How to Install Windows Server 2022 Core Edition – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Windows Server 2022 Core Edition is a lightweight, minimal installation option that provides better security and performance. It lacks a graphical user interface (GUI) and is managed primarily via the command line, making it ideal for cloud and enterprise environments where efficiency is crucial.

This guide will walk you through the complete installation process for Windows Server 2022 Core Edition, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of each step.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

• Processor: A 64-bit processor running at 1.4 GHz or faster is required.
• RAM: A minimum of 2 GB is needed, but for better performance, at least 4 GB is recommended.
• Storage: The installation requires at least 32 GB of free disk space. Using an SSD is recommended for faster performance.
• Bootable USB or DVD: You need to create a bootable installation media containing the Windows Server 2022 ISO.
• Valid Windows Server 2022 license key: You need a valid key to activate the server after installation.

Step 1: Download Windows Server 2022 ISO

1. Visit Microsoft’s official website or the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) to download the Windows Server 2022 ISO file. You also can buy the license from Amazon.
2. Once downloaded, use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. Ensure that the USB drive has at least 8 GB of storage capacity.
3. If you are using a DVD, burn the ISO image to the disc using software like ImgBurn or Windows Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: Boot from the Installation Media

1. Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into the target machine.
2. Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a key during startup (commonly F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).
3. In the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot Order section and set the USB/DVD drive as the primary boot device.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your system will now boot from the installation media.

Step 3: Start Installation

1. Once the system boots from the installation media, you will see the Windows Setup screen.
2. Select your language, time format, and keyboard layout. Then, click Next.

1. Click Install Now to proceed with the installation.
2. When prompted, enter your Windows Server 2022 product key, or click I don’t have a product key to activate later.

Step 4: Choose Edition and Installation Type

1. You will be presented with different installation options. Choose Windows Server 2022 Core Edition. Ensure that you do not select Desktop Experience, as it includes the GUI.

1. Click Next to proceed.
2. Read and accept the license terms by checking the box and clicking Next.

Step 5: Select the Installation Type

1. You will be asked whether you want to upgrade an existing installation or perform a fresh installation.
2. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) if you want a fresh installation.
3. A list of available hard drives will appear. If you have multiple drives, select the one where you want to install Windows Server.
4. If the selected drive has previous data, you can choose to format it before proceeding. Be cautious, as formatting will erase all data.

1. Click Next to begin the installation process.

Step 6: Completing the Installation

1. The installation process will begin, and Windows will start copying files. This step may take several minutes, depending on your hardware.
2. Once the installation completes, the system will restart automatically.
3. After rebooting, you will be prompted to create an Administrator password. Choose a strong password that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
4. Press Enter to save the password.
5. Log in by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del, then enter the Administrator password.
6. You will now be in the command-line interface of Windows Server 2022 Core Edition.

Step 7: Initial Server Configuration Using sconfig

Once logged in, you need to perform basic configurations using the sconfig tool.

1. Open the command prompt (it should open automatically upon login).
2. Type sconfig and press Enter. This tool provides a menu for configuring basic settings.
3. Configure the following essential settings:
   • Set Computer Name: Select Option 2, enter a new name for your server, and restart when prompted.
   • Configure Network Settings: Select Option 8 to set a static IP address or configure DHCP.
   • Enable Remote Management: Select Option 4 if you plan to manage the server remotely.
   • Activate Windows: Use Option 11 to enter a valid license key and activate your server.
   • Install Windows Updates: Select Option 6 to download and install important updates.

Step 8: Additional Configurations

For further server configuration, you may need to perform additional steps via PowerShell or the command line.

• Set a static IP address:
  • netsh interface ip set address name="Ethernet" static <IP> <Subnet Mask> <Gateway>
  • Replace <IP>, <Subnet Mask>, and <Gateway> with the appropriate values.
• Join a Domain:
  • netdom join <computername> /domain:<domainname> /userd:<username> /passwordd:<password>
  • Replace <computername>, <domainname>, <username>, and <password> with your actual details.
• Enable Remote Desktop:
  • reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
  • This will allow remote desktop connections to the server.
• Check Firewall Rules:
  • netsh advfirewall show allprofiles state
  • This command will show the status of your firewall settings.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Windows Server 2022 Core Edition and completed the essential configurations. Since Core Edition lacks a GUI, you will need to use PowerShell or remote management tools like Windows Admin Center to manage the server.

For further configurations and role deployments, refer to Microsoft’s official documentation. Your server is now ready to be used in a production environment or for further customization.