Microsoft updated Windows Admin Center v2's public preview build

Have you heard about the latest buzz in the tech world? Windows Admin Center v2 just rolled out a new public preview update, and it’s packed with features that are bound to make IT admins’ lives a bit easier.

Since its initial release in 2018, Microsoft has been trying to revamp this handy app, the “Modernized Gateway,” to manage Windows PCs and services more efficiently. They recently announced the availability of a new build for public preview.

However, due to its preview nature, Microsoft advises against installing this build in production environments. This new version isn’t compatible with the previously available Windows Admin Center version 2311 or any previous versions.

So, what’s new in this update? According to the blog post, a backend shift from .NET Core 6 to .NET Core 8 promises enhanced security and performance. This upgrade includes support for HTTP 2, aiming to reduce latency and boost the responsiveness of the Windows Admin Center.

Imagine getting your tasks done quicker and more efficiently—sounds good, right? Additionally, the virtual machine tool has seen some significant improvements. The runtime pipeline has been removed to improve responsiveness, and the default view now features fewer columns, though you can switch back to the detailed view if you prefer.

But that’s not all. The Azure Site Recovery integration experience has been refreshed, the installer updated, a new data migration flow added, and the settings UI tweaked. Microsoft is setting the stage for the Windows Admin Center v2 to become generally available before the end of 2024.

This update is an exciting glimpse into the future of Windows administration for IT admins and developers already familiar with Windows Admin Center. It indicates that Microsoft is committed to improving security, performance, and user experience.

Whether you’re managing a small business network or a large enterprise system, these updates are designed to make your job easier. So, what do you think? Are you looking forward to exploring these updates?