This guide shows you how to install and activate Windows Server 2025 Datacenter (Desktop Experience). The process is the same for Windows Server 2025 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 Windows Server 2025 bootable USB drive
- 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.).
- Go to the Forscope Software Asset Management portal and login with your email and order number.
- Download your Windows Server ISO file.
- 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.
- Run the Rufus executable file and follow the instructions in the slideshow below (click the orange arrows to navigate):
- When the process is finished, close the Rufus tool and unplug the USB.
II. Install Windows Server 2025
- Plug the bootable USB in the device on which you want to install the server software.
- Turn the device on – during start-up it should automatically recognize the bootable USB as an installation media for Windows Server 2025.
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Follow the instructions in the slideshow below to install Windows Server 2025 (click the orange arrows to navigate):
III. Configure Windows Server 2025
- Type a strong password for the administrator account, then click Finish.
- Choose whether you want to share detailed diagnostics data with Microsoft, or not, then click Accept.
IV. Activate Windows Server 2025
- Open the Start menu and click the Settings icon.
- On the System screen, in section Activation state there’s a subsection called Change product key – click the Change button and a pop-up requiring you to enter a product key will appear.
- Enter the product key that you received with your order and click Next – your Windows Server will be activated and ready to use.
