How to Install Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025

To install Windows Server, download the ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center, boot the server from it, and choose the edition and installation option. The evaluation media installs without a product key. Afterward, convert the evaluation to a full version with DISM /Set-Edition and your key, then confirm activation. The same steps apply to Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025.

Before you start

Check that the hardware meets Microsoft's minimums and that you have the right licenses.

These are minimums. Real workloads need more memory and storage. Count your physical cores before you buy, because Standard and Datacenter are licensed per core. See Windows Server core licensing explained.

Step 1: Download the Windows Server ISO

Microsoft publishes Windows Server installation media as evaluation ISOs on the Microsoft Evaluation Center.

1. Open the Evaluation Center and select Windows Server.
2. Pick the version you have licensed: 2025, 2022, 2019 or 2016.
3. Fill in the short registration form and choose the ISO download in your language.
4. Save the ISO.

The evaluation runs for 180 days. You do not need separate full version media, because the evaluation converts to the licensed version with your product key.

Step 2: Create boot media

For a virtual machine, attach the ISO to the VM's virtual DVD drive. For a physical server, either mount the ISO through the server's remote management controller or write it to a USB drive of at least 8 GB with a USB imaging tool.

Step 3: Install Windows Server

Setup is the same for all four versions, with small differences in the screens.

1. Boot the server from the ISO or USB drive.
2. Choose language, time format and keyboard, then start the installation.
3. Select the edition: Standard or Datacenter, each with or without Desktop Experience. Choose the edition that matches your license.
4. Accept the license terms.
5. Choose the custom (clean) installation option rather than an upgrade.
6. Select the drive. If no drive appears, load the storage controller driver from your hardware vendor.
7. Wait for the install to finish and the server to restart.
8. Set a strong password for the built-in Administrator account and sign in.

Desktop Experience vs Server Core

The installation option decides whether the server has a graphical desktop. Since Windows Server 2016, you cannot convert between the two after installation, so choose carefully.

On Server Core, run sconfig to set the computer name, network, Windows Update and Remote Desktop from a text menu.

Step 4: Convert the evaluation to a full version

An evaluation install shows the remaining days in the corner of the desktop. Convert it with DISM and your product key from an elevated command prompt.

1. Check the current edition:

   DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
   

   An evaluation shows a name such as ServerStandardEval or ServerDatacenterEval.
2. List the editions you can convert to:

   DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
   

3. Convert, using ServerStandard or ServerDatacenter to match your key:

   DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
   

4. Restart when prompted. The server may restart more than once.

Keep these limits in mind:

1. A Datacenter evaluation can only be converted to Datacenter.
2. A domain controller cannot be converted. Add another domain controller running a full version, move the FSMO roles, then remove Active Directory Domain Services from the evaluation server before you convert it.
3. If the edition you need is not listed by /Get-TargetEditions, you need a fresh install.

Step 5: Activate Windows Server

After conversion, confirm that the key is installed and activated. If you installed from non-evaluation media, start here.

1. Install the product key:

   slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
   

2. Activate online:

   slmgr /ato
   

3. Check the status:

   slmgr /dlv
   

   The output should show License Status: Licensed.

On Desktop Experience you can also use Settings > System > Activation (or Settings > Update & Security > Activation on 2016 and 2019) and select Change product key.

If the server has no internet access or online activation fails, run slui 4 for telephone activation. Read out the installation ID and enter the confirmation ID you receive.

Windows Server Essentials notes

Windows Server 2016 and 2019 Essentials are a separate edition for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices, and they do not need CALs. Essentials uses its own installation media, so the Standard and Datacenter evaluation ISO is not the right download for it.

To license an installed Essentials server, Microsoft's documented method is to enter the key with slmgr /ipk and then activate with slmgr /ato. If you cannot find the right Essentials media, contact support before installing.

After installation

Run Windows Update until no more updates are offered, set a static IP address if the server will host services, and add roles through Server Manager or PowerShell. Once activated, the server receives Microsoft updates and security patches like any retail license.

If the server will host Remote Desktop sessions, you also need RDS CALs. See RDS CAL user vs device. For databases, see SQL Server licensing explained.

Need help?

If DISM rejects your key, activation fails, or you are unsure which edition to install, open a ticket at /support or call +1-888-470-5516. Free tech support is available 7 days a week. If a key fails to activate, including an "already used" error, we send a working replacement free of charge.