Cloud and Datacenter Management Blog

Microsoft Hybrid Cloud blogsite about Management


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Docker Scout for Vulnerability management of Containers and remediation

I have installed the latest Docker Desktop for Windows version 4.43.2

In today’s cloud-native world, container security is not a luxury—it’s a mission-critical requirement. With the release of Azure Linux 3.0, Microsoft has reinforced its dedication to performance, flexibility, and security. But no matter how polished the host OS is, containers themselves can still be riddled with vulnerabilities, bloated layers, or sneaky outdated dependencies. That’s where Docker Scout and Open Source tool Dive come into play.

Docker Scout: Intelligence at Your Fingertips

Docker Scout introduces vulnerability detection into your CI/CD pipeline. For Azure Linux 3.0 containers, this means:

  • Real-Time Vulnerability Scanning: Scout analyzes your container image (including base layers) against CVE databases and flags known vulnerabilities.
  • Remediation Guidance: It doesn’t just scream “VULNERABLE!”—Scout offers actionable suggestions like switching to a newer base image or updating specific packages.
  • Policy Integration: You can define security policies (e.g., block images with critical CVEs) and automate enforcement in Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.

In the following steps we will get the Microsoft Azure Linux 3.0 container and scan for security issues before we run the container.

Open Docker terminal
docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/azure-cli:azurelinux3.0

when you have pulled the image, you can do a quick scan with Docker Scout.
docker scout quickview mcr.microsoft.com/azure-cli:azurelinux3.0

docker scout cves mcr.microsoft.com/azure-cli:azurelinux3.0

Here you can see more information about the CVE’s.

Here you see the vulnerable package file and the fix for remediation.

Now we want to remediate this image with the update fix version 2.32.4 of this package. To do this, I made a directory docker fix with a dockerfile (without any extension) with the following commands :

———

# ⚙️ Start met Azure CLI base image op Azure Linux 3.0
FROM mcr.microsoft.com/azure-cli:azurelinux3.0

# 🧰 Install Python and pip via tdnf
RUN tdnf install -y python3 python3-pip

# 🛠️ Upgrade pip and install
RUN python3 -m pip install –no-cache-dir –upgrade –ignore-installed pip \
&& python3 -m pip install –no-cache-dir requests==2.32.4

# Remove old files
RUN rm -f /usr/lib/az/lib/python3.12/site-packages/requests-2.32.3.dist-info/METADATA

# 🔍 Verify 
RUN python3 -c “import requests; print(f’Requests versie: {requests.__version__}’)”

————-

With Open Source tool Dive you can have a look into the Docker image. This supported me because first I did only the install and upgrade of the file requests version 2.32.3 to fixed version 2.32.4. But then Docker Scout still see the vulnerability file in the image.

dive [Image]
So that’s why we remove it via the Dockerfile.

We now building a new image with this dockerfile :

docker buildx build –provenance=true –sbom=true -t azure-cli-patched:latest .

After a Docker Scout scan, there are zero vulnerabilities in the image now
and in the Container fixed version 2.32.4 is running.

Conclusion

Docker Scout represents a major leap forward in managing container security, efficiency, and reliability. By integrating seamlessly into the Docker ecosystem, it empowers developers to ship production-ready containers with confidence.

💡 Key Benefits

  • Security Insights: Automatically detects vulnerabilities, recommends fixes, and integrates with CVE databases.
  • Dependency Intelligence: Tracks changes and upgrades across your software stack to ensure compatibility and stability.
  • Image Comparison: Visualizes differences between builds—helping you pinpoint unintended changes and regressions.
  • Team Collaboration: Enables shared visibility across development pipelines, so teams can align on image quality and release standards.

In short, Docker Scout turns container image analysis into a proactive, collaborative part of modern DevOps. Whether you’re optimizing performance or hardening against threats, Scout puts you ahead of the curve.

 

 

 


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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 💗


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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

 


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Install Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview Build 26360

Try Now!

Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview Build 26360

Exploring the Latest Features in Microsoft Windows Server Insider Preview Builds

Microsoft’s Windows Server Insider Preview Builds are a treasure trove of innovation and advanced features designed to enhance performance, security, and flexibility for IT professionals. Today, we’re diving into the latest updates and new features introduced in the Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview Build.
Here you find more on What’s New in Microsoft Windows Server 2025 🚀

Here are some Highlights of new Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview features:

  1. Enhanced Security with Delegated Managed Service Accounts (dMSA)

One of the standout features in this build is the introduction of Delegated Managed Service Accounts (dMSA). This new account type allows for migration from traditional service accounts to machine accounts with managed and fully randomized keys. By linking authentication to the device identity, dMSA helps prevent credential harvesting through compromised accounts, a common issue with traditional service accounts.

  1. Windows Admin Center (WAC) Integration

Starting with this build, users can now download and install the Windows Admin Center (WAC) directly from the Windows Server Desktop. This in-OS app simplifies the installation process and provides a seamless experience for managing your server infrastructure.

  1. Bluetooth Connectivity

Windows Server 2025 now supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect mice, keyboards, headsets, and other peripherals directly to the server. This feature enhances flexibility and convenience for server management.

  1. DTrace for Real-Time Performance Monitoring

The new build includes DTrace, a powerful command-line utility that enables real-time performance monitoring and troubleshooting. DTrace allows users to dynamically instrument both kernel and user-space code without modifying the code itself, supporting a range of data collection and analysis techniques.

  1. Improved Upgrade Experience

Upgrading to Windows Server 2025 has never been easier. The build supports in-place upgrades from Windows Server 2012 R2 and later versions, allowing you to upgrade up to four versions at a time. This streamlined upgrade process ensures a smooth transition to the latest server version.

  1. Feedback Hub for User Input

The new Feedback Hub app is now available for Server Desktop users. This app allows users to submit feedback or report issues directly to Microsoft, helping the development team understand user experiences and improve future builds.

  1. SMB over QUIC and Alternative Ports

The build introduces SMB over QUIC with support for alternative ports. This feature enhances security and performance by allowing SMB traffic to use custom-defined ports instead of the default UDP/443 port.

  1. Enhanced Desktop Experience

When you sign in for the first time, the desktop shell experience now conforms to the style and appearance of Windows 11. This visual update provides a familiar and modern interface for server administrators.

These new features and enhancements in the Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview Build demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for IT professionals. Whether you’re looking to improve security, streamline management, or enhance performance, the latest Windows Server Insider Preview Build has something to offer.

Stay tuned for more updates and features as Microsoft continues to innovate and improve its server offerings.

Conclusion:

Become a Microsoft Windows Server Insider and get all the newest features first to play with it in your test environment.


Get started here and register for free


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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! 🎄💻🐳


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Running CBL-Mariner 2.0 Azure Linux on Hyper-V for Docker Container Host and Azure CLI

CBL-Mariner Linux is a lightweight operating system, containing only the packages needed for a cloud environment. CBL-Mariner can be customized through custom packages and tools, to fit the requirements of your application. CBL-Mariner undergoes Azure validation tests, is compatible with Azure agents, and is built and tested by the Azure Edge & Platform to power various use cases, ranging from Azure services to powering IoT infrastructure. CBL-Mariner is the internally recommended Linux distribution for use with Microsoft cloud services and related products.

In the following steps we are going to install CBL-Mariner 2.0 on Hyper-V as a virtual Docker Container Host.
First you have to download CBL-Mariner 2.0 (Azure Linux) ISO here

Enable Secure Boot Template: Microsoft UEFI Certificate Authority

When you have made your Virtual Machine on Microsoft Hyper-V, you have to change the Security Boot Template from Microsoft Windows to Microsoft UEFI Certificate Authority and then you can boot from the ISO.

Select the Installation Experience
I used the Graphical Installer,
Select Next.

Default is the installation type: CBL-Mariner Core

I selected Installation type: CBL-Mariner Full

Read and Accept the CBL-Mariner Eula.

Here you can Partition your Storage.

 

Enter the Computer hostname and Create a User account.

Install Now.

Installing CBL-Mariner 2.0 on the VM.

And yes It’s fast 😉

Login with your new created user account.

It’s a habbit of my to update always the OS before doing other installations, so in the next steps we are going to upgrade to the latest updates since the ISO is released. Then we are going to install Azure-CLI and Docker Host for Containers.

Type the Command: Sudo dnf upgrade

The OS is now asking a couple of times if it’s OK to install.

Installing of Packages to update the System.

Upgrade of CBL-Mariner 2.0 is Completed.

Installing Microsoft Azure-CLI on CBL-Mariner 2.0

The Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) is a cross-platform command-line tool to connect to Azure and execute administrative commands on Azure resources. It allows the execution of commands through a terminal using interactive command-line prompts or a script. Here you can find more about Microsoft Azure-CLI

 

First, we install the ca-certificates
then
we install Microsoft Azure-CLI 

       type Y if this is OK.

Azure-CLI is installed.

The Latest Microsoft Azure-CLI is running on your up-to-date CBL-Mariner VM.

Type command: cat /etc/os-release
and you can see the exact version of CBL-Mariner 2.0

Installing Docker Container host on CBL-Mariner 2.0

Docker provides the ability to package and run an application in a loosely isolated environment called a container. The isolation and security lets you run many containers simultaneously on a given host. Containers are lightweight and contain everything needed to run the application, so you don’t need to rely on what’s installed on the host. You can share containers while you work, and be sure that everyone you share with gets the same container that works in the same way.

Docker provides tooling and a platform to manage the lifecycle of your containers:

  • Develop your application and its supporting components using containers.
  • The container becomes the unit for distributing and testing your application.
  • When you’re ready, deploy your application into your production environment, as a container or an orchestrated service. This works the same whether your production environment is a local data center, a cloud provider, or a hybrid of the two.

Now we are going to install the Docker Container host software on Microsoft CBL-Mariner 2.0 (Azure Linux):

Type Command: sudo tdnf install moby-engine moby-cli ca-certificates -y

Type command: sudo systemctl enable docker.service

Type command: sudo systemctl start docker.service
and then
type command: sudo systemctl status docker.service

Now you can pull or create your containers from here for example:
Type Command: docker run -it -d –name my_container ubuntu bash

Here I’m inside the Ubuntu Linux Container running on CBL-Mariner 2.0 with Docker Container Host.

Docker Container Ubuntu image.

More information about Microsoft CBL-Mariner 2.0 you can find here:

Microsoft CBL-Mariner 2.0 (Azure Linux) on Github

Microsoft CBL-Mariner 2.0 (Azure Linux) Security

Microsoft CBL-Mariner 2.0 (Azure Linux) Toolkit docs

Conclusion

Running Microsoft CBL-Mariner 2.0 (Azure Linux) on Azure Stack HCI Hyper-V Cluster or in Microsoft Azure Cloud can be very powerfull as a lightweight Linux operating system at the Edge. Now we did running Docker Container Host on CBL-Mariner 2.0 (AzureLinux) but you can also install Microsoft Azure Arc agent to use this Operating System in a Adaptive Cloud way for Azure Hybrid Management and security. Try it yourself first in your test lab and when you have build a great security by design solution, use it in production for your business.

Join Containers in the Cloud LinkedIn Community Group for Free


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Running #Ubuntu and #Debian Linux distro on Windows Server 2022 Preview with #WSL2

Running Ubuntu and Debian Linux Distro on Windows Server 2022
Preview Build 25120.1010 with WSL 2.0

In the Week of MS-Build 2022 Event, Microsoft is announcing that WSL 2.0 is coming to Windows Server 2022 Preview Build on twitter.

In the following step-by-step guide we will install Windows Subsystem for Linux 2.0 (WSL) on Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build 25120.1010 to run Ubuntu and Debian Linux Distro’s.

Here you can download Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build ISO or VHDX disk
when you are registered as a Windows Insider.

Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build 25120 Installed.

Install the latest updates.

Open Windows Server Manager.

I Have installed the following :

  • Containers ( because I like this for later in my MVP Lab )
  • Hyper-V
  • Windows Subsystem for Linux
  • VirtualMachine Platform
  • Reboot the System after installation.

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

When the Virtual Server is up, you have to bring it down to make nested virtualization possible when you run your server on a Hyper-V Host like me.

On the host in PowerShell administrator mode :

Set-VMProcessor -VMName WIN2022 -ExposeVirtualizationExtensions $true

Start the Virtual Machine.

wsl –install

wsl –update

WSL 2.0 is Installed

wsl –status

wsl –install -d Ubuntu

I did the same for Debian wsl –install -d debian

Here you can see both Linux distro’s on Windows Server.

Here we are running both WSL 2.0 Linux distro’s Ubuntu and Debian on Windows Server Insider Preview Build together at the same time 😉

Here I’m running VSCode on Remote WSL Debian Linux distro.

More information about Microsoft WSL you can find here on Docs.

Important:

All this is still in Preview and not ready for production environment yet. I installed this all in my MVP Test Lab for learning and testing. Hope you find this useful for your test environment to play with the newest Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview and WSL 2.0 with
all kind of Linux distro’s.


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Windows Admin Center and Deploying Windows Server Insider Build 25099 Core #WindowsAdminCenter #Winserv #WIMVP

Windows Admin Center Version 2110.2 Build 1.3.2204.19002

Windows Admin Center is a customer-deployed, browser-based app for managing servers, clusters, hyper-converged infrastructure, and Windows PCs. It comes at no additional cost beyond Windows and is ready to use in production. Learn more about Windows Admin Center.

Benefits

  • Simple and modern management experience
  • Hybrid capabilities
  • Integrated toolset
  • Designed for extensibility

Languages
Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Czech, Dutch (Netherlands), English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Russian, Spanish, Swedish (Sweden), Turkish

In the following step-by-step guide I will deploy Windows Server 2022 Insider Build 25099 Core Edition with Windows Admin Center tool together with some great features for managing Windows Servers in a secure hybrid way with Microsoft Azure Cloud services. Like Azure Defender for Cloud, Azure Backup Vault, Azure Monitor, Security and more.
So I have Windows Admin Center 2110.2 installed and I have a Windows Server 2022 Hyper-V Server for my Virtual Machines in my MVPLAB Domain.
Now we will deploy the new Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build 25099.

In WAC on my Hypervisor in Virtual Machines

When you explore and open your Hyper-V Host and go to Virtual Machines, you can Click on Add and then on New for Creating your Windows Server Insider VM.

Create a New Windows Server Insider VM called StormTrooper01

Here you can configure your new Windows Server 2022 Insider VM with the following :

  • What kind of Generation VM (Gen 2 Recommended)
  • The path of your Virtual Machine and the path of your virtual disk(s)
  • CPU and you can make nested Virtualization too
  • Memory and use of Dynamic Memory
  • Network select the Virtual Switch
  • Network Isolation by VLAN
  • Storage, Create the size of the Virtual Disk. Choose an ISO or Select an existing VHD(x)

I Created a New 70GB OS Disk
and I want to Install the New Windows Server Insider OS from ISO.
Click on Browse

Here you Browse Default on your Hyper-V Host and select the ISO.

When the Windows Server ISO is selected you can hit Create

We get the Notification that the virtual machine is successfully created.

Only the Virtual Machine is now made with your specs and visible on the Hyper-V Host.
Select the New Virtual Machine (StormTrooper01) click on Power and hit Start.

After you started the VM, you can double click on it and go to Connect.
Click on Connect to the Virtual Machine.

Now you are on the console via VM Connect.

Click on Install Now

We are installing Windows Server 2022 Insider Core edition, because we have WAC 😉

Installing Windows Server 2022 Insider Core Preview Build 25099 via Windows Admin Center

Create New Administrator Password.

And here we have Sconfig of the Windows Server 2022 Core.
via Virtual Machine Connect.

Now we can add and connect the New Virtual Machine with Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build in Windows Admin Center via IP-Address.

The Next step is to join the Windows Server 2022 Insider to my Domain MVPLAB.

Click on the Top on Edit Computer ID
Click on Domain and type your domain name.
Click op Next
Add your administrator account for joining the server
Reboot the VM.

Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Core edition is domain joined.

Now we have the New Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build 25099 running in Windows Admin Center, we can use all the tooling provided by WAC also in a Azure Hybrid way. Think about Azure Defender for Cloud, Azure Monitor. In Microsoft Windows Admin Center we also have a topic Azure Hybrid Center :

Here you see all the Azure Hybrid benefit features for your Windows Server 2022 Insider.

  • Microsoft Azure Arc
  • Azure Backup
  • Azure File Sync
  • Azure Site Recovery
  • Azure Network Adapter
  • Azure Monitor
  • Azure Update Management
  • and More…

Microsoft Azure and the Windows Admin Center Team made the wizards customer friendly and easy to get those Azure Hybrid services for your Windows Server.
When you have your Server running, you want to make backups and Monitoring your Server for management. And after that you want to be in control of your security of your new Server. In the following steps you see some examples on the same Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build:

Microsoft Azure Backup via WAC

Click on Azure Backup
Select your Azure Subscription and the Azure Backup Vault.
Select your data and make the schedule.

Enter the Encryption passphrase and Apply.

Here you have Azure Backup Vault working together with WAC.

Azure Defender for Cloud Security

Click op Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Click on Setup
Add the right Azure Subscription and Workspace
Click on Setup.

Configuring Azure Defender for Cloud agent and Subscription.

Azure Defender for Cloud in Windows Admin Center on your Windows Server 2022 Insider Preview Build.

In Windows Admin Center there is also a Security tab for the Windows Server.

Here you can see your Secured-Core status

Here you can see if your system is supported for this security features 🙂

Enable the supported features and Restart de Virtual Machine.

And here you see my status overview.

Further more you can manage RBAC in Windows Admin Center when you have to work with different kind of users.

You can find RBAC in settings.

Conclusion

Windows Server Insider Core edition and Windows Admin Center are working better together! You have all the tools you need to startup your Windows Server and
manage it with WAC. Windows Admin Center is getting better and better to manage your Hybrid Datacenter and keep you as an Administrator in Control!
So is how I manage my MVPLAB but also for Production workloads I use Windows Admin Center and the Azure Portal together. With Microsoft Azure Arc Services
Azure Hybrid becomes your solution where Windows Admin Center can Support you with making Azure Stack HCI Clusters with Azure Kubernetes for your DevOps environment.

Windows Admin Center Community Group on LinkedIn


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Apply #security principles to your #architecture to protect against attacks on your data and systems

Hope you started year 2022 in Good Health in a difficult pandemic time.

Starting 2022 by asking yourself, how is your Security by Design doing in 2022
Your Security is one of the most important aspects of any architecture for your Business.
It provides confidentiality, integrity, and availability assurances against attacks and abuse of your valuable data and systems. Losing these assurances can negatively impact your business operations and revenue, and your organization’s reputation.

Here you find Awesome information about Applying security principles to your architecture to protect against attacks on your data and systems:

Microsoft Architecture and Security Docs

Here you find more information about NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Reference Architectures (MCRA) describe Microsoft’s cybersecurity capabilities. These References and diagrams can support you with implementing Security by design.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Cloud (formerly known as Azure Security Center) community repository. This repository contains:

  • Security recommendations that are in private preview
  • Programmatic remediation tools for security recommendations
  • PowerShell scripts for programmatic management
  • Azure Policy custom definitions for at-scale management of Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • Logic App templates that work with Defender for Cloud’s Logic App connectors (to automate response to Security alerts and recommendations)
  • Logic App templates that help you run regular tasks or reports within the scope of Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • Custom workbooks to visualize Defender for Cloud data

Become a Microsoft Defender for Cloud Ninja

Security and Learning is a ongoing process, I always say Learning on the Job 😉 is important to keep Up-to-Date every day of the week. Microsoft Tech Community platform and Microsoft Learning can support you to get the knowledge.

Become a Microsoft Defender for Cloud Ninja here

Conclusion

Microsoft and the community has a lot of good security information to start with for your Data and Systems to keep your business solution as save as possible. Here they write New blogposts for the community about Defender for Cloud

Keep in Mind “Security is only as strong as the weakest component in the Chain”

So keep your Security up-to-date and do assessments on vulnerabilities to keep your data and systems secure. Monitoring => Alerting => Remediation is 24/7/365 Process with Security people in the business.


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Happy Holidays and I wish you a Healthy 2021 #Azure #Cloud #MVPBuzz #Winserv #Security #Healthcare

It’s a year full of misery with the Covid-19 virus around the world. People who lose their loved one, It’s a very sad time for all of us! Microsoft technologies are still going on strong with new features in Azure Cloud Services but also supporting the people who are working in the healthcare, data analytics, Microsoft Teams for Collaboration and much more. But what I want to say to all HealthCare people over the world : THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO 👍
I have deep respect for you all !
Community, Microsoft Product Teams, MVP Lead, WIndows Insiders, I wish you and your family happy holidays and a Healthy 2021 with lot of Success! 🎄😍