Assign a meaningful, standardized naming convention to the server instead of using the randomized default string.
Production servers must maintain a predictable identity on your network. Assign static IPv4/IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and local DNS pointers.
Which server role do you intend to deploy on this instance (e.g., , File and Storage Services , or IIS Web Server )?
Choose carefully between Standard or Datacenter, and decide between Server Core or Desktop Experience. Click Next .
Will this server be deployed on ?
Install Windows Server from installation media | Microsoft Learn
: The system will copy files and restart. Once finished, you will be prompted to set a password for the Administrator 3. Post-Installation Windows Server 2016 | Eval Center - Microsoft
To test or deploy Windows Server 2016, users typically begin with the Evaluation ISO , which provides a fully functional operating system for a 180-day trial period Availability : Evaluation versions are accessible via the Microsoft Evaluation Center
Rufus is a free, lightweight tool for creating bootable USB drives: microsoft windows server 2016 iso
Installs the full Windows graphical user interface. This option is ideal for administrators who rely on local GUI tools or run applications that require desktop components. How to Download the Windows Server 2016 ISO Safely
An Ethernet adapter capable of at least gigabit throughput (1000 Base-T). How to Create a Bootable Windows Server 2016 USB
For virtualized environments with stringent security requirements, shielded VMs protect Hyper‑V virtual machines from compromised fabric administrators. The VM data is encrypted, and only authorized users and hosts can run it.
The delivers enterprise‑class features for physical or minimally virtualized environments. It includes licenses for up to two virtual machines or Hyper‑V containers. Assign a meaningful, standardized naming convention to the
A lightweight version tailored for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It features a simplified interface and does not require Client Access Licenses (CALs). Installation Options: Desktop Experience vs. Server Core
Built for highly virtualized datacenters and cloud environments. It offers unlimited virtualization rights (unlimited VMs on the licensed hardware) and includes advanced software-defined storage (Storage Spaces Direct) and networking features.
The Windows Server 2016 ISO remains an important tool for specific use cases—legacy application support, transitional deployments, and development environments. However, with its end of extended support approaching on , prudent IT leaders are planning their migration strategies now.
Select the hard drive or unallocated space where you want to deploy the OS. If your server uses a hardware RAID controller, you may need to click Load Driver and provide the storage controller drivers via a separate USB drive. Which server role do you intend to deploy
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) for a clean setup. Do not select "Upgrade" unless you are performing an in-place upgrade on an existing OS.
If you are installing the operating system on bare-metal hardware rather than a virtual machine, you will need to flash the ISO to a USB drive (minimum 8 GB capacity).