Installing Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 is a powerful operating system designed for enterprise-level workload management, virtualization, and networking services. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to installing Windows Server 2019 on a new machine.

Step 1: System Requirements

Before proceeding with installation, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor.
  • RAM: 512 MB (2 GB for Desktop Experience).
  • Storage: At least 32 GB of available disk space.
  • Network: Gigabit Ethernet adapter.
  • Display: Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution.

Step 2: Download Windows Server 2019

Obtain the installation media:

  1. Download the Windows Server 2019 ISO from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher.

Step 3: Boot from the Installation Media

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the target server.
  2. Restart the machine and enter the boot menu (typically by pressing F2, F12, ESC, or DEL during startup).
  3. Select the USB drive as the boot device.

Step 4: Begin the Installation

Once the setup loads you should see this screen:

    Click on Install now to see this screen:

  1. Select your preferred language, time, and keyboard settings.
  2. Click Next and then Install now.

Step 5: Choose Windows Server Edition

Windows Server 2019 is available in multiple editions:

  • Windows Server 2019 Standard
  • Windows Server 2019 Standard (Desktop Experience)
  • Windows Server 2019 Datacenter
  • Windows Server 2019 Datacenter (Desktop Experience)

Select the appropriate version based on your use case:

  • The Desktop Experience editions include a graphical interface (GUI).
  • The Core editions do not have a GUI and are optimized for performance and security.

Step 6: Accept the License Agreement

Check the box to accept the license terms and click Next.

Step 7: Select Installation Type

Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) for a clean installation.

Step 8: Partition the Disk

  1. Select the drive where Windows Server will be installed.
  2. Optionally, create new partitions.
  3. Click Next to start the installation.

Step 9: Wait for Installation to Complete

The system will copy files and install features. This may take some time. The machine will reboot automatically during this process.

Step 10: Configure Administrator Account

  1. Once installation completes, set a strong password for the Administrator account.
  2. Log in using the new credentials.

Step 11: Post-Installation Configuration

After logging in, the Server Manager dashboard will appear. From here, you can:

  • Configure roles and features.
  • Set up networking and domain services.
  • Apply Windows updates and install additional drivers.

Step 12: Activate Windows Server

To activate Windows Server:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
  2. Enter your product key and click Activate.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows Server 2019. Next, consider:

  • Setting up Active Directory for user authentication.
  • Configuring DNS and DHCP for network management.
  • Deploying virtual machines using Hyper-V.
  • Implementing security policies and backup strategies.

For advanced configurations, refer to the Microsoft documentation.