Official Guide: How to Install and Activate Server 2022 Datacenter
Step-by-step deployment guide for the most secure Windows Server operating system. Follow these instructions for a clean installation.
Hardware Requirements
Ensure you have a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM (ECC recommended), and 32GB of disk space. For production environments, a static IP is recommended.
Download the ISO Image
Download the official Windows Server 2022 ISO file. You can find the link in your purchase confirmation email or use the Microsoft Evaluation Center if you plan to convert the license later.
Create Bootable Media
Use a tool like Rufus to burn the ISO file to a USB drive (at least 8GB). Standard Windows tools might not work correctly for Server ISOs.
Recommended Tool
We recommend downloading "Rufus" (Portable) to create the bootable USB. Set partition scheme to GPT for modern UEFI servers.
Installation & Edition Selection
Boot your server from the USB. Follow the prompts until you reach the "Select the operating system" screen.
You MUST select the option that says "Windows Server 2022 Datacenter (Desktop Experience)".
If you select the standard "Datacenter" option, it will install the Core version (command line only) and you will not have a graphical interface.
After selecting the edition, choose "Custom: Install Microsoft Server Operating System only (advanced)" to format your drives.
Post-Installation
The system will reboot several times. Once finished, you will be prompted to set the Administrator password.
Password Policy
The password must be complex: Uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Memorize it, as there is no simple way to recover it.
Activation (Standard)
If you installed a RETAIL version, use this standard method. If you installed an EVALUATION version, please use the Conversion Method below.
Datacenter Activated
Full license capabilities unlocked
Hyper-V / Unlimited VMs ready
Conversion from Evaluation (CMD)
If activation fails, you likely have the "Evaluation" version. Use this command to convert it to Retail.
Instructions
Replace the X's with your product key. Run this in PowerShell/CMD as Administrator. The server will restart automatically.
Deployment Issues?
Server activation can sometimes require specific commands. Contact our engineering team for assistance.