window server 2022 installation guideline on virtual machine

Below are clear, step‑by‑step guidelines to install Windows Server 2022 in a VirtualBox virtual machine, based on the general Windows Server installation process.

1. Prepare installation media (ISO)

• Obtain the Windows Server 2022 ISO from an official channel (for example: OEM, Retail, Visual Studio subscription, or Volume Licensing Service Center), as required in the prerequisites.
• Save the ISO file on the host machine where VirtualBox is installed.

2. Create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox
3. Open VirtualBox and select New.
4. Enter a name (for example, WS2022), choose Type: Microsoft Windows, and Version: Windows 2022 (64-bit) (or the closest Windows Server 64‑bit option available).
5. Assign memory (RAM) that meets or exceeds the minimum hardware requirements for Windows Server. See Hardware requirements for Windows Server from the prerequisites.
6. Create a virtual hard disk:
   • Choose Create a virtual hard disk now.
   • Size: allocate at least the minimum disk size recommended for Windows Server.
   • Complete the wizard.
7. Attach the Windows Server 2022 ISO to the VM
8. Select the new VM in VirtualBox and open Settings.
9. Go to Storage.
10. Under Controller: IDE or SATA, add an optical drive and choose Choose a disk file….
11. Browse to and select the Windows Server 2022 ISO.
12. Ensure the virtual optical drive is set as a boot device (VirtualBox normally does this automatically; if needed, adjust the boot order under System → Motherboard so the optical drive is before the hard disk).
13. Start the VM and boot from the ISO
14. Start the VM.
15. When prompted to boot from the virtual DVD, press a key if required.
16. The Microsoft Server Operating System Setup screen appears.
17. Install Windows Server 2022 (Desktop Experience or Server Core) The steps inside the VM are the same as on physical hardware.

For Desktop Experience:

1. Under Microsoft Server Operating System Setup, select language, time and currency format, and keyboard, then select Next.
2. Select Install now.
3. Under Activate Microsoft Server Operating System Setup, enter the product key, then select Next.
4. Under Select the operating system you want to install, choose the appropriate Windows Server 2022 edition (Desktop Experience) that matches the license, then select Next.
5. Accept the license terms and select Next.
6. When asked Which type of installation do you want?, select Custom: Install Microsoft Server Operating System only (advanced).
7. Under Where do you want to install Windows?, select the virtual hard disk (it should appear as an empty drive) and select Next.
8. Setup will copy files and reboot the VM several times.
9. After the final reboot, under Customize settings, set a complex password for the Administrator account and select Finish.

For Server Core (if preferred):

1. Follow steps 1–7 above, but choose a Server Core edition at the Select the operating system you want to install step.
2. After installation and reboot, you are prompted to change the Administrator password:
   • Press Enter.
   • Type a complex password, press Tab.
   • Confirm the password, press Enter.
   • Press Enter again when notified that the password was changed.
3. Use the Server Configuration tool (SConfig) to perform basic configuration as needed. See Administer a Server Core server and Configure a Server Core installation of Windows Server and Azure Local with the Server Configuration tool (SConfig).
4. Post‑installation notes for a VM

• Install any VirtualBox Guest Additions if needed for better integration (mouse, display, clipboard). This is done from the VirtualBox Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD image… menu inside the running VM.
• Ensure the VM has sufficient virtual CPUs, RAM, and disk space according to the Hardware requirements for Windows Server.

These steps provide an end‑to‑end path: create a VM, attach the Windows Server 2022 ISO, and run the standard Windows Server setup inside VirtualBox.

References:

• Install Windows Server from installation media (windows-server-2022)
• Create a bootable USB flash drive
• Configure BIOS settings
• Prerequisites
• Install Hyper-V (windows-server)

Hi Adolf Daud,

I just wanted to do a quick follow-up to see if you were able to successfully set up your Windows Server 2022 VM. Were you able to bypass the product key prompt and access the 180-day evaluation mode without any issues? If you run into any other roadblocks during your VirtualBox setup or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to drop a comment. I'm always happy to help!

Tracy.

Hi Adolf Daud,

To put it simply: you don't need one right now. Since you are setting this up in VirtualBox (likely for testing, learning, or a lab environment), you can bypass that prompt entirely.

When the setup wizard asks you to enter the product key, just look at the bottom of that window and click the "I don't have a product key" link.

This will allow you to skip the screen and proceed with the installation. Windows Server will install in a 180-day Evaluation mode, which gives you full access to all features for testing. If you ever decide to use it permanently later, you can simply enter a purchased key within the Windows Settings.

I hope this helps you get your VM running! If this answers your question, please click "Accept Answer".

Tracy.