📊Windows: Performance & Resource Monitoring

⬜ Monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage

(via Task Manager or PerfMon)

⬜ Review Event Viewer logs: System, Application, Security, RDS

⬜ Check disk space on all volumes (esp. C:\ and logs directory)

⬜ Reboot the server if pending updates or performance degradation is detected

💾Windows: Backup & Recovery

⬜ Verify successful backups (check logs and backup console)

⬜ Perform a test restore (monthly or biweekly)

⬜ Check backup storage availability (local/cloud/tape)

⬜ Confirm backup job alerts or failures are addressed

💻 Windows: Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

⬜ Validate RDS license status and availability

⬜ Monitor active/disconnected user sessions

⬜ Ensure printer redirection, drive mapping, and clipboard work

⬜ Check session load balancing if using RDS Farm

🛡️Windows: Security Auditing & Access Control

⬜ Review failed logon attempts and locked accounts

⬜ Audit new or modified user/admin accounts

⬜ Verify Group Policy (GPO) changes or misconfigurations

⬜ Check local administrator accounts regularly

🌐Windows: Network & Firewall

⬜ Test internet and LAN connectivity (ping, nslookup, tracert)

⬜ Review firewall rules, RDP port status, and open ports

⬜ Monitor for unusual inbound/outbound traffic

📝Windows: Documentation & Reporting

⬜ Update the maintenance log with tasks completed and findings

⬜ Create a weekly summary report (issues, resolutions, warnings)

⬜ Keep asset inventory and system status updated

🔁 Windows: Optional Monthly Tasks

⬜ Clean up old updates, logs, and temp files

⬜ Review and validate scheduled tasks

⬜ Run internal vulnerability scans

⬜ Test Disaster Recovery (DR) procedures and backups

Windows Server Maintenance Tasks

Here is a Windows Server Maintenance Checklist designed for system administrators. This includes weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance, security, and stability of Windows Server environments.

📆 Quarterly Tasks

🧪 Test Restore from Backup

• Simulate disaster recovery (full system or selected services).

🔄 Review Server Roles and Features

• Decommission unused roles/services.

🔎 Audit Server Hardening Policies

• Re-check GPOs, password policies, RDP access, etc.

🔁 Update Firmware / BIOS / Drivers

• Check vendor website for supported updates.

🔒 Review SSL/TLS Certificates

• Renew expiring certs and ensure secure cipher suites.

📌 Bonus Tips

🛡️ Use Windows Admin Center or System Center for centralized management.

📧 Configure Email Alerts for critical logs or failures.

🗂️ Maintain a Server Maintenance Log Sheet with all actions & timestamps.

✅ Weekly Tasks

🔄 Reboot Server (if required)

• Apply pending updates or resolve memory/resource issues.

📊 Check Event Viewer Logs

• Review System, Application, and Security logs for warnings/errors.

💾 Verify Backups

• Confirm scheduled backups completed successfully.

• Test recovery on sample files.

🚦 Monitor Disk Space Usage

• Ensure system/critical drives have sufficient free space (ideally >20%).

🖥️ Check CPU, RAM & Network Usage

• Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor to detect abnormal spikes or bottlenecks.

🔐 Check for Windows Updates

• Ensure latest patches are installed (especially security updates).

📁 Review Shared Folders & Permissions

• Look for unauthorized changes or additions.

📅 Monthly Tasks

🛠️ Apply Windows Server Updates (Cumulative)

• Schedule updates during maintenance windows to minimize downtime.

🔍 Review Local and Domain User Accounts

• Disable or remove unused accounts.

• Check for privilege escalation.

🔐 Review Firewall Rules & Security Policies

• Ensure only necessary ports/services are open.

🧹 Clean Up Temp Files & Event Logs

• Free up disk space and improve performance.

📈 Run Windows Defender/Antivirus Full Scan

• Check definitions are updated.

📤 Export Event Logs

• Archive critical logs for audit and compliance.