Windows Server 2025 System Requirements: What You Need to Know

Are you planning to upgrade your Windows remote work environment using the latest Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs? Do you know the system requirement changes that happened with the arrival of the newest server model?

Windows Server 2025 is the brand new server model introduced by Microsoft that has the most advanced features, which can boost your remote work efficiency. They are made to meet the requirements of highly virtualized work settings and to increase the productivity of your employees using advanced tools with better user interfaces.

For a growing company like yours, it is better to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 to enjoy the benefits offered by Microsoft. Read What’s New in Windows Server 2025? Key Features and Updates to learn more about Windows 2025.

Understanding the system requirements of Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs is crucial for optimal performance. In this blog, we’ll share with you the system requirements compared to the older versions of Windows Servers. If you wish to change your Windows server to a 2025 model, this blog will be really helpful for you.

Minimum System Requirements for Windows 2025

Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs have varied system requirements since they offer the most advanced features compared to their prior versions.

Processor Requirements

Minimum Cores: A minimum of 4 cores is generally recommended for a basic setup. For increased performance, 8-core or higher is better.
Clock Speed: A minimum clock speed of 1.4 GHz is usually specified (64-bit processors), although 2.0 GHz or higher is ideal for stable performance.
Architectural Compatibility: Compatible with x64 processors supporting NX and DEP, hardware-assisted virtualization and second-level address translation (SLAT).

RAM Requirements

Basic Usage: At least 2 GB of RAM is required almost exclusively for the operating system. But 4 GB or more is highly recommended for smooth operation, even in small use cases.
Increased Performance: 16 GB or more is ideal for demanding applications. It is recommended to scale up for virtual or server-intensive tasks.

Storage Requirements

Disk Space: At least 64 GB of space is required for installation. Although it is recommended to support more updates, log files, and system data.
Data Management: Consider at least 256 GB to improve storage performance and avoid running out of space, especially if performing additional roles or storing important information. It is best for large scale deployments and virtualization.

Network requirements

Network Capacity: A reliable network adapter supporting at least 1 Gbps is generally required. But 10 Gbps and more is recommended for network redundancy and load handling in high performance areas.
Connection Stability: High uptime and low latency are required. Especially if the server is expected to support permanent traffic or remote connections.

System Requirements for Optimal Performance

Minimum hardware requirements are not sufficient for Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs to provide you with optimal performance. For that, you need to boost the capacity of your equipment. Below is a table that shows you what is needed for upgrading to Windows Server 2025 and what you should include for its best execution of tasks.

Component	Minimum Requirements	Advanced Requirements
Processor	– 4 cores minimum – 1.4 GHz clock speed (64-bit)	– 8 cores or higher – 2.0 GHz or higher clock speed
Architectural Compatibility	– x64 processor – Supports NX, DEP, hardware-assisted virtualization, SLAT	– Same as minimum but with higher core count and clock speed
RAM	– 2 GB for OS alone – 4 GB or more for smoother operation	– 16 GB or more for demanding applications – More for virtual or server-intensive tasks
Storage	– 64 GB disk space for installation	– 256 GB or more for improved performance and data management
Network	– 1 Gbps network adapter – Reliable network connection	– 10 Gbps network adapter for high-throughput – High uptime and low latency for constant traffic or remote connections

Additional Hardware Requirements

Depending on your specific needs, the hardware requirements that are essential for the right performance also change. These additional hardware requirements should be installed or upgraded based on your distinct demands.

If you plan to install the operating system via DVD media, use a DVD drive.
Firmware and system based on UEFI 2.3.1c that provide secure boot
TPM, or Trusted Platform Module
Graphics equipment and monitor with Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution capabilities
Microsoft mouse and keyboard (or any other pointing device that works well)
Access to the Internet

Are you someone who wants to move to the newest Windows Server? Read How to Set Up RDS CALs in Windows Server 2025 to easily get going with Windows Server 2025.

Compatibility with Virtualization and Cloud Environments

Improved hybrid cloud integration and virtualization enhancements are some of the highlighted features of Windows Server 2025. The cloud integration offers VM migration without downtime, increased storage facilities and it is compatible with Azure Arc.

This version of Windows Server has the nested virtualization facility that enables virtualized environments within other virtual machines. This feature provides a flexible virtual environment for testing and development.

You cannot install Windows Server 2025 in a virtual machine with hardware that meets only the minimum requirements of 1 processor and 512MB RAM.

Initial RAM Allocation: Allocate more than 800 MB of RAM to the virtual machine for the installation of Windows Server 2025.
Post-Installation RAM Adjustment: After the setup is complete, you can reduce the RAM allocation to as low as 512 MB depending on the server’s actual configuration.
Modified Boot Image: If the boot image has been modified (with additional languages or updates), you may need to allocate more than 800 MB RAM to complete the installation.

Suggested Reading: Windows Server 2025 RDS CAL vs. 2022 to understand the compatibility with prior versions.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2025 is the best server model that Microsoft has ever launched. It has all the better capabilities compared to the older versions. These features let your employees work from different parts of the world efficiently just with access to the Internet.

But for you to make use of these features and provide a better user experience for your team members, you need to legalize it by installing RDS CALs. Approach an experienced and updated RDS CALs provider to help you with upgrading the existing Windows environment to the most advanced.

Sysvista is a trusted RDS CALs provider that has been helping companies access various server environments. We offer personalized services for our clients to make sure what they are getting is perfect for their business needs in a cost-effective way.

15+ years of service
Lifetime warranty
Fast delivery
Supportive customer care

Leave a message to get connected with us or give us a call to learn more about Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Windows Server 2025 run on previous-generation hardware?

Of course, Windows Server 2025 can run on previous-generation hardware with the right RDS CALs. Its performance will be limited and it will not be supported in all older generation hardware.

2. How much RAM is needed for optimal RDS performance?

Windows Server 2025 will work perfectly with 2 GB RAM. But for optimal RDS performance, you might need 4 GB RAM.

3. Is an SSD mandatory for Windows Server 2025?

Having an SSD has its own benefits for specific needs. But it is not compulsory in Windows Server 2025.