Windows server 2025 std version

Question

I want to build Azure VM with OS Windows Server 2025 Standard Edition but i can't see Azure have this image while creating the VM.

How i can install standard edition and what the reason azure only have datacenter edition?

Answer 1

Hey @Handian Sudianto

Yes, your observation is right and as mentioned by TP as well, Windows Server 2025 Standard Edition is not available as a ready-made image in the Azure Marketplace. This is intentional and aligns with Microsoft’s cloud licensing and servicing model.

If you specifically need Windows Server 2025 Standard Edition, you can use it in Azure by creating a custom image. The process is:

• Install Windows Server 2025 Standard in your own environment (for example, on a local virtual machine).
• Prepare the operating system according to Microsoft requirements:
  • Run Sysprep with the Generalize option.
  • Ensure the OS disk is a fixed-size VHD file (VHDX is not supported).
  • Remove persistent routes and configure the appropriate SAN policy.
• Upload the VHD file to Azure.
• Create a managed image from the uploaded VHD.
• Deploy new Azure virtual machines using that custom image.

For more details, please refer: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/prepare-for-upload-vhd-image

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If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

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Answer 2

Hi,

In order to use Windows Server 2025 Standard in Azure, you need to have proper license (e.g. Active Software Assurance). If you have the required license (that allows use in Azure), then you are permitted to run Windows Server Datacenter in Azure (instead of Standard), of course subject to the Product Terms, number of core license you own, etc. You get to utilize Azure Hybrid Benefit.

In regards to why they didn't make Standard available in Azure, my guess is they wanted to simplify/reduce number of images to support/update as well as simplify billing. Features in Datacenter/Standard are almost identical, with Datacenter having all features in Standard.

Is there a specific reason you want to use Standard instead of Datacenter in Azure?

For each Azure VM you need to have a minimum of 8 core licenses with Active Software Assurance, even if the VM has less than 8 cores. Please see article below as well as the Product Terms document that applies to your specific licensing program for more details.

Getting Azure Hybrid Benefit

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/azure-hybrid-benefit?tabs=azure#getting-azure-hybrid-benefit

-TP