This guide will show you how to install Windows Server step by step, whether on a physical machine or a virtual machine.

1. Download Windows Server ISO

• Visit the official Microsoft Evaluation Center or use a licensed copy from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center.
• Download the correct Windows Server version (e.g., 2022, 2019, 2016).

2. Create a Bootable USB (If Installing on Physical Hardware)

• Plug in a USB drive (at least 8GB).
• Use Rufus or Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB:
  • Select the downloaded Windows Server ISO.
  • Choose the USB drive as the target device.
  • Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

3. Boot from Installation Media

• Insert the bootable USB drive (or mount the ISO if using a VM).
• Restart the system and enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on your system).
• Set the USB drive as the first boot option.
• Save and exit BIOS, then the system will boot into the Windows Server setup.

4. Start Windows Server Installation

• Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.
• Click Install Now.
• Enter a product key, or select I don’t have a product key to activate later.

5. Choose Windows Server Edition

• Select the correct edition (e.g., Standard, Datacenter).
• Choose between:
  • Desktop Experience – Includes GUI.
  • Server Core – Command-line only (for advanced users).
• Click Next.

6. Select Installation Type

• Upgrade – If reinstalling or keeping files.
• Custom – For a fresh installation.

7. Partition the Hard Drive

• If installing on a new disk, click New, then Apply.
• Select the primary partition and click Next.
  Windows will begin copying files and installing the system.

8. Complete Installation & First Boot

• The system will restart automatically.
• Set up an Administrator password.
• Click Finish and log in.

9. Post-Installation Configuration

• Open Server Manager to begin configuration.
• Install drivers if needed.
• Set up network settings (static IP, domain, etc.).
• Apply Windows Updates for security patches.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows Server. Now you can configure it based on your needs.