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:
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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
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Internet access for product activation (optional)
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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
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Select English (United States) or your preferred language and time format during the initial setup screen.
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Set keyboard layout to US.
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Click Next.


Step 3: Choose Installation Type
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Select Install Windows Server
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Check the box confirming files will be deleted
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Click Next

Step 4: Setup Loads
Wait for setup to initialize.

Step 5: Choose Edition
Select:
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Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience)
Click Next

Step 6: Accept License
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Read and accept the terms.
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Click Accept

Step 7: Select Disk
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Choose unallocated space or create/format partitions.
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Click Next

Step 8: Confirm and Install
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Review settings
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Click Install

Step 9: Installation Progress
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Watch installation reach 100%
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System reboots automatically




Step 10: Set Administrator Password
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Enter a secure password for the built-in Administrator account.
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Click Finish

Step 11: First Login
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Press
Ctrl + Alt + Delete
and sign in with your password

Step 12: Diagnostics Settings
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Choose whether to send diagnostic data to Microsoft
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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:
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Settings > System > Activation
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It should show: Windows is activated
