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How to install windows server 2022 on VirtualBox

Published: October 30, 2023 (Updated: Oct 30, 2023)
#Windows Server 2022 #VirtualBox #Virtualization

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Mastering Your Lab: How to Install Windows Server 2022 on VirtualBox (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hi there, this is Darren O’Neil from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and I’m excited to walk you through a foundational skill for any aspiring IT pro or home lab enthusiast: installing Windows Server 2022 on Oracle VirtualBox.

VirtualBox provides the perfect sandbox environment to test server configurations without needing dedicated hardware. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully functional evaluation version of Windows Server 2022 ready for your projects!

Let’s dive right in and get this server installed.

Step 1: Downloading the Windows Server 2022 Evaluation ISO

Before we can set up the Virtual Machine (VM), we need the installation file. Microsoft offers a free evaluation version of Windows Server 2022, which is perfect for learning and building a temporary lab.

  1. Search and Navigate: Start by searching Google for “Windows Server 2022 download.”
  2. Select the Evaluation Center: You will want to click the link that takes you to the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
  3. Download the ISO: Click to download the ISO file. This is a substantial file—around 10 GB—so be prepared to wait a few minutes for the download to complete.

Direct Download Link: You can find the ISO directly here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-server-2022

Once the download is finished, we can jump over to VirtualBox.

Step 2: Setting Up the Virtual Machine (VM) in VirtualBox

With the ISO in hand, it’s time to create the container for our new server operating system.

  1. Start a New Machine: Open Oracle VirtualBox and click Machine > New Machine.
  2. Name and Location:
    • Name: Give your VM a descriptive name, like Windows Server 2022 Demo.
    • ISO Image: Click the dropdown and navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded file (it’s likely called Server_Eval something).
  3. Crucial Setup Step: Be sure to check the box labeled Skip Unattended Installation. This allows you to control the installation process step-by-step, which is essential for troubleshooting and learning. Click Next.
  4. Allocate Resources: We need to give our VM enough power to run the server efficiently.
    • Base Memory (RAM): Allocate at least 2 GB (2048 MB) of RAM.
    • Processors (CPUs): Give it an extra boost by assigning at least 2 CPUs for optimal performance. Click Next.
  5. Hard Disk: Leave the default settings to create a new virtual hard disk. The default size (usually around 50 GB) is sufficient for an evaluation environment. Click Next, and then Finish.

Your VM is now created!

Step 3: Running the Windows Server 2022 Installation

Now we boot up the new VM and complete the installation process, which involves making a few key choices.

  1. Start the VM: In VirtualBox, select your new Windows Server 2022 Demo VM and click Start.
  2. Initial Setup Screen: The VM will boot from the ISO.
    • Leave the default language, time, and currency format settings (typically English) and click Next.
    • Click Install now.
  3. The Most Important Selection: When prompted to select the operating system, you have a crucial choice. To get the familiar graphical user interface (GUI) and desktop environment, you must choose:
    • Windows Server 2022 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience)
    • Note: If you skip the “Desktop Experience,” you will only have the PowerShell command-line interface.
  4. License Terms: Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms and click Next.
  5. Installation Type: Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
  6. Drive Allocation: Select the unallocated drive space (the 50 GB drive we created earlier) and click Next.

The installation process will now begin, copying files and installing features. This usually takes some time, so be patient!

Step 4: Finalizing the Server Setup

Once the file installation is complete, the VM will reboot and prompt you for the final configuration steps.

  1. Create Administrator Password: You will be prompted to create a password for the built-in Administrator account. Choose a strong password, confirm it, and click Finish.
  2. Log In: The server will reach the login screen.
    • In a physical environment, you would press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. In VirtualBox, the default key to release your mouse from the VM window is the Right Control key.
    • To send the Ctrl+Alt+Delete command, go to the VirtualBox menu bar: Input > Keyboard > Insert Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
  3. Welcome to Your Server: Enter the password you just created.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows Server 2022 in VirtualBox and now have a powerful platform to start learning server administration, networking, Active Directory, and more.

Ready to Start Building Your Server Skills?

That was a quick and efficient way to download and install a powerful server environment right on your desktop using VirtualBox. Whether you are studying for a certification or just setting up a robust home lab, Windows Server 2022 is ready for you!

If this tutorial helped you get your lab up and running, please do me a favor: Like this post, subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more step-by-step guides, and consider checking out my Patreon linked below. Your support keeps these tutorials coming!

Thanks for watching, and happy serving!