On 3 September 2025, the long-awaited Veeam Backup & Replication version 13 (build 13.0.0.4967), also known as Veeam Software Appliance, has been released.
As announced in a previous article, the main new feature of this release is the Linux appliance developed by Veeam.
In this early release, it will only be available for new installations. At the end of 2025, however, the full version of Veeam Data Platform 13.0.1 will be released, which will include the traditional Windows version and allow upgrades from previous versions.
Note: In the coming weeks, Veeam will release a tool for migrating from classic VBR Windows to VSA Linux. You can register now on this official page to receive support as soon as the tool is available.
There are so many new features, let’s try to describe the most interesting ones.
Veeam Software Appliance (VSA)
The heart of this new version: the backup software has been packaged with a Linux-based operating system, with minimal components required for running it (JeOS), and pre-hardened according to DISA STIG rules to limit the attack surface.
Core services have also been reviewed from a security perspective and re-engineered to work with non-administrative system accounts.
Deployment is really quick and easy, with minimal post-installation management, including a web-based console and automated updates (OS, software and third-party components).
It can be downloaded in ISO format or even as OVA for installation on virtual environments.
True Zero Trust & Lockdown Mode
To prevent critical changes to the backup infrastructure, you can designate a user with the role of Security Officer who will be responsible for approving the most sensitive operations.
It is also possible to activate lockdown mode to prevent any unauthorised addition of new components to the infrastructure.
All in One
For small environments, such as remote offices, the new VSA allows you to have not only the OS and software within the appliance, but also an immutable repository (VHR).
Obviously, although best practice recommends keeping the two functions separate, it is still an option to consider in specific scenarios.
Veeam Infrastructure Appliance (VIA)
Based on the same JeOS as the VSA, it allows you to scale the core components of your backup infrastructure quickly and easily. Specifically, there are three possible profiles that can be installed:
- a general-purpose appliance, which can take on any role in your backup infrastructure
- an appliance with iSCSI and NVME components for use in direct SAN backups
- a VHR appliance (Veeam Hardened Repository)
Downloadable from the “Extensions and other” section of downloads on the official Veeam website.
Veeam LiveOS
This ISO has been made available to boot from the VSA in case of access issues, for example if the web console is unreachable.
Further information and download links can be found here.
High Availability
A feature long requested by the Veeam Community, it allows you to install two VSA nodes in active/passive mode and minimize RPO/RTO in the event of a primary VBR failure.
HA is guaranteed thanks to continuous replication of the PostgreSQL config DB between cluster components, also supporting high-latency networks.
The only downside is that a Premium license is required.
RBAC
V13 introduces the ability to create custom Veeam roles, allowing you to select in a very granular way which operations are allowed and on which workloads.
Single Sign On (SSO)
Integration with external identity providers is now also possible for access to the backup console, ensuring centralized and more secure authentication management.
Linux only
Starting from this version, only Linux components can be used in our backup infrastructure.
There are minor exceptions in the case of workloads with ReFS file systems or those using Windows deduplication.
Nutanix AHV
The AHV appliance is now fully integrated within VBR and does not require separate management.
Enterprise Application
Application plugin backup now also supports direct writing to object storage repositories.
The list of new features continues…below you can find some links to the official documentation for further information:
- KB Release: https://www.veeam.com/kb4738
- Release Notes: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/rn/veeam_backup_13_release_notes.html
- Know issues and limitations: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/rn/veeam_backup_13_release_notes.html#known-issues-and-limitations
- What’s New: https://www.veeam.com/veeam_backup_13_whats_new__wn.pdf
- Helpcenter: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/vbr/userguide/overview.html?ver=13
Welcome v13! 💚