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Learn how to install and configure Windows Server on your Dedicated Server for optimal performance and security → Find out more
10 November 20264 min read0 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Below, we’ll explain step by step how to install and configure the Windows Server operating system on your Dedicated Server. Follow these instructions carefully to set up and use the operating system successfully.
Info
Windows Server 2016
The setup steps and demonstration in this guide are based on the Windows Server 2016 operating system (2019 appearance – same design). Older OS versions may differ in structure and appearance, but the process is similar.
Warning
Newer version available / EOL details
The latest Windows Server version from Microsoft is 2025. For long-term projects, we recommend using the latest version.
Support for older Windows Server versions will eventually end. The following dates are planned for version 2016:
Active support: 11/01/2022
Security support: 01/12/2027
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No. Microsoft’s latest version is Windows Server 2025. We recommend using the latest version for long-term projects.
Active support ended on January 11, 2022, and security support runs until January 12, 2027.
A mounted ISO file, either from the ZapX ISO catalog or your own ISO added via URL in the Installation tab of the ZapX panel.
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Dedicated Server
Preparation
To install and configure an operating system, you first need to mount the appropriate ISO image. You can do this from the Installation tab in the ZapX panel, using either an ISO from our catalog or your own ISO via URL.
If you’re not familiar with mounting an ISO file, we recommend checking out our Initial Setup or Custom ISO guide.
Installation
To install Windows Server, you’ll need an ISO file of your choice. In the Installation tab, you can select the Windows version you want from our ISO catalog. Alternatively, you can use your own ISO file. We have a Custom ISO guide for this.
When this screen appears in your remote console, the ISO has loaded successfully and you can start the installation.
Select your preferred language and click “Next” to continue.
Click “Install now” to start the setup process.
Windows will now ask for a product key. Enter it if you have one.
Info
We don’t sell Windows licenses, so you’ll need to purchase the key yourself.
You can buy Windows product keys from various online stores. Make sure you purchase a valid key for your version of Windows, as different Windows versions are available.
For example, Windows Server 2016 comes in two editions: Standard and Datacenter.
If you’re not sure which one you need, simply click “I don’t have a product key.” You can add the key later.
Now select the version you want to install.
Make sure you choose the correct version, as you won’t be able to switch later.
Important: Choose a version with “(Desktop Experience)”; otherwise, Windows will run only in the shell.
Once you’ve made your choice, select the version and click “Next.”
Accept the license terms and click “Next.”
Choose “Custom” to perform a clean installation of Windows. You can choose “Upgrade” if, for example, you want to upgrade from 2016 to 2019.
In the next step, you’ll need to create partitions on your Dedicated Server. Normally, there shouldn’t be any partitions yet. If there are, select them and click “Delete.”
You can create several smaller partitions or one large partition. If you create smaller partitions, we recommend allocating at least 50 GB to the main Windows partition.
Click “New” to create a partition.
If you want one large partition, simply click “Apply.” Setup will automatically use the largest possible size.
Windows needs a small system partition. Click “OK” to accept.
Once you’re happy with your partitions, select the partition where Windows should be installed and click “Next.”
Windows Setup will now do everything automatically. This may take a few minutes.
You don’t need to do anything else until setup is complete.
Configuration
Once the setup process is complete, Windows will prompt you to set a password.
Set your preferred password here.
Info
We recommend using a strong password with special characters.
If you forget your password, there is no way to recover it. Make sure to write it down.
After setting your password, you’ll see the Windows lock screen.
To sign in to Windows, press STRG + ALT + ENTF. You can do this directly from your remote console.
(In the Java console, you’ll find this under “Keyboard.”)
Now sign in with your password.
Next, you’ll need to enable Remote Desktop so you can easily connect to your server later.
Open Windows Explorer and right-click “This PC.”
Select “Properties.”
Open “Remote settings.”
Confirm the firewall information by clicking “OK,” then click “Apply.”
Now open Remote Desktop on your computer and enter your server’s IP address.
The username is always Administrator, and the password is the one you set earlier.
You can ignore the certificate warning. Select “Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer.”
Confirm everything by clicking “Yes.”
Remote Desktop will now connect to your Dedicated Server, and you can start using it.
The network configuration is applied automatically via DHCP, so no further changes are needed.
Tip
If you have any other questions or run into problems, our support team will be happy to help!
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed the Windows Server 2016 operating system on your Dedicated Server. Our support team is available every day if you have any questions or need help! 🙂
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