAP-TLS) The policies are configured for certificate-based authentication only The question How can we make NPS map a client certificate (from a non-domain device) to a user or computer account in Active Directory, so that authentication succeeds? Are there additional requirements for altSecurityIdentities, or limitations for Workgroup clients that we're missing?76Views0likes1CommentDC Demote failed Access denied
We're trying to demote two domain controllers 2008R2 in a domain ( domx.company.local ) that is part of a forest Company.local We added two new domain controllers into domx.domain.local and tried to demote the two old one. Both of them failed to demote with the error Error - The attempt at remote directory server SRVDC02.domx.domain.local to remove directory server CN=SRVDC01,CN=Servers,CN=SITE,CN=Sites,CN=Configuration,DC=Domain,DC=local was unsuccessful. (5) We checked that all the DC objects and the Site's folder have no flag to protect them from removal. We are logged into the DC to be demoted as an Enterprise admin. Any help on solve the issue is appreciated21Views0likes0CommentsHow to choose the correct server edition?
Hi, I am new to IT and currently studying for my first helpdesk job. I was following kevtech it support on youtube and he basically guides us to go over 2016 server, and when I asked on a post on linkedin, a lot of people told me that 2022 was very popular nowadays, and I also heard the mentions of server 2025. They recommend that I research this on Chatgpt, the usage of the versions and their differences, however, I also hoped I could get some input with the community experienced with those different versions. So if you have any input or advice, I would highly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.30Views1like1CommentWindows Server 2019 Administrator access gone
I recently was using Windows Server 2019 Evaluation version, everything working great. Then purchased full license and upgraded it with the license. Now I am unable to do anything because the Administrator account is inaccessible. I can't even restart the server without having to power off. Any help would be appreciated.19Views0likes0CommentsWindows Admin Center fail to work after installing June cumulative update
I installed June cumulative update patch in 11/6 Log Name: System Source: Microsoft-Windows-WindowsUpdateClient Date: 2025/6/11 10:14:09 Event ID: 43 Task Category: Windows Update Agent Level: Information Keywords: Started, Installed User: SYSTEM Computer: DC-MASTER.test.microbin.cn Description: Installation Started: Windows has started installing the following update: 2025-06 Cumulative Update for Microsoft server operating system version 24H2 for x64-based systems (KB5060842) Event Xml: <Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event"> <System> <Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-WindowsUpdateClient" Guid="{945a8954-c147-4acd-923f-40c45405a658}" /> <EventID>43</EventID> <Version>1</Version> <Level>4</Level> <Task>1</Task> <Opcode>13</Opcode> <Keywords>0x8000000000002008</Keywords> <TimeCreated SystemTime="2025-06-11T02:14:09.6577485Z" /> <EventRecordID>125631</EventRecordID> <Correlation /> <Execution ProcessID="22092" ThreadID="27544" /> <Channel>System</Channel> <Computer>DC-MASTER.test.microbin.cn</Computer> <Security UserID="S-1-5-18" /> </System> <EventData> <Data Name="updateTitle">Applies to x64-based 2025-06 Cumulative Update for Microsoft server operating system version 24H2 of the system (KB5060842)</Data> <Data Name="updateGuid">{dc616f05-dd63-47e3-9365-ff4bc05397eb}</Data> <Data Name="updateRevisionNumber">1</Data> </EventData> </Event> and after restarting OS and get ApplicationError of Windows Admin Center. Starting the Windows Admin Center service and went to browser then get error "ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED". Log name: Application Source: Application Error Date: 2025/6/11 10:32:31 Event ID: 1000 Task Category: Application Crash Event Level: Error Keywords: User: SYSTEM Computer: DC-MASTER.test.microbin.cn Description: Faulting application name: WindowsAdminCenterAccountManagement.exe, version: 2.4.2.1, time stamp: 0x674f0000 Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 10.0.26100.4061, time stamp: 0xe6128e90 Exception code: 0xe0434352 Error offset: 0x00000000000c9f0a Faulting process ID: 0x2B94 Faulting application start time: 0x1DBC4776EBA8992 Faulting Application Path: C:\Program Files\WindowsAdminCenter\Service\WindowsAdminCenterAccountManagement.exe Faulting Module Path: C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll Report ID: 91c0debe-943e-426b-a15b-646e6545e2ba Faulting Package Full Name: Faulting Package Relative Application ID: Event Xml: <Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event"> <System> <Provider Name="Application Error" Guid="{a0e9b465-b939-57d7-b27d-95d8e925ff57}" /> <EventID>1000</EventID> <Version>0</Version> <Level>2</Level> <Task>100</Task> <Opcode>0</Opcode> <Keywords>0x8000000000000000</Keywords> <TimeCreated SystemTime="2025-06-11T02:32:31.6246703Z" /> <EventRecordID>772255</EventRecordID> <Correlation /> <Execution ProcessID="31216" ThreadID="31368" /> <Channel>Application</Channel> <Computer>DC-MASTER.test.microbin.cn</Computer> <Security UserID="S-1-5-18" /> </System> <EventData> <Data Name="AppName">WindowsAdminCenterAccountManagement.exe</Data> <Data Name="AppVersion">2.4.2.1</Data> <Data Name="AppTimeStamp">674f0000</Data> <Data Name="ModuleName">KERNELBASE.dll</Data> <Data Name="ModuleVersion">10.0.26100.4061</Data> <Data Name="ModuleTimeStamp">e6128e90</Data> <Data Name="ExceptionCode">e0434352</Data> <Data Name="FaultingOffset">00000000000c9f0a</Data> <Data Name="ProcessId">0x2b94</Data> <Data Name="ProcessCreationTime">0x1dbc4776eba8992</Data> <Data Name="AppPath">C:\Program Files\WindowsAdminCenter\Service\WindowsAdminCenterAccountManagement.exe</Data> <Data Name="ModulePath">C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll</Data> <Data Name="IntegratorReportId">91c0debe-943e-426b-a15b-646e6545e2ba</Data> <Data Name="PackageFullName"> </Data> <Data Name="PackageRelativeAppId"> </Data> </EventData> </Event> Log name: Application Source: Application Error Date: 2025/6/13 10:02:59 Event ID: 1000 Task Category: Application Crash Event Level: Error Keywords: User: NETWORK SERVICE Computer: DC-MASTER.test.microbin.cn Description: Faulting application name: WindowsAdminCenter.exe, version: 2.4.2.1, time stamp: 0x674f0000 Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 10.0.26100.4202, time stamp: 0xfc5b8f29 Exception code: 0xe0434352 Error offset: 0x00000000000c85ea Faulting process ID: 0x75C8 Faulting application start time: 0x1DBDC0748F8CFA8 Faulting Application Path: C:\Program Files\WindowsAdminCenter\Service\WindowsAdminCenter.exe Faulting Module Path: C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll Report ID: 80f0b279-ffe4-4584-ac22-cb879fe49864 Faulting Package Full Name: Faulting Package Relative Application ID: Event Xml: <Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event"> <System> <Provider Name="Application Error" Guid="{a0e9b465-b939-57d7-b27d-95d8e925ff57}" /> <EventID>1000</EventID> <Version>0</Version> <Level>2</Level> <Task>100</Task> <Opcode>0</Opcode> <Keywords>0x8000000000000000</Keywords> <TimeCreated SystemTime="2025-06-13T02:02:59.6057841Z" /> <EventRecordID>793400</EventRecordID> <Correlation /> <Execution ProcessID="15432" ThreadID="11684" /> <Channel>Application</Channel> <Computer>DC-MASTER.test.microbin.cn</Computer> <Security UserID="S-1-5-20" /> </System> <EventData> <Data Name="AppName">WindowsAdminCenter.exe</Data> <Data Name="AppVersion">2.4.2.1</Data> <Data Name="AppTimeStamp">674f0000</Data> <Data Name="ModuleName">KERNELBASE.dll</Data> <Data Name="ModuleVersion">10.0.26100.4202</Data> <Data Name="ModuleTimeStamp">fc5b8f29</Data> <Data Name="ExceptionCode">e0434352</Data> <Data Name="FaultingOffset">00000000000c85ea</Data> <Data Name="ProcessId">0x75c8</Data> <Data Name="ProcessCreationTime">0x1dbdc0748f8cfa8</Data> <Data Name="AppPath">C:\Program Files\WindowsAdminCenter\Service\WindowsAdminCenter.exe</Data> <Data Name="ModulePath">C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll</Data> <Data Name="IntegratorReportId">80f0b279-ffe4-4584-ac22-cb879fe49864</Data> <Data Name="PackageFullName"> </Data> <Data Name="PackageRelativeAppId"> </Data> </EventData> </Event> Even reinstalled and that won't work. Before install June cumulative update Windows Admin Center works fine and no error happened.95Views0likes1CommentSRV 2022 WDS - Can't import Realtek NIC Drivers
hello, i'm using windows deployment services (WDS) on my windows server 2022. many clients (windows 10 and windows 11) have a "Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller" as onboard NIC. if i get the required driver from ex. HP or DELL i can't import it into my WDS server (error code:0xC10408A6). even the driver from the microsoft catalog won't import. normally i would get it from realtek homepage, but this driver won't import either. a friend of mine has a WDS on a windows server 2019. he can import the driver from the realtek homepage an it works fine. what can i do? the error description says that the cause for failed packages includes unsigned x64 driver-package (it's signed), network connectivity (it's fine) and package corruption (but it works on server 2019). my 2022 server has the latest windows updates.59Views1like2CommentsMicrosoft HyperV 2022
Hi Team, we have a customer running with MS HyperV2012 R2 and the VMs reside on the storage LUNs. They want to install MS HyperV 2022 in new servers and migrate the VMs to New storage LUNs. (Since Old server and storage are EOSL). Any suggestion on this?3.1KViews0likes6CommentsWS2025 - LocalKDC Service Stopped
I have found that this service was disabled before the December update, for some reason it has gone to automatic and cannot be started, maybe this behavior is normal if you are not using this feature. After the January security patch the service still does not start, I think microsoft should report this problem. This problem occurs in a clean installation without any role installed or configured. If you try to start the service it shows the following error1.1KViews1like7CommentsDNS Server cannot lookup domain AWS
Hi Everyone, I have an issue with the DNS service on Windows Server 2019. I have a CNAME record pointing from an internal domain to a domain hosted on Route53. However, this record frequently returns an 'unknown host' error. My server is already connected to the internet, and the record has a TTL 60. Please help me with this case.34Views0likes1Comment
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