Windows Server 2019 – installation and activation

Table of Contents

This guide shows you how to install and activate Windows Server 2019 Datacenter (Desktop Experience). The process is the same for Windows Server 2019 Standard (Desktop Experience).

Before installing, please make sure that your new computer meets the minimum system requirements:

  • processor: 1.4 GHz
  • memory: 512 MB (Server Core), 2 GB (Desktop Experience)
  • hard disk space: 32 GB
  • screen resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  • network adapter: Ethernet (at least 1 Gbit throughput)

Additionally, you need:

  • an empty USB drive of minimum 8 GB;
  • another computer with an internet connection and at least Windows 10 or newer installed on it.

Step-by-step guide

I. Create a bootable USB drive

  1. Insert the USB drive that you want to use as your installation media into the computer which already has an operating system. Make sure you know which drive letter it’s been assigned (D, E, F, etc.).
  2. Go to the Forscope Software Asset Management portal and login with your email and order number.
  3. Download your Windows Server ISO file.
  4. Procure an ISO mounting software of your choice in order to create the bootable USB. This guide uses the free portable Rufus tool – a very lightweight program dedicated to creating bootable USB drives that doesn’t require installation.
Download Rufus (portable version)
  1. Run the Rufus executable file and follow the instructions in the slideshow below (click the orange arrows to navigate):
rufus-usb-WS2019_1
Browse to the previously downloaded Windows Server 2019 ISO via the Select button.
rufus-usb-WS2019_2
Once you've selected the ISO, click Start.
rufus-usb-WS2019_3
Customize the installation or skip (uncheck boxes), then click OK.
rufus-usb-WS2019_4
There will be a warning that the data on the USB drive will be deleted. Click OK to continue.
rufus-usb-WS2019_5
Your bootable USB drive is ready when the bar in section Status fills entirely with green and reads "READY".
  1. When the process is finished, close the Rufus tool and unplug the USB.

II. Install Windows Server 2019

  1. Plug the bootable USB in the device on which you want to install the server software.
  2. Turn the device on – during start-up it should automatically recognize the bootable USB as an installation media for Windows Server 2019.

  3. Follow the instructions in the slideshow below to install Windows Server 2019 (click the orange arrows to navigate):

windows-server-2019-install_1
When Windows Server Setup starts, select the language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout, then click Next.
windows-server-2019-install_2
Click Install now.
windows-server-2019-install_3
Select the edition you want to install.
windows-server-2019-install_4
Tick the check box to accept the license terms and click Next to continue the process.
windows-server-2019-install_5
Pick the installation option you want to use. For devices without any prior operating system, you need to select the Custom installation.
windows-server-2019-install_6
In this step, you can allocate disks for the system to use. You can separate your drive(s) in 2 or more partitions, or create a single partition. You can also let the system allocate them automatically – click Next to skip the manual process.
windows-server-2019-install_7
Windows Server Setup will now start installing Windows Server 2019.
windows-server-2019-install_9
Once the installation is done, you will be prompted to create a password – make sure to choose a strong one, then click Finish.
windows-server-2019-install_10
Now you can log in to start using the server, but don't forget to activate it first.

III. Activate the server

  1. Open the Start menu and click the Settings icon.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
  1. At the bottom of the windows there should be a message saying Windows isn’t activated. Activate Windows now – click it.
Click on the image to enlarge it.
  1. Click Change product key, enter the product key that you received with your order and click Next.
Click on the image to enlarge it.

Your Windows Server will be activated and ready to use.

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