Installing Windows Server - it's quick and easy!

Windows Server installation – the preparation

Before you can install the Windows Server, you must ensure that the most important system requirements are met. In addition, the device drivers should be updated so that the installation of, for example, Windows Server 2022 is possible without complications. These two steps serve as preparation for installing the Windows Server and should be followed regardless of the respective Windows Server versions.

System requirements

The system requirements for the new Windows Server are primarily directed at the hardware components. They include the following points:

  • 64-bit processor with 1.4 GHz.
  • Compatible with x64 instruction set.
  • 512 MB or 2 GB, respectively, should the installation option „desktop display“ be selected.
  • ECC (Error Correcting Code) type or equivalent for physical host provisioning.
  • Support for NX and DEP.
  • CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF and PrefetchW supported.
  • Second Level Address Translation (EPT or NPT) support.

Important: Regardless of the system requirements, the necessary Windows Server CALs should be available. Only then can the new version of Win Server be used as desired.

Update device drivers

If all system requirements are met, it makes sense to update the device drivers. By installing the latest drivers, you can ensure that they work properly with the current server.

Windows Server – Installation and Configuration

The installation of the new Windows Server works in the familiar way: It is delivered with the Windows Installer and can then be installed in two ways. Those who are familiar with the command line can use it for the installation, otherwise a GUI is available. After successful installation, the user finds himself on the desktop, which directly integrates the Microsoft Edge browser. The desired configurations can be made via the Server Manager, whereby the developers have hardly changed the interface. The Windows Admin Center, on the other hand, has been updated and looks more modern and appealing. All in all, both the installation and the configuration work as in previous years. This means that it remains easy to use for most administrators.

More security with Windows Server 2022

While there are some functional innovations in the new Windows Server version – the focus is on the significantly increased security level.

  • The multi-layered Secured Core security features provide increased protection against modern cyber-attack threats. These functionalities extend across the operating system, firmware and hardware: a plus point that quickly makes itself felt in the company.
  • Preventive defence mechanisms help companies protect their sensitive information. In doing so, they detect advanced malware at an early stage and ward it off, which could otherwise manipulate the system.
  • Advanced Threat Protection helps detect and stop data leaks, network attacks and zero-day vulnerabilities.
  • Windows Defender Exploit Guard prevents intrusion attempts that target the host.
  • Virtualisation-based security prevents attackers from introducing malware should they wish to exploit a vulnerability in the operating system.
  • End-to-end encryption ensures that data is secure on untrusted networks

What to do after the Windows Server installation

To ensure that the new server functions properly, the most important points should be observed after the installation. This includes, for example, installing the latest updates provided by Microsoft’s update server. The group policies must also be set and the range of functions adjusted as desired. In addition, the following steps are important.

  1. Load and optimise workload templates: Those who decide to use templates should optimise them afterwards. Since they are designed to be used in a wide variety of companies, they will certainly differ from the actual requirements of the company.
  2. Set settings for virtualisation in the BIOS: These settings should always be checked separately. Especially if the server is to run Hyper-V, the most important adjustments must be made.
  3. Update drivers: Missing drivers for different devices may need to be installed. On the other hand, those that are not up to date must be updated in order to work best with the current server.
  4. Update firmware: In addition to the drivers, the firmware version must also be updated.
  5. Check product key and activation: The product key is not always activated automatically during installation. Therefore, it is important to check whether the activation was successful. If this is not the case, it must be stored again in order to be able to use the full range of functions.

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