This comprehensive tutorial will show you how to install Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation with the Desktop Experience (GUI). Whether you’re setting up a virtual machine or deploying on physical hardware, this guide will walk you through the entire installation process, including how to activate Windows Server 2025 and convert it from evaluation to a full version using command-line tools.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A bootable USB with the Windows Server 2025 ISO. If you need help creating one, follow our guide on how to use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive, the steps apply to Windows Server ISOs too.
  You can download the official Windows Server 2025 ISO in your preferred language directly from Microsoft’s Evaluation Center:
  Download Windows Server 2025 ISO from Microsoft

• At least 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 2 GB RAM, and 32 GB disk

• Internet access for product activation (optional)

• A valid product key (if converting to full version)
  If you don’t have one, you can buy a genuine Windows Server 2025 license key from our store for instant delivery.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Boot the System

Start your server or VM from the bootable Windows Server 2025 media.

Step 2: Language and Keyboard Settings

• Select English (United States) or your preferred language and time format during the initial setup screen.

• Set keyboard layout to US.

• Click Next.

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

• Select Install Windows Server

• Check the box confirming files will be deleted

• Click Next

Step 4: Setup Loads

Wait for setup to initialize.

Step 5: Choose Edition

Select:

• Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience)
  Click Next

Step 6: Accept License

• Read and accept the terms.

• Click Accept

Step 7: Select Disk

• Choose unallocated space or create/format partitions.

• Click Next

Step 8: Confirm and Install

• Review settings

• Click Install

Step 9: Installation Progress

• Watch installation reach 100%

• System reboots automatically

Step 10: Set Administrator Password

• Enter a secure password for the built-in Administrator account.

• Click Finish

Step 11: First Login

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and sign in with your password

Step 12: Diagnostics Settings

• Choose whether to send diagnostic data to Microsoft

• Click Accept

Step 13: Server Manager Loads

You are now in the Windows Server 2025 environment.

Convert Evaluation to Full Version

If you have a product key, you can upgrade your evaluation to a full version without reinstalling.

Step 14: Run DISM Command

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, and run: dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /accepteula

Step 15: Activate Windows

Run: slmgr.vbs /ato

Step 16: Confirm Activation

Go to:

• Settings > System > Activation

• It should show: Windows is activated