Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Build 26085 Released, Here is What’s New and Fixed

Today Microsoft released a new Insider Preview build of Windows Server VNext and the build number is 26085. If you are registered with “Windows Insiders for Business” program, you can download and install the build. It comes with new features, bug fixes and improvements.

What is Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Build?

Windows Server Insider Preview builds are testing builds of the upcoming version of Windows Server operating system. These builds are released for testing purposes only. You can consider these builds similar to Windows 10 and Windows 11 Insider Preview builds.

If you want to check new features and changes which will become part of the next version of Windows Server OS, you can download and install Windows Server Insider Preview builds.

These builds install 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.

These builds can also be used to install the next Windows Server Annual Channel for Containers Preview that contains Server Datacenter Core edition.

Microsoft has not finalized the branding or name of the next Windows Server version, so at the moment the Preview builds display the installed OS as Windows Server 2022.

What’s New in Latest Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Build?

• Windows Server Flighting: If you signed up for Server Flighting, you should receive this new build automatically later today. To set up flighting on Server (build 26010 or later), just navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to opt in your device. Flighting will only be available for the Canary Channel and flights for Server begin with build 26040. Flighting for Server applies to the Desktop Experience only.
• Try the “WinGet” command line utility on Windows Server: The WinGet command line utility enables installing applications and other packages from the command line. Simply type winget on the command line for a list of available commands to get started. For example, you can install the latest version of Powershell using winget.exe install 'Microsoft.PowerShell' command.
• New feedback hub app for Server Desktop users.
• Win32-OpenSSH server side component (SSHD) is now installed by default.
• New Desktop wallpaper
• Improvements to Settings -> Accounts page.
• Improvements to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Bug fixes and general improvements

Known Issues in Latest Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Build

• Upgrade does not complete: Some users may experience an issue when upgrading where the download process does not progress beyond 0%. If you encounter this issue, please upgrade to this newer build using the ISO media download option.
• VMs created using ISO media may not boot: Some users may encounter boot issues when creating Gen 2 VMs using this build (26063) and attempting to set the DVD ISO as boot preference. The new VM is unable to boot through the ISO and skips to subsequent boot options. This will be addressed in a future release.
• Access denied error when using Diskpart -> Clean Image on Winpe.vhdx VMs created using Windows PE.
• Flighting: The label for this flight incorrectly references 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.
• Setup: Some users may experience overlapping rectangle voids following mouse clicks during “OOBE” setup. This is a graphics rendering issue and will not prevent setup from completing. This issue will be addressed in a future release.
• WinPE – Powershell Scripts: Applying the WinPE-Powershell optional component does not properly install Powershell in WinPE. As a result, Powershell cmdlets will fail. Customers who are dependent on Powershell in WinPE should not use this build.
• If you are validating upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022, Microsoft does not recommend that you use this build as intermittent upgrade failures have been identified for this build.
• This build has an issue where archiving eventlogs with “wevetutil al” command causes the Windows Event Log service to crash, and the archive operation to fail. The service must be restarted by executing “Start-Service EventLog” from an administrative command line prompt.
• If you have Secure Launch/DRTM code path enabled, Microsoft does not recommend that you install this build.

How to Install or Upgrade to New Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Build?

To test drive these builds, you’ll need to register for Windows Server for Business program using following link:

Register for Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Builds

After registration, you’ll be able to download and install these preview builds in your devices.

Download Windows Server VNext Offline ISO or VHDX Files

Microsoft provides full offline ISO and VHDX files of Windows Server Insider Preview builds so that users can install them in multiple computer systems.

You can download the offline ISO and VHDX setup files using following official page:

Download Windows Server VNext Offline ISO and VHDX Files

You’ll also be able to download “Microsoft Server Languages and Optional Features Preview” and “Windows Admin Center 2110.2 Preview” from the above mentioned download page.

Product Key or License Key to Activate Windows Server VNext Preview Builds

You’ll need to enter product key to activate these Insider Preview builds of Windows Server. Microsoft has provided official serial keys to activate different versions of Windows Server OS:

Windows Server VNext Standard Edition:

MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH

Windows Server VNext Datacenter Edition:

2KNJJ-33Y9H-2GXGX-KMQWH-G6H67

Azure Edition does not accept a key.

Expiry Date of Windows Server VNext Insider Preview Builds

Since these are preview builds for testing purposes only, these builds come with expiry date or evaluation period.

You’ll be able to use these builds till September 15, 2023.

Also Check:

Windows 11 New Insider Preview Build Available for Download

Windows 10 New Insider Preview Build Available for Download

Microsoft Office New Insider Preview Build Available for Download