Windows Server – Installation & Activation

This guide walks you through each step to successfully install and activate Windows Server, covering all versions.

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

• Compatible hardware that meets Windows Server requirements
• Stable internet connection
• Administrator access
• Sufficient free disk space
• Valid Windows Server license or evaluation version

Step 1: Download the Installer (Windows Server)

Go to the official Microsoft Windows Server download page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server

• Sign in with your Microsoft account if required
• Select the version you want to download (e.g., 2019, 2022)
• Choose the edition (Standard, Datacenter, or Evaluation)
• Click Download and save the installer to your computer

Step 2: Activate Windows Server

• After installation, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation
• Click Change product key and enter your 25-character Windows Server key
• Click Next to start activation
• Windows Server will activate automatically if your PC is connected to the internet

Step 3: Activate via Command Prompt (If Needed)

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator
• Enter the following command to install your product key:

slmgr /ipk YOUR-PRODUCT-KEY

• Then, activate Windows Server with:

slmgr /ato

• You should see a confirmation message if activation is successful
• This method is useful if online activation through Settings doesn’t work