Microsoft has recently released Windows Server 2019 Insider Preview Build which is the latest release of Windows Server vNext LTSC (Long-term servicing channel). This update contains Desktop Experience and Server Core in eighteen server languages. Also, it includes an English Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel release. And, that’s not all: the build includes the first Microsoft Hyper-V Server preview.
In today’s post, we will talk about what to expect from this build, its known issues, and terms of use. So, without any delay, let us start:
Build 17709:
Have you already noticed that this release build number is a bit different from the systematic numbering we used to? 17711 belongs to the latest Windows 10 build. The new Windows Server build expires 14 December 2018.
Now, let’s move on to the release content.
1. Windows Server 2019 Preview: This release is available in two formats: ISO and VHDX. ISO is available in 18 languages, while VHDX is available only in English. This build, just like all future pre-release builds, asks for activation keys during setup. You can access unlimited activations with the keys provided below:
• Standard Edition Key: MFY9F-XBN2F-TYFMP-CCV49-RMYVH
• Data Center Edition Key: 6XBNX-4JQGW-QX6QG-74P76-72V67
2. Windows Server vNext LTSC: This build is available only in English in ISO and VHDX formats.
3. Pre-keyed Images: The build contains pre-keyed images of Microsoft Hyper-V Server, Windows Admin Center Preview 1806, and Server Core App Compatibility FoD Preview.
Functionalities:
Windows Server 2019 Insider Preview build brings some new functionalities:
1. Containers
Now, containers that access network resources with gMSA (group managed service accounts) have better reliability and scalability. This means that thanks to this build you should experience fewer authentication errors while using a single gMSA with multiple containers instances. Also, the container host name should not anymore be the same as the one you use for gMSA. And, the bug preventing gMSA from being used with Hyper-V isolated containers has gone too.
2. New base image
Before, the Windows Server container collection had two base images: WindowsServerCore and NanoServer. In this build, Microsoft has added a new base image to the collection — the Windows image. It contains more components than those older base images. In this way, the newly introduced image supports applications with several API dependencies.
Known Issues with Build 17709:
But, how it usually happens, there always is a fly in the ointment. So, let’s have a closer look at some known build issues:
1. If an upgrade of the system is made from build 17692 to a newer preview release, there will be errors in the System Insights for prediction results. You can resolve this issue by installing a new version of preview release or by simply following instructions on System Insights known issues.
2. The attestation baseline policy generating the command Get-HgsAttestationBaselinePolicy in PowerShell yields an error…
3. If the language or locale is not US English, the Advanced Query Syntax parser will fail on the latest ServerCore review release along with Exchange’s search functionality.
4. In the cluster manager, an error of APPLICATION_FAULT_INVALID_POINTER_READ can occur for the virtual machine management service.
5. NanoServer container systems may fail if environment variables are created or modified with setx command. The path for setx in the registry is HKCU\Environment\ by default on an affected system. You can resolve this failure issue by either adding the registry path before using setx or by changing the variable’s storage location in the registry.
Download Method:
In order to download the software build, use the following links:
• Registered Insider: Directly go to the download page of Windows Server Insider Preview
• Unregistered User: Go to Getting Started with Server page on the Windows Insider portal.
Terms of Use:
This build is pre-release software. Just as any pre-release thing, it is governed by the Insider Terms of Use with no support for production environments.
Conclusion:
This was our take on Windows Server 2019 recent release. It is already available for download for Windows Insider program participants for preview and testing. So, check it out!
Remember that Microsoft appreciates your feedback. Should you find any new issues or come up with improvements, use the Windows 10 Insider device and the Feedback Hub application to share them with the tech community. Additionally, you can visit the Windows Server space to share your feedback with other users and learn from the best minds.
