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
Downloading Windows Server 2016 Standard
You must first acquire a valid copy of Windows Server 2016 Standard to begin. To download it, go through the following steps:
- You can sign in using your Microsoft account or establish one if you don’t already have one by going to the official Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) website (https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter)
- Locate Windows Server 2016 Standard from the available products list in the “Downloads and Keys” section.
- Select the “Download” button next to the relevant version (such as 64-bit) as required.
- When downloading the ISO file to your local computer, select the desired language.
Installing Windows Server 2016 Standard
- If you prefer to install from a DVD, insert a blank DVD into the DVD drive of your computer. Alternatively, you can make a bootable USB using a USB flash drive that has a minimum storage capacity of 8 GB.
- Restart the server after inserting the bootable DVD or USB into the appropriate drive.
- To start the installation procedure, follow the on-screen directions. The language, time, currency format, and keyboard input will all need to be selected.
- Then, when asked, click “Install Now” and enter the product key. You ought to have been given the product key when you bought the Windows Server 2016 Standard license.
- Select the installation type after accepting the license conditions. When performing a fresh installation, choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
- Choose the drive or partition on which Windows Server 2016 Standard should be installed. If the drive has to be formatted, you can do that now.
- Now follows the installation process. During installation, the server will automatically restart.
- You must create the Administrator account’s password when the installation is finished.
Activating Windows Server 2016 Standard
- Using the Administrator account to log into Windows Server 2016
- From the start menu or taskbar, access the “Server Manager” program.
- Click “Local Server” in the “Server Manager” window’s left-hand menu.
- You may view the activation status in the “Properties” section. The “Change Product Key” link should be clicked.
- After entering the 25-character product key you received during the download, click “Next.”
- To finish the activation process, follow the on-screen directions. You ought to see a confirmation message if everything went okay.
- To guarantee that all modifications take effect, restart the server.
