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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 the operating system successfully and get the most out of it.
Info
Windows Server 2019
The setup steps and demonstration in this guide are based on the Windows Server 2019 operating system. Older OS versions may differ in layout and appearance, but the process is similar.
Warning
Newer version available / EOL details
The latest Windows Server version from Microsoft is 2025. We recommend using the latest version for long-term projects.
Support for older Windows Server versions will eventually end. The following dates are scheduled for version 2019:
Mainstream support: 09.01.2024
Extended security support: 09.01.2029
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No. Microsoft's latest version is Windows Server 2025. We recommend using the latest version for long-term projects.
Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2024, and extended security support runs until January 9, 2029.
A mounted ISO file, either from the ZapX ISO catalog or your own ISO provided via URL. Mount it 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 in the Installation tab of the ZapX panel, either by selecting an ISO from our catalog or by providing the URL of your own ISO.
If you're not yet familiar with mounting an ISO file, we recommend 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. See our Custom ISO guide for instructions.
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”.
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 a key separately.
You can buy Windows product keys from various online stores. Make sure the key is valid for your Windows version, as different versions are available.
For example, Windows Server 2019 is available in Standard and Datacenter editions.
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 right version, as you won't be able to switch later.
Important: Select a version with “(Desktop Experience)”; otherwise, Windows will run as a shell-based system only.
Once you've made your choice, select the version and click “Next”.
Accept the license terms and click “Next”.
Select “Custom” to perform a fresh Windows installation. You can select “Upgrade” if, for example, you want to upgrade from 2016 to 2019.
In the next step, you need to create partitions on your Dedicated Server. Usually, there won'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 just one large partition, simply click “Apply”. Setup will automatically use the largest possible size.
Windows needs a small system partition. Click “OK” to accept it.
Once you're happy with your partitions, select the partition where you want to install Windows 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 setup is complete, Windows will prompt you to set a password.
Set your preferred password here.
Info
We recommend using a strong password that includes special characters.
If you forget your password, it can't be recovered, so make sure to store it somewhere safe.
After setting your password, you'll arrive at the Windows lock screen.
To sign in to Windows, press STRG + ALT + ENTF. You can do this using your remote console.
(In the Java console, you'll find this under “Keyboard”.)
Now sign in with your password.
Next, you 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 message 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. Check “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 assigned 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 2019 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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