Windows Server preview build 17035 available for Windows Insiders!

We’re at full speed ahead! Just three weeks ago, we made available Windows Server, version 1709, the first release in the new Semi-Annual Channel release cadence, and today we’re making available the first preview build for the next release in this channel. The preview build 17035 is now available for download for Windows Insiders.

The preview builds are an important part of the development process for Windows Server. It’s through the feedback from customers using these builds that we’re able to find and fix bugs, as well as continue to improve each release. In addition, within these releases we show some new features and capabilities so if you’re looking for what’s next, here’s your chance to see what’s coming.

Storage Spaces Direct ready for validation and feedback!

Yes, we told you this when we first launched version 1709. Storage Spaces Direct is the foundation of our hyper-converged solution and we’re continuing to evolve it. In this preview build we not only brought it back, but we’re adding some new and important updates to it, such as support for Data Deduplication, a largely requested feature for Storage Spaces Direct and ReFS. Starting in this build you’ll be able to save up to 50% of data footprint.

It’s important to remember though, that Windows Server 2016 (the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel release) continues to be the recommended version for production hyper-converged systems, and the Windows Server Software Defined program offers an end-to-end validated solution. The preview builds are not supported in production environments and the Semi-Annual Channel releases should only be considered for workloads that would benefit from the fastest release cadence.

Project Honolulu preview builds available for Insiders!

New to Insiders, an early update to the technical preview of Project “Honolulu”. Project “Honolulu” is a flexible, lightweight browser-based customer-deployed platform and solution for Windows Server management scenarios for troubleshooting, configuration, and maintenance. Project “Honolulu” technical preview 1711 build 01003 is now available to Insiders, before the public, and is our first update since our initial technical preview 1709 released for Ignite.

This new preview build of Project “Honolulu” brings some very exciting new features including support for managing Windows 10 in a new “Computer Management” solution, a new Remote Desktop tool for connecting directly to targeted machines, and some performance improvements and bug fixes.

How to get started, new features, and known issues

If you haven’t yet, sign up for the Windows Insiders program. To obtain the build, registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider preview download page. You may also want to check the Getting Started with Server page to get a step-by-step guide on how to start using the Windows Server preview builds. A complete list of new features and known issues will be available in the Window Server Insiders space in the Tech Community.

The most important part of a frequent release cycle is to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Use your registered Windows 10 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the “Server” category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. Please indicate what build number you are providing feedback on.

We will continue to provide new preview builds prior to the next release in the Semi-Annual Channel, so keep an eye out to see what’s coming!