Sections of this topic
In this article, we’ll delve into Microsoft’s recent announcements on reducing the size of Windows Server Container images and the upcoming plan to undock the Edge browser as a default component. This move aims to provide a more efficient and customizable experience for users.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft has made modifications to Windows Server Container images to reduce their size.
- Changes include removing hive files, disabling unnecessary scheduled tasks, and pruning non-essential log files.
- Microsoft plans to undock Edge browser as a default component, making it an optional installation in the future.
- Other components will be undocked over time, but Edge is the first step.
- Foreign layers will also be removed from Windows container base images.
Slimming Down Windows Server Container Images
Microsoft has revealed its intentions to modify Windows Server Container images, making them more compact.
The tech giant has achieved this by removing some hive files from the servicing layer, disabling unnecessary scheduled tasks, and getting rid of non-essential log files.
These alterations have successfully reduced the size of the images, making them more efficient for users.
The Windows Server Container images comprise a base layer and a servicing layer, which overlays serviced binaries.
In order to decrease the size of the images, Microsoft has removed certain hive files from the Windows\System32\Config directory within the servicing layer.
This change ensures that the images are more streamlined and take up less storage space.
Removing Edge as a Default Component
Microsoft is not content with simply reducing the size of its Windows Server Container images.
The company has ambitious plans to detach the Edge browser from being a default component in Server and Windows images.
Instead of being pre-installed, users will have the option to install the Edge browser as an additional component.
This move allows for increased flexibility and customization, as users can choose whether or not they wish to install the browser.
Microsoft’s plan is to eventually undock other components in a similar fashion, with the Edge browser being the first step in this direction.
Upcoming Changes and Future Plans
Microsoft is not stopping at the changes mentioned above.
The company has expressed its intention to remove foreign layers from Windows container base images.
This alteration will enable customers to redistribute container images from their container registries, providing a more seamless experience for developers.
These slimmer images are now available from the Microsoft Artifact Registry.
The images include Nano Server, Server Core, Server, and Windows.
Microsoft is committed to continuous improvement, using feedback from users to inform its decisions and shape future developments.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its concerted effort to reduce the size of Windows Server Container images.
The response from users was overwhelmingly positive, and the company has used this feedback to further enhance its offerings.
The May 2023 release sees Microsoft taking another step forward in delivering improvements and sharing plans for the coming months.
In the next few months, Microsoft aims to enhance the customer experience with Windows containers through the following steps:
- Removal of Edge as a default component in Server and Windows images: As part of the image size reduction initiative, Microsoft is working to separate the various components of the container image and offer them as optional additions.
In the coming months, the company will take its first step in this direction by detaching Microsoft Edge from Server and Windows images, further reducing their size.
Microsoft will provide detailed instructions for users who wish to add Edge back for specific scenarios that require it.
- Foreign Layer removal: Over the next few months, Microsoft plans to remove foreign layers from Windows container base images.
This change aligns with the licensing alteration announced in October 2022.
By enabling customers to redistribute container images from their container registries, Microsoft hopes to align with the broader container ecosystem and enhance the developer experience.
More details on this change will be shared in a future blog post as part of the announcement.
Conclusion
Microsoft is making significant strides in enhancing the user experience by downsizing Windows Server Container images and setting the Edge browser free from being a default component.
As the company remains committed to incorporating user feedback and fine-tuning its offerings, we can expect to see even more improvements and a broader range of customization options in the coming months.
