How to download, install, and activate Windows Server 2016 Standard

Windows Server 2016 Standard is a strong operating system designed for business needs, with greater security, improved performance, and an abundance of capabilities. This step-by-step guide will show you through the process of downloading, installing, and activating Windows Server 2016 Standard, whether you are setting up a new server or updating an existing one. 

System Requirements

Before you start the installation, make sure your server corresponds to the following minimum system requirements for Windows Server 2016 Standard:

• RAM: 512 MB (2 GB for the Server with Desktop Experience installation option)  
• Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
• Hard drive space: 32 GB or greater
• Optical drive (if installed from a DVD) Network adapter
• An Ethernet adapter with at least gigabit throughput

Please follow these steps to download, install and activate Windows Server 2016 Standard successfully:

1. Download your Windows Server version from Microsoft’s website:

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkID=2195174&clcid=0x409&culture=en-us&country=US 

2. Choose “Windows Server 2016” and download the image file 

3. Copy the required files to a DVD or an USB flash drive and perform the installation 

4. To activate Windows Server, run the CMD as admin and perform the following command:

Dism /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /AcceptEula /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX- XXXXX-XXXXX 

(Instead of the X, please enter the product key)