The latest Plesk Obsidian release introduces support for Windows Server 2025, enhanced database interface navigation, key security upgrades, and the phase-out of outdated technologies.
Plesk, one of the most widely used server control panels in the hosting industry, has officially rolled out Plesk Obsidian 18.0.69 — and with it, a wave of technical improvements, modernized interfaces, and critical compatibility upgrades. The update also marks a turning point in how Plesk manages deprecated components and transitions towards a more secure and performance-oriented platform.
Full Compatibility with PHP 8.4 and Windows Server 2025
Among the most anticipated features in this release is full support for PHP 8.4, now available across the Plesk core and major extensions such as Let’s Encrypt, WP Toolkit, SSL It!, Docker, Sitejet Builder, Joomla Toolkit, and Azure DNS. This ensures administrators and developers are equipped for upcoming workloads and environments with long-term support.
On the Windows side, Plesk now supports Windows Server 2025, a welcome addition for enterprise environments. However, due to a limitation in Microsoft DNS on this OS version, it is not currently possible to create HTTPS or CAA DNS records via Plesk.
Revamped Database Management Interface
A major improvement in usability comes from the redesigned Dynamic List view for databases. The new interface provides a cleaner, faster, and more intuitive experience, utilizing drawers for smooth transitions and preparing the platform for the eventual retirement of the Classic and Active views.
Another user-centric enhancement is the “Reset Password” link now visible directly in the email address management screen — a thoughtful addition that streamlines one of the most frequent administrative tasks.
Security Hardening and Deprecated Components
This release also takes a significant step in phasing out outdated and vulnerable components. The following changes stand out:
- BIND DNS server: fully deprecated and removed from Plesk for Windows. Servers still using BIND will be blocked from upgrading to version 18.0.70 until they migrate to Microsoft DNS.
- Horde Webmail: removed from the Plesk Installer due to lack of maintenance and security concerns.
- RKHunter: removed from the Watchdog extension, reinforcing Plesk’s focus on modern and effective server monitoring tools.
- Legacy APS apps like DotNetNuke, Magento, Zen Cart, SugarCRM, Gallery, and more will be fully removed from the catalog in version 18.0.71.
Additionally, Plesk has implemented a stronger GPG key for signing packages and repositories, addressing warnings related to weak algorithms during updates and installations.
Key Extension Updates and Performance Boosts
Several essential extensions receive critical updates and optimizations:
- Watchdog now properly distinguishes between unmonitored and uninstalled services, displays accurate RAM usage, and resolves false positives for sw-engine shutdowns.
- Docker Extension fixes integration issues with Portainer and improves error handling for container operations with advanced parameters.
- Plesk Migrator adds smarter detection of customized config files (e.g.,
my.cnf) during MariaDB upgrades and resolves migration bugs for cPanel and AlmaLinux environments. - Performance Booster now includes optimization routines for MariaDB 11.4 on Linux systems.
- SSL It! and Let’s Encrypt improve certificate validation handling and extend compatibility to PHP 8.4.
A Modern, Leaner, and More Secure Plesk
Plesk Obsidian 18.0.69 signifies more than just incremental improvements. It represents a strategic shift toward a cleaner, faster, and more maintainable platform. The update clears out aging components, enhances administrator workflows, and ensures forward compatibility with next-generation software stacks.
System administrators should take note that future upgrades (such as to 18.0.70) may be blocked on systems still using deprecated components like BIND. It’s strongly recommended to audit installations now and take action before the next major release.
With Obsidian 18.0.69, Plesk continues its evolution into a modern server management platform that balances usability, compatibility, and security. Whether you’re managing shared hosting, cloud instances, or enterprise web applications, this release delivers essential upgrades — and a clear roadmap for what’s being left behind.
