8 Windows Server Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Jordan Krause brings over two decades of IT expertise and a decade of Microsoft MVP accolades to this detailed guide on Windows Server 2022 administration. You’ll navigate through configuring Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy with a focus on enterprise-grade resilience, while also mastering automation via PowerShell and Windows Admin Center. The book doesn’t shy away from security, offering deep dives into PKI, certificates, and Defender for Identity, alongside virtualization strategies using Hyper-V. Whether you're stepping up from desktop support or sharpening seasoned sysadmin skills, this edition offers concrete tools and updated insights to manage modern Windows Server environments effectively.

Drawing from extensive experience in cybersecurity leadership across healthcare, education, and Fortune 100 firms, Mark Dunkerley co-authored this guide to tackle modern Windows security challenges head-on. The book delves into zero-trust principles and multi-layered defenses, walking you through securing Windows 11 and Server 2022 environments using tools like Intune, Configuration Manager, and Defender for Endpoint. You'll gain practical insights on hardening hardware, networking, virtualization, and managing identity and access, alongside strategies for security monitoring and incident response. This is tailored for IT professionals seeking to deepen their skills in Windows security administration, not for casual users or beginners without foundational knowledge.

This tailored book explores comprehensive Windows Server administration with a focus that matches your background and goals. It covers core concepts like installation, configuration, and management of server roles, while delving into advanced topics such as Active Directory, virtualization, and security hardening. By concentrating on your specific interests, it reveals a personalized pathway through complex content, helping you build expertise efficiently. The book examines practical scenarios and troubleshooting methods, enabling you to understand both foundational principles and specialized techniques. With this approach, each chapter addresses the aspects of Windows Server management most relevant to you, fostering deeper understanding and confidence in your skills.

What started as a need to master tedious Windows Server tasks evolved into Thomas Lee's detailed guide to harnessing PowerShell 7.1 for automation. You’ll learn over 100 recipes that walk through managing Active Directory, enterprise security, networking, and Azure integration with clear examples, such as using PowerShell to configure Hyper-V virtual machines or troubleshoot via Windows Management Instrumentation. This book suits experienced system administrators and developers aiming to streamline their server management through scripting, providing practical insights into both fundamental and advanced automation scenarios without overwhelming jargon.

This volume draws on the deep expertise of Pavel Yosifovich and his co-authors to explore the inner workings of Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. You’ll gain a clear understanding of Windows system architecture, including processes, threads, and memory management. The detailed explanations of kernel-mode aspects and core components reveal how Windows manages resources behind the scenes, with chapters dedicated to memory management techniques and thread scheduling. This book suits developers, security professionals, and systems engineers seeking to master Windows internals rather than casual users or novices. Its precise focus on low-level programming and system behavior demands a technical mindset but rewards you with foundational knowledge rarely explained this thoroughly elsewhere.

When Dishan Francis, a seasoned IT professional and former Microsoft MVP, wrote this book, he aimed to tackle the complex challenges of managing Active Directory Domain Services in the Windows Server 2022 environment. You’ll learn how to design robust identity infrastructures, handle migrations to the latest AD versions, and strengthen security using tools like Azure Information Protection and PowerShell automation. Detailed chapters cover everything from FSMO roles placement to hybrid identity solutions, making it clear how each piece fits into enterprise scale operations. If you manage or plan to manage Active Directory in medium to large organizations, this book equips you with the in-depth knowledge you need to handle both traditional and cloud-extended AD environments effectively.

This tailored book explores Windows Server with a focus on your unique background and goals, making complex concepts accessible and relevant. It covers essential administration, security, and automation techniques, providing a personalized learning journey that matches your current skill level. By concentrating on your specific interests, the book reveals practical insights into Windows Server setup, Active Directory, network services, and PowerShell automation. The approach ensures you gain meaningful knowledge efficiently, building confidence in managing Windows Server environments. This tailored guide bridges expert knowledge and your personal learning needs, helping you fast-track mastery with clear, focused content that addresses your priorities.

Drawing from decades of IT and development experience, Jason Eckert crafted this book to build your confidence managing Windows Server 2019, even if you're new to server administration. You’ll work through detailed exercises that cover everything from deploying servers in virtualized environments to configuring network services like Active Directory and DHCP. The chapters methodically guide you through troubleshooting performance issues and managing storage solutions, making complex topics approachable. If you want to develop hands-on skills that apply to both small business and enterprise networks, this book offers a clear path without overwhelming jargon.

William Panek, a seasoned Microsoft MVP with extensive teaching and consulting experience, crafted this study guide to cover the full spectrum of MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification exams. You’ll find over 1,000 pages that walk you through everything from basic networking concepts to advanced Active Directory and Hyper-V administration. The book combines thorough exam objective coverage with hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, reinforced by more than 500 practice questions and online resources including video demos and flashcards. If you’re aiming to build solid skills for Windows Server 2016 certification or upgrade from earlier versions, this guide offers a structured, comprehensive approach without fluff or shortcuts.

Greg Tomsho’s extensive background as an educator and IT director shines through in this guide, which thoroughly prepares you for the MCSE/MCSA certification exam while addressing practical Windows Server 2012/R2 challenges. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge in areas like server management, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and Hyper-V virtualization, with chapters systematically aligned to exam objectives. This book suits aspiring network administrators who want a solid foundation in installing and configuring Windows Server environments and need clear explanations that bridge theory with real-world IT tasks.