Advantages of Upgrading to RDS 2025

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) 2025 is the latest version of Microsoft’s remote desktop technology, included with Windows Server 2025. In a world where remote and hybrid work are becoming increasingly common, RDS 2025 arrives with significant improvements that make it a very attractive upgrade compared to its predecessors (RDS 2019 and RDS 2022). Thanks to advancements in performance, security, management, compatibility, and user experience, this version offers organizations a more robust and future-ready platform.

Below, we will explore the main advantages of upgrading to RDS 2025, comparing its improvements with previous versions. We will see how these innovations can benefit both IT administrators and end users, enabling faster, more secure, and more efficient remote access to corporate applications and desktops.

Improved Performance

One of the most compelling reasons to make the leap to RDS 2025 is the significant boost in performance. Compared to RDS 2019 and RDS 2022, the 2025 version is optimized to deliver faster sessions and lower latency, even when many users connect simultaneously. Some highlights of these performance improvements include:

Advanced Load Balancing

RDS 2025 distributes user traffic more efficiently across session host servers. This prevents bottlenecks and makes better use of server resources, ensuring that no machine becomes overloaded while others remain underutilized.

Resource Optimization

The system includes improved algorithms to allocate CPU, memory, and network bandwidth to each user session. As a result, remote applications run smoothly and response times are reduced, even during peak demand.

Greater Scalability

This version allows remote desktop environments to scale more easily. RDS 2025 can handle more users and concurrent sessions without degrading performance. In previous versions, reaching certain user volumes often required adding extra hardware; now the software makes better use of the existing infrastructure.

Graphics and Multimedia Enhancements

Designed for demanding applications (such as CAD design, 3D modeling, or data analysis), RDS 2025 provides better GPU acceleration support and improved graphics performance. Users running graphics-intensive tasks will notice fewer delays and an experience closer to that of a local PC. Likewise, video and audio playback in remote sessions is smoother thanks to more efficient use of codecs and reduced transmission latency.

In short, these performance improvements translate into a faster and more stable remote work environment. Employees can work without interruptions or frustrating delays, even as the company grows and more people rely on RDS. Unlike RDS 2019 or 2022, where high load periods could cause slowdowns, RDS 2025 keeps sessions responsive and consistent.

Enhanced Security

Security is a critical aspect of any IT infrastructure, and Remote Desktop Services 2025 takes a major step forward in this area. While RDS 2019 and 2022 already included solid security measures (such as session encryption and Network Level Authentication), the 2025 version raises protection to a new level to address today’s threats. Key security improvements include:

Simplified Multi-Factor Authentication

RDS 2025 expands native integration with multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions. It is easier to require a second verification factor at login, whether via Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) or other compatible providers. In earlier versions, MFA was possible but required more configuration; now it is more integrated, adding an extra layer of security without complications.

Next-Generation Encryption

All remote desktop traffic in RDS 2025 uses stronger, updated encryption protocols. Encryption algorithms have been reinforced to protect data in transit (for example, using modern TLS by default). This means sensitive information transmitted during sessions—credentials, documents, confidential data—is protected against interception or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Advanced Threat Protections

The new version includes intelligent security features, such as threat detection potentially powered by artificial intelligence. For instance, it can more quickly identify suspicious behavior or intrusion attempts in remote sessions. While this goes beyond basic RDS, it complements the platform to safeguard remote environments against sophisticated cyberattacks.

Granular Access Control

RDS 2025 offers more options to define role- and condition-based access policies. Administrators can now apply more detailed restrictions depending on the type of user, the device used, or even the connection location. This enables the implementation of “least privilege access” with greater precision than in RDS 2019/2022, aligning with Zero Trust security models. For example, certain users can be prevented from downloading sensitive data when connecting outside the office, or MFA can be required only when connecting from untrusted networks.

Simplified Regulatory Compliance

With the new security controls and logs, it is easier for companies to comply with data protection regulations. RDS 2025 helps audit access and apply configurations that meet industry standards (for example, robust encryption, key length requirements, disabling insecure protocols such as NTLM, etc.), which is vital in highly regulated sectors such as finance or healthcare.

Overall, these security improvements mean that upgrading to RDS 2025 gives businesses a more fortified environment against data breaches and unauthorized access. While RDS 2019 provided a solid foundation (basic encryption, mandatory Network Level Authentication, etc.) and RDS 2022 introduced incremental improvements, RDS 2025 adds advanced capabilities that deliver extra peace of mind. For any organization handling sensitive information, investing in these new security measures translates into lower risk and greater confidence in remote desktop usage.

Simplified Administration

In addition to performance and security, RDS 2025 provides advantages in operations and system administration. Microsoft has introduced several improvements that make life easier for system administrators when deploying and maintaining Remote Desktop Services. Compared to previous versions, RDS management is simpler and more efficient in 2025 thanks to:

Improved Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools

It is now easier to detect and resolve issues in the remote desktop environment. RDS 2025 offers more detailed and accessible audit logs and diagnostics, which streamline the identification of connection, performance, or security problems. An administrator can, for example, quickly review why a user was disconnected or trace the source of unusual application slowness thanks to more complete logs. This visibility results in less downtime and a more stable experience for users.

Optimized License (CALs) Management

The new version includes tools for better control of client access license (RDS CALs) usage. From the licensing console, clear reports can be generated on the number of connected users/devices and compared with the available licenses. Alerts or notifications can even be set when approaching the license limit, preventing non-compliance situations. In RDS 2019/2022, much of this tracking had to be done manually; RDS 2025 offers greater transparency and helps prevent surprises during software audits.

Updates with Fewer Restarts

Windows Server 2025, the foundation on which RDS 2025 runs, introduces the hot patching feature. This functionality allows certain security updates to be applied to the server without the need for an immediate reboot. For administrators, this means keeping the system up to date with critical patches while causing minimal impact on remote users. Where frequent maintenance windows previously had to be scheduled (potentially interrupting active RDP sessions), now many updates can be applied live, improving service continuity.

Integration with Cloud Tools

The administration of RDS 2025 benefits from deeper integration with solutions such as Azure. For example, it is possible to manage a hybrid RDS deployment using a central console in Azure Virtual Desktop for certain configurations, unifying control. Compatibility with Microsoft Intune and Endpoint Manager has also improved, making it easier to apply group policies or manage RDS environment devices from the same platform used for the rest of the corporate infrastructure.

Faster Deployment and Migration

Moving to RDS 2025 does not mean starting from scratch. Microsoft allows in-place upgrades from earlier editions of Windows Server (for example, from 2019 or 2022 to 2025) with support for migrating RDS roles. This reduces the complexity of upgrading. In addition, wizards in Server Manager and PowerShell scripts have been simplified to automate the installation of all required RDS roles (Session Host, Connection Broker, Gateway, Web Access, etc.). In short, setting up a new RDS farm or upgrading an existing one to version 2025 takes less time and is less error-prone than before.

All these administrative improvements mean that the platform is not only more powerful but also easier to maintain on a daily basis. IT professionals can spend less time on routine management or troubleshooting tasks and more on strategic projects. In comparison, RDS 2019 and 2022 already offered a familiar environment, but with these new features the 2025 edition reduces friction: performance monitoring is easier, license compliance is clearer, and maintenance-related disruptions are minimized.

Benefits of upgrading to RDS 2025Benefits of upgrading to RDS 2025

Extended Compatibility

RDS 2025 also stands out as a platform well prepared to coexist with current (and upcoming) technologies, both software and hardware. By upgrading to this version, companies benefit from greater compatibility on multiple fronts:

Support for Modern Clients and Operating Systems

Unlike previous editions that could have limitations with certain combinations, RDS 2025 is fully compatible with the latest remote desktop clients (including Windows 11 and future versions of Windows). It also provides a better connection experience from macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android systems via the latest versions of the official RDP client, or even through web browsers. This ensures that, both now and in the coming years, users will be able to connect from virtually any current device without compatibility issues.

Compatibility with Applications and Peripherals

Local device redirection in remote sessions has been optimized. RDS 2025 improves printer, USB drive, audio, and other peripheral redirection, so that functions such as printing documents to a local printer or using a card reader connected to the user’s PC work more stably and quickly. Traditional or custom business applications also tend to run better on this new server version, thanks to performance optimizations and compatibility with updated Windows libraries.

Greater Hybrid Integration (Mixed Environments)

One of RDS 2025’s strengths is how it enables combining on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. For example, a company can maintain an on-premises RDS server while simultaneously leveraging Azure Virtual Desktop for certain workloads, managing both environments together. Integration with Azure AD for hybrid identities means a user can authenticate once and gain access both to local resources via RDS and to cloud applications. This type of flexibility was very basic in RDS 2019 and only partial in RDS 2022, but in 2025 it is much smoother. In practice, this facilitates gradual cloud migrations or the implementation of business continuity solutions: additional capacity can be scaled in Azure during peak demand or for geographically distant users, without abandoning investment in local servers.

Ready for Future Technologies

As the latest edition, RDS 2025 is prepared to adapt to emerging technologies. For example, it includes the latest RDP protocol updates with improvements that can take advantage of modern hardware (multi-core CPUs, advanced GPUs, high-speed networks). It is also ready to integrate with future versions of productivity and collaboration applications. This gives organizations the peace of mind that their remote desktop platform will not fall behind as the software ecosystem evolves in the coming years. In contrast, staying on RDS 2019 or 2022 could eventually mean missing out on certain innovations as those versions stop receiving compatibility updates for newer technologies.

In summary, RDS 2025 provides a highly versatile environment that works well with both existing and new technologies. From a compatibility standpoint, upgrading ensures that client software, user devices, cloud services, and specialized applications all operate in harmony with your remote desktop infrastructure.

Optimized User Experience

All the previous improvements culminate in one final result: a better end-user experience when using remote desktops and applications. By upgrading to RDS 2025, employees will notice positive changes in how they interact with their remote work environments on a daily basis:

Smoother Sessions

Thanks to increased performance and reduced latency, working on a remote desktop with RDS 2025 feels more natural. Actions (opening programs, saving files, navigating through applications) happen almost instantly, without the small delays that in previous versions could hinder productivity. Even when using multimedia applications, video conferencing, or streaming content through the remote session, playback is stable and with fewer interruptions.

Familiar and Modern Interface

Windows Server 2025 incorporates the Windows 11-style interface into the desktop experience. This means that if a user launches a full remote desktop session on a server with RDS 2025, they will see a modern and familiar visual environment consistent with Windows 11. Menus, settings, and aesthetics are more intuitive for those already using Windows 10/11 on their personal devices, reducing the learning curve. In comparison, Windows Server 2019 maintained a more classic look; now the transition between the local PC and the remote desktop is more seamless.

Updated Web Portal

The Remote Desktop Web Access feature in RDS 2025 has been updated to deliver a more user-friendly and adaptable web portal. Users can open their browser and log into the RDS portal to launch their remote apps or desktops without installing anything extra. The web interface in this version is responsive (adapts well when used from a tablet or smartphone), has simple navigation, and even allows a certain degree of visual customization for the company. This enhances on-the-go remote access, highly valued in flexible work models. In RDS 2019/2022 a web portal already existed, but the 2025 version looks more modern, following current design and accessibility standards.

Seamless Reconnection and Continuity

Thanks to optimizations in the Connection Broker, if a user is accidentally disconnected (for example, by temporarily losing their Internet connection), RDS 2025 makes it easier to quickly reconnect to their active session without losing work. Orphaned sessions are handled better, so resuming activity is almost instant. Previous versions also allowed reconnection, but the speed and reliability of this process have been improved, reducing the frustration of having to start all over again.

Better Local Peripheral Integration

As mentioned in compatibility, from the user’s perspective this means they can use their local printer, cameras, microphones, or USB drives within the remote session with fewer complications. For example, printing a document from a remote application directly to the printer next to them now happens without significant delays. This makes the remote working experience nearly as complete as if everything were installed on their own PC.

Overall, the RDS 2025 platform provides end users with a more comfortable, agile, and reliable remote work environment. When employees feel they can do their jobs without dealing with technical hassles (setting up VPNs, struggling with slow connections, or outdated interfaces), their satisfaction and productivity increase. Thus, upgrading not only brings invisible technical benefits but also results in happier and more efficient users throughout their workday.

If your organization is considering this upgrade, remember that proper planning is essential. A key element is having official Windows Server 2025 licenses to implement RDS 2025. In this regard, specialized stores such as Licendi allow you to purchase Windows Server 2025 at a low price and with activation guarantee, ensuring a legal, cost-effective transition free of product activation issues.

Upgrade to RDS 2025Upgrade to RDS 2025

Conclusion

The advantages of upgrading to RDS 2025 are numerous and compelling. Compared to previous editions (2019 and 2022), this version represents a qualitative leap evident across all key aspects of a remote desktop infrastructure:

  • In performance, it delivers faster sessions, seamless scalability, and support for demanding applications.
  • In security, it adds modern layers of protection to safeguard data and access in a world of increasing cyber threats.
  • In administration, it simplifies daily management and reduces downtime with better tools and maintenance options.
  • In compatibility, it fully integrates with current cloud environments, devices, and software, while also being ready for tomorrow’s technologies.
  • In user experience, it provides a more pleasant remote environment with fewer frictions and one that feels closer to working locally.

Ultimately, RDS 2025 is designed to meet the needs of modern work. Companies that make the move to this new version will be able to enable remote work and remote access more efficiently and securely, resulting in more productive employees and better-protected systems. If your organization is still operating with RDS 2019 or 2022, it is worth seriously evaluating these improvements. Upgrading to Remote Desktop Services 2025 not only extends the lifespan of your IT platform but also elevates it to a higher level, delivering greater value and resilience against current and future technological challenges.