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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 read3 Views0 helpful
Introduction
The following steps explain 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 2022
The setup steps and demonstration in this guide are based on the Windows Server 2022 operating system (2019 appearance – same design). Older OS versions may differ in structure and appearance. However, 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 planned for version 2022:
Active support: 13.10.2026
Security support: 14.10.2031
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No. The latest version from Microsoft is Windows Server 2025. We recommend using the latest version for long-term projects.
Active support ends on October 13, 2026, and security support ends on October 14, 2031.
A mounted ISO file, either from the ZapX ISO catalog or your own ISO via URL, mounted through the Installation tab in the ZapX panel.
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Dedicated Server
Preparation
Before installing and configuring 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 using an ISO from our catalog or your own ISO via URL.
If you're not familiar with mounting an ISO file, we recommend our Initial Setup or Custom ISO guide.
Installation
To install Windows Server, you 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 begin the installation.
Choose 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 yourself.
You can buy Windows product keys from various online stores. Make sure the key is valid for your version of Windows, as there are different versions.
For example, Windows Server 2022 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 can't change it later.
Important: Choose a version with “(Desktop Experience)”; otherwise, Windows will run only as a shell-based system.
Once you've made your choice, select the version and click “Next”.
Accept the license terms and click “Next”.
Choose “Custom” if you want to perform a fresh Windows installation. You can choose “Upgrade” if, for example, you want to upgrade from 2016 to 2022.
In the next step, you need to create partitions on your Dedicated Server. Normally, no partitions should exist yet. If there are any, 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, you can simply click “Apply”. Setup will automatically use the largest possible size.
Windows needs a small system partition. Click “OK” to accept this.
Once you're happy with your partitions, select the partition where you want to install Windows and click “Next”.
Windows Setup will now take care of 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, it can't be recovered, so be 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 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 notification by clicking “OK”, then click “Apply”.
Now open Remote Desktop Connection 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 Connection 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 issues, our support team will be happy to help!
Conclusion
Congratulations, you've successfully installed Windows Server 2022 on your Dedicated Server. If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is available every day! 🙂
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