Step-by-Step Guide to Install Windows Server on VMware Workstation

For students diving into Windows Server administration, one of the most effective ways to gain practical experience is by setting up the operating system on a virtual machine. In this article, we’ll explore how to install Windows Server using VMware Workstation, allowing you to work with Windows Server without the need for a separate partition on your computer.

Steps to Install Windows Server on VMware Workstation

Follow these steps to successfully set up Windows Server on VMware Workstation.

1] Setting Up VMware Workstation

Begin by installing VMware Workstation on your PC. Navigate to support.broadcom.com. You’ll need to create an account to proceed. Once registered, revisit the link to access the download section. Choose VMware Workstation Pro 17.0 for Personal Use. If you’re using Windows, select that option; otherwise, pick the appropriate version for your operating system.

Opting for the latest version is advisable as it includes all the new features, unlike older versions that may require a product key.

After the download completes, double-click the installer to begin the setup. On first launch, a Welcome window will appear—select the option for Personal Use and hit Continue.

2] Obtaining the Windows Server ISO File

The next step is to download the Windows Server ISO file. Head over to microsoft.com. Click on Evaluate now for Windows Server 2022, then select Download ISO. Register for the free trial when prompted, and click Download now. Choose your preferred language for the ISO file and wait for the download to finish, as this may take some time.

3] Creating the Virtual Machine

With both pieces of software ready, let’s create the virtual machine for Windows Server installation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch VMware Workstation.
2. Select File > New.
3. Choose the Typical setup and click Next.
4. Opt for the Installer disc image file (iso), click Browse, select your ISO file, and attach it. VMware will detect “Easy Install,” optimizing the virtual machine settings to ease your installation process. While this feature may not work with all operating systems, it commonly supports the most popular ones.
5. Click Next.
6. Since you won’t be entering a product key at this moment, skip that step. If you’re not ready to set a password, click Next.
7. Customize your VM’s name and location, then proceed by clicking Next.
8. Allocate system resources like storage and memory, then finalize the virtual machine settings.

This action will create and initiate your virtual machine.

4] Proceeding with the Windows Server Installation

Once the virtual machine starts, it will automatically begin the installation process. However, you may encounter an error message stating:

Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms. Make sure the installation sources are valid and restart the installation.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to remove the Floppy drive reference. The virtual machine mistakenly believes there’s a product key present.

To resolve this, follow these steps:

1. Dismiss the error message by clicking on the Cross icon.
2. Right-click the tab of your virtual machine and choose Power > Power off.
3. With the machine powered down, right-click on it again and select Settings.
4. Navigate to Floppy > Remove.
5. Finally, click OK.

After completing these steps, restart your virtual machine and press any key when prompted.

Choose your desired language and region, hit Next, then select Install Now.

Upon reaching the Server version selection screen, choose Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Evaluation (Desktop Experience) > Next. Avoid skipping this option to prevent installing Server Core, which lacks a graphical interface. Accept the license agreement, click Next, choose the Custom installation option, and select “Drive 0” before pressing “Next” . Wait for the installation to finish, after which the VM will reboot. You might need to enter an administrator password, then use Ctrl + Alt + Insert to log in, or select Send Ctrl+Alt+Del from the VMware menu.

Upon completion, you will be set to use Windows Server via your VMware virtual machine.

Installing Windows Server on VMware ESXi

To install Windows Server on VMware ESXi, start by obtaining the Windows Server ISO file from earlier. Then, follow these steps:

1. Launch VMware ESXi, navigate to Virtual Machines, and click Create VM / Register VM.
2. Select Create a New Virtual Machine, providing the name and details.
3. Choose a storage disk and click Next.
4. Set your CPU configuration and enable Hardware Virtualization & Performance Counters if necessary.
5. Set CD/DVD Drive 1 to Datastore ISO File.
6. Select the downloaded ISO file.

Finally, just follow the on-screen prompts to finish the setup process.

Is It Possible to Install Windows Server on VMware Workstation?

Absolutely, you can install Windows Server on VMware Workstation. One common issue users face is that VMware, by default, assumes that the Floppy drive contains an activation file, leading to an error. This problem is addressed earlier in this guide, detailing how to resolve it.

How to Create a Windows Server Virtual Machine in VMware?

To set up a Windows Server virtual machine in VMware, begin by installing VMware Workstation and obtaining the Windows Server ISO file. Follow the instructions provided in this guide to create your virtual machine and install the operating system successfully.

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