September 16, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Windows Server 2025 Core and Docker – A Modern Container Host Architecture

As businesses race toward cloud-native infrastructure and microservices, Windows Server 2025 Core emerges as a lean, powerful platform for hosting Docker containers. With its minimal footprint and robust security posture, Server Core paired with Docker offers a compelling solution for modern application deployment.

Architecture Design: Windows Server Core + Docker

Windows Server 2025 Core is a headless, GUI-less version of Windows Server designed for performance and security. When used as a Docker container host, it provides:

Lightweight OS footprint: Reduces attack surface and resource consumption.
Hyper-V isolation: Enables secure container execution with kernel-level separation.
Support for Nano Server and Server Core images: Ideal for running Windows-based microservices.
Integration with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): Seamless orchestration in hybrid environments.

Key Components

Component	Role in Architecture
Windows Server 2025 Core	Host OS with minimal services
Docker Engine	Container runtime for managing containers
Hyper-V	Optional isolation layer for enhanced security
PowerShell / CLI Tools	Management and automation
Windows Admin Center	GUI-based remote management

Installation Guide

Setting up Docker on Windows Server 2025 Core is straightforward but requires precision. Here’s a simplified walkthrough:

Windows Server 2025 Datacenter Core running

Install Required Features

Use PowerShell to install Hyper-V and Containers features:

Install-WindowsFeature -Name Hyper-V, Containers -IncludeManagementTools -Restart

Install Docker

Download and install Docker from the official source or use the PowerShell script provided by Microsoft:

Invoke-WebRequest “https://download.docker.com/win/static/stable/x86_64/docker-28.4.0.zip” -OutFile “docker.zip”

Unzip and configure Docker as a service:

at Docker directory to your path

Add the Docker config directory

Set the daemon

Create the Docker Service

net start docker

docker version

Docker Host on Windows Server 2025 Core is Installed 😉

Configure Networking

Ensure proper NAT or transparent networking for container communication.

Pull Base Images

Use Docker CLI to pull Windows container images:

docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/windows/servercore:ltsc2025

Test Deployment

Run a sample Windows Server 2025 core container:

docker run -it mcr.microsoft.com/windows/servercore:ltsc2025

Inside the Windows Server 2025 Core Container on the Docker host.

Best Practices

To maximize reliability, security, and scalability:

Use Hyper-V isolation for sensitive workloads.
Automate deployments with PowerShell scripts or CI/CD pipelines.
Keep base images updated to patch vulnerabilities.
Monitor containers using Azure Arc monitoring or Windows Admin Center.
Limit container privileges and avoid running as Administrator.
Use volume mounts for persistent data storage.

Conclusion: Why It Matters

For developers, Windows Server 2025 Core with Docker offers:

Fast iteration cycles with isolated environments.
Consistent dev-to-prod workflows using container images.
Improved security with minimal OS footprint and Hyper-V isolation.

For businesses, the benefits are even broader:

Reduced infrastructure costs via efficient resource usage.
Simplified legacy modernization by containerizing Windows apps.
Hybrid cloud readiness with Azure integration and Kubernetes support.
Scalable architecture for microservices and distributed systems.

Windows Server 2025 Core isn’t just a server OS—it’s a launchpad for modern, secure, and scalable containerized applications. Whether you’re a developer building the next big thing or a business optimizing legacy systems, this combo is worth the investment.

Integrating Azure Arc into the Windows Server 2025 Core + Docker Architecture for Adaptive Cloud

Overview

Microsoft Azure Arc extends Azure’s control plane to your on-premises Windows Server 2025 Core container hosts. By onboarding your Server Core machines as Azure Arc–enabled servers, you gain unified policy enforcement, monitoring, update management, and GitOps-driven configurations—all while keeping workloads close to the data and users.

Architecture Extension

Azure Connected Machine Agent
Installs on Windows Server 2025 Core as a Feature on Demand, creating an Azure resource that represents your physical or virtual machine in the Azure portal.
Control Plane Integration
Onboarded servers appear in Azure Resource Manager (ARM), letting you apply Azure Policy, role-based access control (RBAC), and tag-based cost tracking.
Hybrid Monitoring & Telemetry
Azure Monitor collects logs and metrics from Docker Engine, container workloads, and host-level performance counters—streamlined into your existing Log Analytics workspaces.
Update Management & Hotpatching
Leverage Azure Update Manager to schedule Windows and container image patches. Critical fixes can even be applied via hotpatching on Arc-enabled machines without a reboot.
GitOps & Configuration as Code
Use Azure Arc–enabled Kubernetes to deploy container workloads via Git repositories, or apply Desired State Configuration (DSC) policies to Server Core itself.

Adaptive Cloud Features Enabled

Centralized Compliance
Apply Azure Policies to enforce security baselines across every Docker host, ensuring drift-free configurations.
Dynamic Scaling
Trigger Azure Automation runbooks or Logic Apps when performance thresholds are breached, auto-provisioning new container hosts.
Unified Security Posture
Feed security alerts from Microsoft Defender for Cloud into Azure Sentinel, correlating threats across on-prem and cloud.
Hybrid Kubernetes Orchestration
Extend AKS clusters to run on Arc-connected servers, enabling consistent deployment pipelines whether containers live on Azure or in your datacenter.

More information about Innovate on an Adaptive Cloud here

Integration Walkthrough

Prepare your Server Core host (ensure Hyper-V, Containers, and Azure Arc Feature on Demand are installed).
Install Azure Arc agent via Azure PowerShell
In the Azure portal, navigate to Azure Arc > Servers, and verify your machine is onboarded.
Enable Azure Policy assignments, connect to a Log Analytics workspace, and turn on Update Management.
(Optional) Deploy the Azure Arc GitOps operator for containerized workloads across hybrid clusters.

Visualizing Azure Arc in Your Diagram

Above your existing isometric architecture, add a floating “Azure Cloud Control Plane” layer that includes:

ARM with Policy assignments
Azure Monitor / Log Analytics
Update Manager + Hotpatch service
GitOps repo integrations

Draw data and policy-enforcement arrows from this Azure layer down to your Windows Server Core “building,” Docker cube, container workloads, and Hyper-V racks—demonstrating end-to-end adaptive management.

Why It Matters

Integrating Azure Arc transforms your static container host into an adaptive cloud-ready node. You’ll achieve:

Consistent governance across on-prem and cloud
Automated maintenance with zero-downtime patching
Policy-driven security at scale
Simplified hybrid Kubernetes and container lifecycle management

With Azure Arc, your Windows Server 2025 Core and Docker container hosts become full citizens of the Azure ecosystem—securing, monitoring, and scaling your workloads wherever they run.

Better Together 🐳

July 12, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Celebrating 15 Remarkable Years in the Microsoft MVP Community

Dear Community Members, Friends, and Colleagues,

As I mark my 15th anniversary in the Microsoft MVP program, I’m filled with immense gratitude, humility, and pride. What began as a passion for sharing knowledge and building connections has blossomed into a deeply rewarding journey—one shaped by innovation, collaboration, and the extraordinary people who make this community thrive.

Over these 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to learn from brilliant minds, contribute to inspiring projects, and witness the transformative power of technology firsthand. Whether through speaking engagements, blog posts, mentoring, or hands-on technical work, being part of the MVP program has continually deepened my commitment to empowering others and fostering open, inclusive collaboration.

To the community: thank you for challenging, supporting, and celebrating with me. Your curiosity, creativity, and kindness are what keep this ecosystem alive and forward-looking.

To Microsoft: thank you for the honor and trust. The MVP program is a unique platform that amplifies voices, nurtures growth, and builds bridges—not just between developers and users, but between ideas and action.

While this milestone is a moment to reflect, it’s also a reminder that there’s always more to explore, create, and share. I look forward to continuing this journey together—with the same spark, but even greater purpose.

With heartfelt appreciation,
James

Here are some photos with Awesome people that I have met during these years:

Here you see Vijay Tewari in the middle who nominated me for the first time 🙂
Damian Flynn on the left and me on the right are Microsoft MVPs for Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)
at that time in 2011.

Here you see Tina Stenderup-Larsen in the middle, she is amazing! A Great Microsoft Community Program Manager
supporting all the MVPs in the Nordics & Benelux doing an Awesome Job!
On the right is Robert Smit a Great Dutch MVP and friend.

Mister OMS alias Scripting Guy Ed Wilson.

When there is a Microsoft Windows Server event, there is Jeff Woolsey 😉
“The three Musketeers”

Meeting Brad Anderson, he had great lunch breaks interviews in his car
with Awesome people.

The Azure Stack Guys on the 25th MVP Global Summit 😊

Mister PowerShell Jeffrey Snover at the MVP Summit having fun 😂

Scott Guthrie meeting him at the Red Shirt Tour in Amsterdam.

Great to meet Yuri Diogenes in 2018 with his book Azure Security Center.
I know him from the early days with Microsoft Security, like ISA Server 😉

Mister Azure, CTO Mark Russinovich meeting at the MVP Global Summit in Redmond.
a Great Technical Fellow with Awesome Azure Adaptive Cloud Solution Talks!

Mister DevOps himself Donovan Brown in Amsterdam for DevOps Days

My friend Rick Claus Mister MS Ignite.

Mister Azure Corey Sanders at the MVP Summit.

Mister Channel 9, MSIgnite, AI Specialist Seth Juarez
He is a funny guy.

Meeting Scott Hanselman in the Netherlands together with MVP Andre van den Berg.
Scott is Awesome in developer innovations and technologies.
Following Azure Friday from the beginning.

Windows Insider friends for ever meeting Scott Hanselman.
With on the left MVP Erik Moreau.

Windows Insiders for Ever 💙
Here together with Dona Sarkar here in the Netherlands

Windows Insider Friends having fun with Ugly Sweater meeting.
On the right my friend Maison da Silva and on the upper right Erik Moreau and Andre van den Berg.
Friends for Life 💙

Microsoft Global MVP 15 Years Award disc is in the House 🫶
on Monday the 14th of July 2025.

Thank you All 💗

April 4, 2025
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Happy Anniversary Day 50 years of Microsoft Innovation

50 years of Microsoft

A Legacy of Innovation and Transformation

Half a century ago, on April 4th, 1975, two young visionaries, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, co-founded Microsoft with a bold ambition: to make computing accessible and essential for everyone. What began as a small software company has grown into a global technology leader, continuously transforming industries and empowering billions of lives. As we celebrate Microsoft’s 50-year journey, let’s explore its milestones, innovations, and impact, including its contributions to datacenters, Windows Server, Hyper-V, Azure, and the leadership of its CEOs.

The Early Years: Coding the Future

Microsoft’s first big breakthrough came with the creation of an operating system for the fledgling personal computer market. In 1980, the company introduced MS-DOS, laying the groundwork for the revolutionary Windows operating system, launched in 1985. This graphical interface transformed computing, making it accessible to both businesses and individuals.

Guiding Microsoft Through Its Evolution: The CEOs Who Shaped the Company

Microsoft’s trajectory has been shaped by its visionary leadership. From the founders to the present, each CEO has left an indelible mark:

Bill Gates (1975–2000): As co-founder and first CEO, Gates spearheaded the company’s initial growth, launching pivotal products like MS-DOS, Windows, and Office. His focus on innovation and accessibility built the foundation of Microsoft’s success.
Steve Ballmer (2000–2014): During his tenure, Ballmer led Microsoft through massive expansion, particularly in enterprise solutions and cloud computing. He introduced Windows Server and laid the groundwork for services like Azure. Ballmer’s energy and passion defined his leadership style and kept Microsoft competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Satya Nadella (2014–Present): Nadella ushered in a cloud-first, AI-driven era, transforming Microsoft’s culture and business model. His emphasis on inclusivity, empathy, and sustainability revitalized the company. Under his leadership, Azure became one of the world’s leading cloud platforms, and Microsoft made transformative acquisitions like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Activision Blizzard.

Lake Bill on Redmond Campus

Redefining Enterprise Technology: Datacenters, Windows Server, and Virtualization

As businesses increasingly relied on technology, Microsoft expanded its offerings to support enterprise needs. Windows Server, introduced in 1993, became a cornerstone for server management and networking. It evolved over the decades, incorporating features such as Active Directory, high availability, and security enhancements.

Microsoft played a pivotal role in virtualization with Hyper-V, launched in 2008. Hyper-V allowed organizations to maximize resource efficiency and reduce costs by running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. Modern datacenters powered by Microsoft’s hardware and software solutions now form the backbone of its cloud services.

Embracing the Cloud: The Azure Revolution

Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, launched in 2010, redefined computing. It enabled organizations to access scalable infrastructure, deploy applications globally, and harness artificial intelligence with ease. Azure spans over 60 regions worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive cloud platforms. Its ecosystem includes hybrid cloud solutions, advanced analytics, and IoT technologies.

Gaming, Devices, and Consumer Innovation

Microsoft entered the gaming industry with the Xbox in 2001, creating a thriving gaming ecosystem. Beyond gaming, the company innovated with devices like the Surface lineup, combining sleek design with productivity. Its integration of hardware and software demonstrated Microsoft’s versatility.

Shaping the Future: AI, Sustainability, and Datacenters

Microsoft continues to lead in artificial intelligence with tools like Microsoft Copilot. Its pledge to be carbon-negative by 2030 highlights environmental responsibility, with sustainable datacenter operations playing a central role.

Conclusion: A Legacy Built to Inspire

Microsoft’s 50-year journey is a testament to the power of innovation and visionary leadership. From Bill Gates to Steve Ballmer to Satya Nadella, each CEO has steered the company to new heights. With contributions ranging from datacenters and Windows Server to Hyper-V and Azure, Microsoft’s impact has been profound. As the company looks ahead, it remains dedicated to empowering people and organizations to achieve more, ensuring the next 50 years are as groundbreaking as the last.

Here’s to Microsoft—a company built to inspire and shape the future.

at Building 92 of the Microsoft Campus in Redmond.

December 18, 2024
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

A little Christmas Story

Once upon a time, in a world where technology and holiday cheer intertwined, there was a bustling community of developers eagerly awaiting the latest updates from the Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows Server Insider programs. As the festive season approached, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation.

In the heart of this community were the Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) and Docker Captains, who were known for their expertise and passion for technology. They decided to come together to create something truly magical for developers around the world.

One snowy evening, as the MVPs and Docker Captains gathered around a virtual fireplace, they began to brainstorm ideas. “What if we could combine the power of Windows 11, Windows Server, and Docker Containers to create a seamless development experience?” suggested one MVP, their eyes twinkling with excitement.

The idea quickly gained momentum, and soon, the group was hard at work. They envisioned a world where developers could effortlessly build, test, and deploy applications using the latest features of Windows 11 and Windows Server, all within the flexible and scalable environment of Docker Containers.

With the help of the Insider programs, they gained early access to cutting-edge features and updates. The MVPs and Docker Captains worked tirelessly, sharing their knowledge and expertise to create a series of tutorials, guides, and sample projects. These resources were designed to help developers harness the full potential of Windows 11, Windows Server, and Docker Containers.

As the holiday season progressed, the community began to see the fruits of their labor. Developers from all corners of the globe started to adopt the new tools and techniques, marveling at the ease and efficiency they brought to their workflows. The combination of Windows 11’s sleek interface, Windows Server’s robust capabilities, and Docker Containers’ flexibility created a harmonious symphony of technology.

To celebrate their success, the MVPs and Docker Captains organized a virtual holiday party. Developers joined from far and wide, sharing stories of their experiences and the innovative projects they had created. The virtual room was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

As the night drew to a close, one of the Docker Captains raised a toast. “Here’s to the power of collaboration, the spirit of innovation, and the joy of the holiday season. May we continue to push the boundaries of technology and inspire developers everywhere.”

And so, the story of the Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows Server Insider Christmas, made possible by the dedication and expertise of the MVPs and Docker Captains, became a cherished tale in the developer community. It was a reminder that, with passion and teamwork, even the most ambitious dreams could come true.

Happy holidays, and may your coding adventures be merry and bright! 🎄💻🐳

November 21, 2024
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

My highlights Day 2 of Microsoft Ignite 2024

Microsoft Azure Adaptive Cloud approach enabled by Azure Arc.

Adaptive Cloud approach Key Services and Products.

Operate everywhere with AI-enhanced management and security

AI-enhanced Central Management & Security

Get Started with Azure Arc Jumpstart here

Welcome to the heart of our mission at Azure Arc Jumpstart, where we strive to transform your learning experience into a smooth and empowering journey. Our commitment is rooted in the principles that drive us forward:

Enabling immediate engagement: Arc Jumpstart is designed to offer a seamless “zero to hero” experience. We understand the value of your time, and our goal is to enable you to dive right into Azure Arc, eliminating barriers and complexities.
Comprehensive guidance: We provide more than just guides; we offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions tailored for various independent Azure Arc scenarios. Our content is meticulously detailed, incorporating extensive automation, vivid screenshots, and insightful code samples. This ensures that your learning journey is not just informative but also visually enriching and deeply engaging.
Unparalleled user experience: Our dedication lies in delivering a rich and immersive experience. We go beyond the basics, curating a user-centric environment that resonates with both beginners and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re setting up your environment on-premises or in the cloud, our guides empower you to focus on Azure Arc’s core values without being bogged down by technical intricacies.
Embracing platform flexibility: We recognize the diversity of your infrastructure, and our mission is to provide a platform-agnostic approach. Arc Jumpstart accommodates your infrastructure, whether it resides on-premises or in the cloud. Our focus is to ensure that regardless of your setup, you can harness the true potential of the Azure Arc platform effortlessly.

Investments to further the Adaptive Cloud Approach 🚀

Introducing Microsoft Azure Local enabled by Azure Arc

Scott Hanselman about Visual Studio and Copilot

More AI development in Visual Studio or VSCode

Microsoft Windows 365 Link

This is Awesome, my next question is:
How fast will this solution be on Mobile?

Windows Hotpatch will be Available Spring 2025
for Windows 11 and Windows 365.

Windows Resilient Security Platform

Quick Machine Recovery in Insider program early 2025.

Microsoft working together with Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

Smart App Control only Verified apps are allowed.

Windows Hello for Business Update with support for passkey.

Administrator Protection.

Personal Data Encryption to Windows Enterprise
Only decrypted via Windows Hello

Microsoft 365 in File Explorer

Windows Search is Cool 😎
Coming in 2025

My Conclusion

Make your own test environment and become a Windows Insider to be one of the first to test these Awesome New features!
You can make this of course in Microsoft Azure Cloud or in your own Azure Local environment 🚀
There are so much possibilities, to keep yourself up-to-date with this changing IT landscape.

November 20, 2024
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Day 1 of Microsoft Ignite 2024 was Awesome with Great New Features and Products

Photo of the Day Rick Claus at the Microsoft MVP – RD Wall at MS Ignite 2024

Keynote by CEO Satya Nadella

Love 💗this Windows 365 Link Device (Preview)

The world’s Computer

Microsoft Azure Local announcement

Microsoft Azure Integrated HSM

for Security first ✅

Microsoft Azure Boost DPU Chip

Microsoft adopts NVIDIA Blackwell to power the next frontier of AI supercomputing

Security is a Team Effort

Microsoft Security Exposure Management

Scott Guthrie on Stage with the Most 💗 Developer Tools

Microsoft Azure AI Foundry Announcement

Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Preview Announcement by Scott

Microsoft SQL Overview Slide with Fabric 😉

Jeremy Winter about Azure and staying ahead of evolving threats at every layer

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V

This was my first day impression of Microsoft Ignite 2024 Event, It was Awesome to see and hear all the News!

Here you find the Microsoft Ignite 2024 Book of News

Let’s go for Day 2 of Microsoft Ignite 2024

December 22, 2023
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Happy Holidays

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year 2024!
Thank you for all your support in the Community.

Join these Free LinkedIn Community Groups during the Holidays and keep up-to-date 😉

Microsoft Azure Monitor & Security for Hybrid IT

Azure Hybrid Community

Windows Admin Center Community

Azure DevOps Community

Containers in the Cloud

Azure Copilot and Security Copilot (NEW)

December 22, 2022
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

Thank you #Community and #Microsoft for this Awesome Year 2022! Happy Holidays

What a Year 2022!!

I like to thank you Community for Supporting, Sharing and Reading New Microsoft technologies on my Blog, Twitter, Facebook and
LinkedIn Community Groups 💗 I wish you all happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year 2023 may the Best Wishes comes true ! 🎄🥂

I’m very proud and Honored on the Microsoft Global MVP Awards 2022-2023 !

MVP Award for Cloud and Datacenter Management
MVP Award for Windows Insiders
MVP Award for Azure Hybrid

Thank you Microsoft Product Groups, MVP Award Program, Windows Insider Team, Azure Hybrid Team, Windows Server and Azure Stack HCI Team for all your support, NDA PGI sessions, and for the Awesome software, Features, solutions you are building 🙂
Wish you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year 2023 may the Best Wishes comes true ! 🎄🥂

Here are some Great links for Reading and Sharing :

JOIN these LinkedIn Community Groups for free and Share New Microsoft Technologies Together:

Windows Admin Center Community Group

Containers in the Cloud Community Group

Microsoft Azure Monitor & Security for Hybrid IT Community Group

Azure Hybrid Community Group

Azure DevOps Community Group

What I really love is the Microsoft Tech Community platform

For Microsoft Azure Hybrid:

Azure Arc Jumpstart site

Azure Hybrid and Multi Cloud documentation

Microsoft Azure Arc Community monthly Meetup (GitHub)

Follow on Twitter for Azure Hybrid:

@ThomasMaurer

@LiorKamrat

@rcTibi

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For Windows Insiders:

Microsoft Windows Insiders Blog

Windows Insider Team on YouTube

The Windows Insider Program Team is really active on Twitter:
@WindowsInsider

Get started with the Windows Server Insider program

What’s New in Windows Server 2022

Overview of Windows Admin Center

What’s New in SQL Server 2022

October 31, 2021
by James van den Berg Leave a comment

JOIN Microsoft Ignite 2021 Event November 2-4 #MSIgnite #Azure #Winserv #Windows11 #Hybrid

Microsoft Ignite 2021

Join Microsoft and the Community November 2–4, 2021 to explore the latest tools, training sessions, technical expertise, networking opportunities, and more. You can register here

Here you find some great MSIgnite guidance on Microsoft Tech Community :