Windows Server 2025 Secured-Core

In a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, having the right security measures in place is essential. Windows Server 2025 Secured-Core is designed to provide an additional layer of protection against attacks targeting drivers, firmware, and operating systems. Through strong collaboration between software security and hardware security, Secured-Core ensures that servers are protected even before the operating system is fully booted. This creates a reliable option for organizations handling sensitive data. This article outlines the key security features, differences from previous versions, and how to enable Secured-Core.

What is Secured-Core?

Microsoft’s Secured-Core in Windows Server 2025 provides advanced security layers to protect servers from modern cyber threats. By combining hardware, firmware, and operating system security, Secured-Core prevents attacks before the operating system even starts. Features such as Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) help block rootkits, memory exploits, and identity theft. This makes Secured-Core an ideal choice for organizations that work with sensitive data, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies, ensuring a secure and reliable IT platform.

Windows Server 2025 Secured-Core: Security Features

Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI): HVCI protects users against malicious code by ensuring that only validated and trusted drivers are allowed.

Virtualized-Based Security (VBS): VBS is an advanced technology that creates a secure environment using virtualization. In this environment, critical processes can be executed and protected against malware.

TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): TPM performs cryptographic operations that help secure certificates, encryption keys, and passwords against attacks.

Secure Boot: Secure Boot ensures that only trusted software is loaded during the server's startup process, preventing malware from infiltrating the operating system before it is fully loaded.

Credential Guard: Using VBS, credentials are stored in a secure environment, preventing theft.

Windows Defender System Guard: Helps verify the integrity of the operating system by performing security checks during startup.

How to Enable Secured-Core Features?

1. Confirm hardware compatibility via PowerShell or Windows Admin Center.
2. Enable Secure Boot and TPM via UEFI/BIOS.
3. Activate Virtualization-Based Security via Windows Defender Security Center or Group Policy.
4. Enforce and monitor Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) policies.
5. Apply the latest security patches by performing regular firmware updates.

Differences Between Windows Server 2025 Secured-Core and Previous Versions

Compared to previous versions of Windows Server Secured-Core, several improvements and additions have been made:

• Deeper hardware integration through support for Microsoft Pluton.
• Improved performance and compatibility with modern hardware and security chips.
• Enhanced protection against firmware attacks through integration with vendors such as Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.
• Expanded Virtualization-Based Security capabilities.

Windows Server 2025 Secured-Core: Requirements

To use Windows Server 2025 Secured-Core, the following hardware requirements must be met:

• TPM 2.0.
• HVCI- and VBS-compatible processors, such as Intel CPUs or the latest AMD models.
• Support for UEFI Secure Boot.
• Support for Windows Defender System Guard.
• Virtualization extensions, such as AMD-V or Intel VT-x.