2. Pre-Installation Checklist
Complete these essential preparation steps before beginning the installation process.
Installation Checklist
Backup existing data
Create a complete backup of all important data and configurations
Verify hardware compatibility
Check Windows Server Catalog for certified hardware
Prepare installation media
Download ISO file or create bootable USB drive
Obtain valid license key
Ensure you have a valid Windows Server 2022 license
Plan network configuration
Determine IP addresses, DNS settings, and domain information
Download latest drivers
Obtain drivers for network adapters, storage controllers, and other hardware
3. Installation Methods
Choose the installation method that best fits your environment and requirements.
Clean Installation
Install Windows Server 2022 on a new or formatted system. This is the recommended method for new deployments.
• Fresh installation
• Complete control over configuration
• Best performance
In-Place Upgrade
Upgrade from Windows Server 2016 or 2019 while preserving applications, settings, and data.
• Preserves existing configuration
• Minimal downtime
• Requires compatible source OS
Server Core
Install minimal Windows Server without GUI for reduced attack surface and resource usage.
• Command-line interface only
• Smaller footprint
• Enhanced security
4. Step-by-Step Installation
Follow these detailed steps to install Windows Server 2022 on your system.
Step 1: Boot from Installation Media
Insert the Windows Server 2022 installation media and boot your system.
Boot Configuration
• Configure BIOS/UEFI to boot from USB or DVD
• Ensure Secure Boot is enabled for enhanced security
• Verify system date and time are correct
Step 2: Select Language and Regional Settings
Choose your preferred language, time format, and keyboard layout.
Important Settings
These settings will be used throughout the installation process and can be changed later in the Control Panel.
Step 3: Choose Installation Type
Select the Windows Server 2022 edition that matches your licensing and requirements.
Server Core
Minimal installation without GUI. Recommended for most server roles.
Server with Desktop Experience
Full installation with graphical interface. Easier to manage but uses more resources.
Step 4: Disk Partitioning
Configure disk partitions for optimal performance and security.
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# Example diskpart commands for manual partitioning
diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
clean
convert gpt
create partition efi size=100
format quick fs=fat32 label="System"
assign letter=s
create partition msr size=16
create partition primary
format quick fs=ntfs label="Windows"
assign letter=c
active
exit
Partitioning Best Practices
• Use GPT partition table for UEFI systems
• Create separate partitions for system and data
• Leave unallocated space for future expansion
Step 5: Installation Progress
The installation process will take approximately 20-45 minutes depending on your hardware.
Installation Phases
1. Copying Windows files
2. Installing features and updates
3. Installing drivers
4. Configuring settings
5. Finalizing installation
5. Initial Configuration
Complete these essential configuration steps immediately after installation.
Administrator Password
Set a strong administrator password that meets complexity requirements.
Password Requirements
• Minimum 8 characters (12+ recommended)
• Include uppercase and lowercase letters
• Include numbers and special characters
• Avoid dictionary words and personal information
Network Configuration
Configure network settings for proper connectivity and security.
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# PowerShell commands for network configuration
# Set static IP address
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -IPAddress 192.168.1.10 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1
# Set DNS servers
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Ethernet" -ServerAddresses 8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4
# Rename computer
Rename-Computer -NewName "SERVER01" -Restart
Windows Updates
Install the latest security updates and patches.
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# Install PSWindowsUpdate module
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate -Force
# Check for available updates
Get-WUList
# Install all available updates
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
6. Post-Installation Setup
Configure server roles, features, and essential services for your environment.
Server Manager Configuration
Use Server Manager to add roles and features to your server.
Common Server Roles
• Active Directory Domain Services
• DNS Server
• DHCP Server
• File and Storage Services
• Web Server (IIS)
Essential Features
• Windows PowerShell
• Remote Server Administration Tools
• Failover Clustering
• Hyper-V
• Windows Backup
Remote Management Setup
Enable remote management for easier administration.
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# Enable Remote Desktop
Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server' -Name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 0
# Enable Remote Management
Enable-PSRemoting -Force
# Configure Windows Firewall for Remote Management
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Windows Remote Management"
Performance Optimization
Configure system settings for optimal server performance.
Power Settings
Set power plan to High Performance
powercfg /setactive 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c
Virtual Memory
Configure page file for optimal performance
wmic computersystem set AutomaticManagedPagefile=False
7. Security Configuration
Implement essential security measures to protect your Windows Server 2022 installation.
Windows Firewall Configuration
Configure Windows Defender Firewall for enhanced security.
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# Enable Windows Firewall for all profiles
Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled True
# Create custom firewall rules
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Allow HTTP" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 80 -Action Allow
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Allow HTTPS" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 443 -Action Allow
# Block unnecessary ports
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block Telnet" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 23 -Action Block
User Account Control (UAC)
Configure UAC settings for appropriate security level.
High Security
Always notify
Recommended
Notify for changes
Lower Security
Never notify
Windows Defender Antivirus
Configure built-in antivirus protection.
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# Enable real-time protection
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $false
# Update virus definitions
Update-MpSignature
# Run quick scan
Start-MpScan -ScanType QuickScan
# Configure exclusions for server applications
Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath "C:\ServerApps"
8. Troubleshooting
Common installation issues and their solutions.
Installation Fails to Start
Possible Causes
• Corrupted installation media
• Incompatible hardware
• BIOS/UEFI configuration issues
• Insufficient system resources
Solutions
• Verify ISO file integrity
• Check hardware compatibility list
• Update BIOS/UEFI firmware
• Ensure minimum requirements are met
Driver Installation Issues
Symptoms
• Network adapter not recognized
• Storage controller errors
• Display resolution problems
• Hardware not functioning properly
Solutions
• Download latest drivers from manufacturer
• Use Windows Update for driver installation
• Install drivers in safe mode if necessary
• Check Device Manager for errors
Activation Problems
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# Check activation status
slmgr /xpr
# Activate Windows with product key
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr /ato
# Reset activation if needed
slmgr /rearm
Activation Support
If activation continues to fail, contact Microsoft Support or your volume licensing administrator for assistance.
Performance Issues
Common Issues
• Slow boot times
• High memory usage
• Disk performance problems
• Network connectivity issues
Optimization Steps
• Disable unnecessary services
• Configure virtual memory properly
• Update all drivers and firmware
• Run disk cleanup and defragmentation
