How to Install Windows Server 2025 Standard (Desktop Experience) [Step-by-Step Guide]

How to Install Windows Server 2025 Standard (Step By Step Guide)

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:

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.

windows server 2025 language selection
windows server 2025 language selection
windows server 2025 keyboard layout
windows server 2025 keyboard layout

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

  • Select Install Windows Server

  • Check the box confirming files will be deleted

  • Click Next

install windows server 2025 setup option
install windows server 2025 setup option

Step 4: Setup Loads

Wait for setup to initialize.

windows server 2025 getting ready
windows server 2025 getting ready

Step 5: Choose Edition

Select:

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

select windows server 2025 edition
select windows server 2025 edition

Step 6: Accept License

  • Read and accept the terms.

  • Click Accept

accept license terms windows server 2025
accept license terms windows server 2025

Step 7: Select Disk

  • Choose unallocated space or create/format partitions.

  • Click Next

select installation disk windows server 2025
select installation disk windows server 2025

Step 8: Confirm and Install

  • Review settings

  • Click Install

ready to install windows server 2025
ready to install windows server 2025

Step 9: Installation Progress

  • Watch installation reach 100%

  • System reboots automatically

windows server 2025 installation progress 1 percent
windows server 2025 installation progress 1 percent
windows server 2025 installation progress 74 percent
windows server 2025 installation progress 74 percent
windows server 2025 installing after restart
windows server 2025 installing after restart
windows server 2025 boot screen logo
windows server 2025 boot screen logo

Step 10: Set Administrator Password

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

  • Click Finish

set admin password windows server 2025
set admin password windows server 2025

Step 11: First Login

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

windows server 2025 login screen
windows server 2025 login screen

Step 12: Diagnostics Settings

  • Choose whether to send diagnostic data to Microsoft

  • Click Accept

windows server 2025 diagnostic settings
windows server 2025 diagnostic settings

Step 13: Server Manager Loads

You are now in the Windows Server 2025 environment.

server manager dashboard windows server 2025
server manager dashboard windows server 2025

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

convert evaluation to full windows server 2025
convert evaluation to full windows server 2025

Step 15: Activate Windows

Run: slmgr.vbs /ato

activate windows server 2025 command
activate windows server 2025 command

Step 16: Confirm Activation

Go to:

  • Settings > System > Activation

  • It should show: Windows is activated

windows server 2025 activated settings
windows server 2025 activated settings

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