Installing Windows Server on a Virtual Server¶
Introduction
This guide was written using Windows Server 2025
The instructions can be applied to other versions of Windows Server. However, there may be minor differences, such as in the names of the buttons
1. VM Specifications (Bare Minimum)¶
Important Note
Please consider which resources you need for your project
This is particularly important when using the desktop interface
| Property | Absolute Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| vCPU (Cores) | 1 (min. 1.4 GHz 64-bit) | 4 |
| Memory (RAM) | 2048 MB (2 GB) * | 4 (without desktop) - 8 (with desktop) |
| Hard Drive (Disk) | 32 GB | 64 |
| Network Card | 1x | 1x |
Information
Important note regarding minimum requirements: > Microsoft specifies 512 MB RAM as the absolute minimum – however, this applies only to the "Server Core" installation without a GUI.
As soon as the "Desktop" option is selected during installation, 2 GB RAM is mandatory. The 32 GB of storage space is also the absolute minimum required for a successful Windows installation.
2. Preparations (Mounting ISOs)¶
The first step is to shut down the server. We switch to the tab labeled "New Installation" and proceed as follows:
- ISO File 1: Windows Server 2025
- ISO File 2: VirtIO Driver ISO
Confirm the selection by clicking the "Insert ISO" button and restarting the system
We adjust the boot order as follows:
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | DVD - Windows Server |
| 2 | DVD - VirtIO Driver |
| 3 | Disk 1 |
| 4 | Network Device |
3. Installation Process¶
3.1 Setup and Driver Installation¶
- Restart the VM, open the VNC console, and boot into Windows Setup
- Confirm language, time, and keyboard layout
- Select the setup option and agree to the loss of all data on the server
- Select edition: Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation (Desktop View) (Selection for this guide)
- Agree to the license terms
- The drive will not be recognized initially
- Click Load Driver -> Browse
- Select the VirtIO driver, navigate to the
amd64\2k25folder, and confirm with OK - Select the driver
Red Hat VirtIO SCSI pass-through controllerand install it - Delete all visible partitions until only one remains
- Select this partition "Disk 0 Unallocated Space," create a new partition, and confirm the specified size.
- Select the largest partition now visible and start the installation
The server will reboot during installation; wait until this is complete and do not re-enter the Windows ISO installation mode
3.2 Initial Setup¶
- Set administrator password
- Log in and configure basic settings
- Wait for Server Manager
4. Post-Installation & Basic Configuration¶
4.1 VirtIO Drivers & QEMU Guest Agent¶
Since the network card also uses VirtIO, the network is initially missing
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the VirtIO drive
- Run the
virtio-win-gt-x64folder and follow the installation wizard - Run the
virtio-win-guest-toolsfolder and follow the installation wizard
4.2 System Configuration¶
- Adjust hostname: You can change the computer name via Server Manager ->
Local Server(e.g.,WIN-SRV-2025) - Configure network:
- Access the network information in CCP: CCP -> VM -> Network (in How2 it is
net0) - Windows: Server Manager -> Local Server -> click on the blue text next to "Ethernet"
- Right-click on Ethernet -> Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> click Properties again below the list
- Switch to manual IP settings
- IP: Use the IP from the CCP.
- Subnet mask is
255.255.255.255(for single IP addresses) - Gateway is
37.114.36.0 - Please choose your DNS servers wisely. You can find preferred DNS servers that continue to function during a DDoS attack in the DDoS Description.
- Then repeat these steps once for Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6).
- Remote Desktop (RDP): Server Manager -> Local Server -> Remote Desktop -> Set from Disabled to Enabled (click on the blue text)
- Windows Updates: Run a full check for updates and install them
- Restart: Restart the system once after the updates until no more updates are available
5. Conclusion¶
- Remove the VirtIO and Windows ISO from the VM’s virtual CD drives (unmount)
- (Optional) Create the first full backup / snapshot of the clean base installation