Veeam Backup & Replication v13 Beta: A Game-Changer with Linux

Yes, this news is not new as we knew since a very long time that no new Windows version will be available from Veeam. Linux full steam ahead! Now, all we know right now is that the product is still in BETA stage and the Linux version which is available for selected groups such as Veeam Vanguards or Legends, is still in its early stages. With Veeam Backup & Replication v13 Beta, many of the menus, functions is just not there yet. (TBD everywhere -:)) The UI is fully functional and more. We'll try to recap what's coming and what features will be completely new (has not existed on Windows version).

The Veeam Backup & Replication v13 beta was announced at VeeamON 2025 (not being able to attend this year, unfortunately…) and this major release is currently in beta, and it’s shaping up to be a significant leap forward for Veeam users. The headline? In this post, I’ll dive into what’s new in v13, the implications of the Windows-to-Linux transition, and the exciting features you can expect when it hits general availability (GA) later in 2025. Let’s get started!

Veeam Backup & Replication v13 Beta – The Big Shift: From Windows to Linux

For years, Veeam Backup & Replication has had dependencies on Windows Server to power its core services. While robust, this dependency meant dealing with Windows patching schedules, and occasional compatibility quirks in diverse IT environments, and lastly, with Windows licensing costs!

With v13, Veeam is breaking free from these constraints by introducing a fully Linux-based backup server. This isn’t just a port or a rewrite—it’s .NET running natively on Linux, specifically a Veeam-customized version of Rocky Linux 9.2, delivered as a Just Enough OS (JeOS) appliance.

Why is this a big deal? First, it’s about simplicity and security. The JeOS approach strips the OS to the bare essentials needed for backup and replication tasks, reducing the attack surface and resource demands. Veeam takes full control of the OS, providing updates through its own repositories, ensuring compatibility and security patches without the hassle of manual Linux maintenance. This is a godsend for IT admins who aren’t Linux gurus but want a secure, low-maintenance backup solution. Plus, for those looking to cut costs, ditching Windows licenses is a huge win.

The Linux appliance is delivered as an ISO for physical servers, cloud environments, or virtual machines, and VMware users get a handy OVA file for quick deployment. Even better, Veeam isn’t forcing you to abandon Windows entirely—the Windows version will remain available, at least for now, with v13.1 expected to support in-place upgrades from v12.3 Windows installations. This flexibility ensures you can transition at your own pace.

New Features in Veeam Backup & Replication v13

So, what else does v13 bring to the table? The beta reveals a mix of new features, performance enhancements, and a modernized user experience. As usually, anything can change before the GA! Take all this with small disclaimer -:)

1. HTTPS-Based Web Console

One of the most requested features is finally here: a fully functional HTTPS-based web console. While we can currently install the console on remote system and manage the Veeam backup server, the jobs etc, we'll have completely new web-based console so no additional software installation will be necessary.

Gone are the days of relying solely on the Windows client for advanced management. The new web UI offers a clean, modern interface with a dashboard that promises a single pane of glass for your backup infrastructure. While the beta still has some placeholders (marked as [TBD]), it’s already feature-rich, allowing you to manage jobs, repositories, proxies, and even perform restores like Instant VM Recovery.

The web console also supports role-based access control (RBAC), a long-overdue feature that could eventually replace Veeam Enterprise Manager. For security-conscious admins, the console enforces two-factor authentication (2FA) by default, and a new “security officer” role requires validation for critical actions like backup data deletion.

2. Enhanced Security and Compliance

Security is front and center in v13. The Linux appliance is pre-hardened with SELinux, disabled SSH by default, and compliance with FIPS and DISA STIG standards out of the box. Immutability and zero-trust principles are now default, making it harder for ransomware to compromise your backups. The default repository, automatically configured on the largest available disk, supports XFS Block Cloning for efficient storage and immutability.
Veeam is also introducing SAML authentication for single sign-on, streamlining access management. While the beta doesn’t include updates to the Threat Hunter feature (introduced in v12.3), future updates are expected to enhance malware detection and integrate more tightly with Veeam ONE for better visibility.

3. Streamlined Backup and Recovery

The v13 beta maintains Veeam’s core strengths while introducing operational efficiencies. The Linux server itself acts as the default proxy, simplifying setup, but you can still configure additional proxies and repositories as needed. Backup jobs in the beta have shown solid performance, with virtual-appliance mode (hot-add) delivering decent processing rates.

For recovery, the web UI supports Instant VM Recovery and full-VM restores, though file-level recovery is limited in the beta. The Windows console, however, retains all recovery options, ensuring no functionality is lost during the transition. Veeam has also optimized repository management—unlike v12, where the largest disk was automatically selected, v13’s Linux server intelligently configures the repository based on available storage.

4. Deprecated Features and System Requirements

Veeam is phasing out some legacy features with v13. Reversed incremental backups, retention based on restore point counts, and non-per-machine backup chains will not be available for new jobs in v13, with full removal planned for v14. Active Directory-based authentication for Veeam Cloud Connect tenants and double-click restore options in Windows Explorer are also on the chopping block.

On the system requirements front, v13 drops support for older OS versions like CentOS, Ubuntu 18.04, and AlmaLinux, focusing on modern platforms like Rocky Linux 9.4, Ubuntu 20.04+, and SLES 12 SP5 or later. This ensures better performance and security but means you’ll need to upgrade legacy systems before migrating to v13.

What to Expect at GA

The v13 beta is a promising preview, but it’s not production-ready. Features may change, and some quirks—like issues with adding vCenter by name due to DNS settings or incomplete web UI functionality—still need polish. Veeam plans to release v13 in H2 2025, with no confirmed date yet. The beta is available through Veeam’s pre-sales team, stm, so contact your rep to get access.

For existing users, the ability to keep Windows-based setups or migrate to Linux offers flexibility. However, the Linux appliance’s ease of deployment and built-in security make it an attractive option for new deployments or cost-conscious organizations.

Final Words

It has been several years that we know that the move to Linux was “in the boxes”. Yes, Veeam Backup & Replication v13 release will be huge. The move to Linux, coupled with a modern web console, enhanced security, and streamlined operations, positions Veeam to meet the evolving needs of IT professionals in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re protecting virtual, physical, or cloud workloads, v13’s focus on simplicity, security, and flexibility is a big step forward.

Have you tried the v13 beta yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or ping me on X @vladan.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the GA release!

Check Veeam Community post about v13 here.

Veeam Backup & Replication v13 Beta: A Game-Changer with Linux

Veeam Backup & Replication v13 Beta – The Big Shift: From Windows to Linux