На этот раз для создания загрузочной USB флешки с Windows Server 2016 мы будем использовать небольшое приложение под названием Rufus.
Прежде всего, загрузите последнюю версию приложения с официального сайта Rufus и сохраните его на свой компьютер. Это небольшое приложение, состоящее из одного файла, которое не требует установки. Его просто нужно запустить!
Вам понадобится готовый ISO файл с дистрибутивом Windows, который мы запишем на USB флешку или диск. Для примера будем использовать ISO образ Windows Server 2016, который был загружен с официального сайта Microsoft.
В главном окне Rufus выберите USB диск, который вы будете использовать. В нашем случае это будет диск D. Помните, что перед тем как будет создана загрузочная флешка, Rufus очистит ее и удалит с неё все данные!
Остальные параметры можно не заполнять потому, что после выбора файла ISO Rufus заполнит их автоматически.
Далее выбираем файл ISO-образа Windows Server 2016, который был загружен ранее. Для этого нажмите кнопку, показанную на рисунке ниже:
Перейдите в каталог, в котором находится ваш ISO образ, выберите его и нажмите кнопку «Open»:
Как видите «Create a bootable disk using» изменился с «FreeDos» на «ISO Image», все предыдущие параметры были выбраны и заполнены автоматически, и появились две новые опции:
- Standard Windows installation
- Windows To Go
Мы будем использовать первый вариант: «Standard Windows installation». Второй вариант используется для создания загрузочной флешки Windows To Go, с которой вы можете загружать Windows на любом компьютере.
Пример того, как должно выглядеть окно Rufus показано ниже.
Если вы хотите посмотреть, что происходит, просто нажмите кнопку «Log», и на экране появится новое окно, пример которого показан ниже. Для того, чтобы начать процесс создания загрузочной флешки нажмите на кнопку «Start».
Table of Contents
- Part #1: Download Server 2022 ISO File
- Part #2-1: Burn Server 2022 ISO to USB and Make Bootable USB Using Rufus
- Part #2-2: Burn Server 2022 ISO to USB Using DiskPart Command
- Part #3: Install Server 2022 from USB
Part 1: Download Microsoft Server 2022 ISO
Download the Server 2022 ISO (64-bit) from the official Microsoft site:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-server-2022
(64-bit version available, with multiple languages supported.)
Question: Is there a Hyper-V Server 2022 ISO available for download?
Microsoft has announced that Hyper-V Server 2019 will be the last edition of Hyper-V Server, which will be discontinued in 2029. Therefore, there is no Hyper-V Server 2022 ISO available from Microsoft.
Option: Server 2022 Azure Stack HCI is recommended by Microsoft as the successor to Hyper-V Server 2019, but it requires a $10 monthly subscription fee.
To download the SQL Server 2022 ISO, visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-sql-server-2022
To download the Dell Server 2022 ISO:
https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/microsoft-windows-server-2022/win2022_ig_pub/introduction
Part 2: Burn ISO File to Bootable USB Using Rufus
The following video demonstrates how to burn the Windows Server 2022 ISO file to a bootable USB using Rufus, a professional bootable USB creator:
To burn the Windows Server 2022 ISO file to a bootable USB using Rufus, follow these simple steps:
- Download Rufus: Visit the Rufus website (https://rufus.ie/) and download the latest version of Rufus compatible with your operating system.
- Obtain the Windows Server 2022 ISO file: Ensure you have the ISO file for Windows Server 2022. You can download it from the Microsoft website or obtain it from a trusted source.
- Connect the USB Drive: Plug in your USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. Make sure the USB drive does not contain important data, as it will be formatted during the process.
- Run Rufus: Launch Rufus by double-clicking the downloaded executable file.
- Select the USB Drive: In Rufus, under the «Device» section, select the USB drive you connected from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the Partition Scheme and Target System Type: Under the «Partition Scheme» section, select «MBR» if your computer uses BIOS, or «GPT» if it uses UEFI. For the «Target System» option, select either «BIOS (or UEFI-CSM)» or «UEFI,» depending on your computer’s firmware.
- Select the Windows Server 2022 ISO: Click the «Select» button next to the «Boot Selection» field, then navigate to the location where you saved the Windows Server 2022 ISO file. Select the ISO file and click «Open.»
- Configure Rufus Settings: Leave the other settings in Rufus as default unless you have specific requirements. You may want to change the «Volume Label» field to give your bootable USB a name.
- Start the Process: Once you’ve verified the settings, click the «Start» button to begin. Rufus will display a warning about data loss on the USB drive. Ensure you’ve backed up any important data on the USB drive before proceeding. Click «OK» to continue.
- Wait for the Process to Complete: Rufus will format the USB drive, copy the Windows Server 2022 ISO contents, and make it bootable. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
- Eject the USB Drive: Once Rufus completes the process, you will see a «READY» message. Safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Now, you have successfully burned the Windows Server 2022 ISO file onto a bootable USB drive using Rufus. You can use this USB drive to install or boot Windows Server 2022 on a compatible computer.
Part 2-2: Burn Server 2022 to USB Using DiskPart Command (Optional)
Preparations: A USB drive larger than 8GB and the ISO file already downloaded.
Note: Please back up any important data from the USB drive before proceeding, as the process will erase all data on it.
Step 1: Type «cmd» in the search bar, or press Win+X or right-click the Start icon on your computer. Then, select «Run as Administrator» to open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.
Step 2: Type «diskpart» and press Enter, then use the following commands:
• list disk
• select disk x (“x” is the number of the USB drive)
• clean
• create partition primary
• format fs=ntfs quick
• active
• exit
After exiting DiskPart, do not close the Command Prompt window. Next, locate the Windows Server setup ISO file on your computer and double-click it to mount the ISO.
Type the following commands (or copy and paste them) into the Command Prompt, ensuring that you use the correct drive letters, and hit «Enter»:
• xcopy D:\*.* E: /s/e/f (D: is the ISO image drive, and E: is the USB drive letter)
• D:\Boot\Bootsect /NT60 E: /force /mbr
- ★Note:
- You may receive a message such as «File creation error — the parameter is incorrect» or «The install.wim is too large.» This happens due to the FAT32 file system’s limitations. To solve this, you can split the WIM file into smaller files using the following command:
dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:h:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:r:\sources\install.swm /FileSize:4096.
Part 3: Install Server 2022 from USB
This video demonstrates how to install Windows Server 2022 from a USB drive.
To install Windows Server 2022 from a USB drive, follow these steps:
- Insert the bootable USB: Connect the USB drive containing the Windows Server 2022 installation files to a USB port on the target server.
- Start the server: Power on or restart the server and access its BIOS or UEFI settings. The key to access BIOS/UEFI may vary depending on the manufacturer (common keys include F2, F10, Delete, or Esc). Check the server’s documentation or look for on-screen prompts during boot to find the correct key.
- Configure the boot order: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the «Boot» or «Boot Order» section. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device, or prioritize it above other devices. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
- Start the Windows Server installation: The server will now boot from the USB drive and begin the installation process. Wait for the Windows Setup screen to appear.
- Select language, time, and keyboard options: Choose your preferred language, time format, and keyboard layout. Click «Next» to proceed.
- Click «Install Now»: On the next screen, click the «Install Now» button to begin the installation process.
- Enter the product key: If prompted, enter your Windows Server 2022 product key. Click «Next» to continue. If you don’t have a product key, you can still proceed with a trial version by skipping this step.
- Accept the license terms: Read and accept the license terms by checking the box. Click «Next» to proceed.
- Choose the installation type: Select the type of installation: «Upgrade» (if upgrading from a previous version) or «Custom» (for a clean installation). Choose «Custom» for a fresh installation.
- Select the installation location: If you chose «Custom,» you’ll need to select the disk and partition where Windows Server 2022 will be installed. Select the desired disk/partition and click «Next.» You can create, format, or delete partitions if needed.
- Wait for the installation: Windows Server 2022 will now be installed onto the selected disk/partition. The process may take some time, so be patient.
- Set up the initial configuration: After installation, the server will restart. Follow the on-screen prompts to configure the region, administrator password, and network settings.
- Complete the setup: Once the initial configuration is complete, Windows Server 2022 will start, and you’ll be logged into the desktop. Proceed with any additional configuration or customization as needed.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows Server 2022 from a USB drive. You can now begin using and configuring the server according to your requirements.
Resource: How to create a Windows bootable USB for UEFI-based systems
How to create a Windows bootable USB for UEFI-based systems
Possible Error and Fixes:
Error: «Windows cannot be installed to this disk 0 partition 1»
1. Press and hold Shift+F10 to open the Command Prompt window.
2. Type diskpart and press Enter to execute.
3. Enter DISKPART command mode, then type list disk to display the current disk information.
4. To format disk 0, type select disk 0, press Enter, then type clean to delete the disk partition.
5. To convert the disk, type convert mbr to convert to MBR, or convert gpt to convert to GPT.
6. Finally, type exit to close the Command Prompt and return to the installation screen to continue with the installation.
7. Click New Disk to install the driver.
Also read: How to install Server 2022
How to Resize or Move Partitions on Server 2022
- How to delete the recovery partition on Server 2022?
- How to move a partition without losing data on Server 2022?
- How to resize a partition without losing data on Server 2022?
You can use the following tool to safely manage your disk, including resizing partitions, moving the recovery partition, deleting partitions, and more—without losing data.
Here’s a video that shows how to move partitions safely:
In the ever-evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, setting up reliable and efficient servers is paramount. Whether you’re deploying new hardware or managing virtual environments, having a streamlined installation process can save time and reduce potential headaches. One of the most effective methods for installing Windows Server, especially on machines devoid of optical drives, is through a bootable USB flash drive. This guide delves deep into the process of creating a Windows Server installation USB using Rufus—a free, powerful utility that simplifies the task remarkably.
Why Choose Rufus for Creating Bootable USBs?
Rufus stands out in the myriad of available tools for creating bootable drives due to its speed, reliability, and user-friendly interface. It’s particularly adept at handling Windows ISO files, making it an ideal choice for IT professionals looking to install Windows Server on various hardware setups, including those reliant on legacy BIOS or modern UEFI systems.
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need
Before embarking on the creation of your bootable USB, ensure you have the following essentials:
- USB Flash Drive: An empty USB drive with a minimum capacity of 8 GB. While 8 GB suffices, opting for a larger capacity can provide additional flexibility.
- Windows Server ISO File: Obtain the latest Windows Server ISO directly from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windowsserver. Ensure you’re downloading a legitimate and up-to-date version to avoid compatibility issues.
- Rufus Utility: Download the latest version of Rufus from the Rufus — The Official Website (Download, New Releases). Being freeware, Rufus is both accessible and cost-effective for all users.
- A Windows PC: A computer running a desktop version of Windows (Windows 10, Windows 11, etc.) is required to execute the creation process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Bootable USB
1. Installing Rufus
Begin by downloading Rufus from the official site. The installation process is straightforward:
- Download the Rufus executable: Rufus is a portable application, meaning it doesn’t require a traditional installation. Simply double-click the downloaded
.exefile to launch the program. - Update Preferences: Upon launching, Rufus may prompt you to allow it to check for updates. Choose based on your preference, though keeping Rufus updated is recommended for optimal performance and compatibility.
2. Preparing Your USB Flash Drive
With Rufus open:
- Insert the USB Drive: Plug your USB flash drive into the Windows PC. Rufus will automatically detect the device, displaying it in the «Device» dropdown menu. If it doesn’t appear, manually select your USB drive from the list.
(https://example.com/rufus-device-detection-placeholder[/IMG
3. Configuring the Boot Selection
- Select Boot Option: In the «Boot selection» dropdown, choose «Disk or ISO Image.» Then, click the «Select» button to navigate and locate your downloaded Windows Server ISO file.
(https://example.com/rufus-boot-selection-placeholder[/IMG
4. Setting Partition Scheme and Target System
Proper configuration ensures compatibility with your server hardware:
- Partition Scheme: Choose MBR (Master Boot Record). This is widely supported, especially for older systems.
- Target System: Select BIOS or UEFI depending on your server’s firmware. For broad compatibility, BIOS is recommended unless you are certain your hardware supports UEFI.
- Image Option: Ensure it’s set to Standard Windows Installation.
Additional fields like Volume Label, File System, and Cluster Size typically don’t require changes. The default settings are optimized for most scenarios.
5. Initiating the Creation Process
- Start the Process: Click the «Start» button to commence the creation of the bootable USB. A warning will appear, indicating that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm to proceed.
(https://example.com/rufus-warning-prompt-placeholder[/IMG
- Customization Options: Rufus may present options to customize the Windows installation further, such as disabling BitLocker encryption or data collection. Adjust these settings based on your organizational policies or personal preferences, then click «OK» to continue.
6. Addressing Potential Errors
During the creation process, you might encounter error messages. For instance, an error stating that the ISO has been revoked can occur, potentially leading to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) if Secure Boot is enabled on your server. If such an error arises:
- Proceed with Caution: While you can continue by clicking «OK», it’s advisable to ensure that Secure Boot is disabled in the server’s BIOS settings to prevent any boot-time errors.
7. Finalizing the USB Preparation
Once Rufus completes the process, your USB flash drive is ready to serve as a bootable installation medium for Windows Server. However, there’s an additional step to streamline your server setup:
- Include Necessary Drivers: After Rufus has prepared the USB, create a new folder on the drive (e.g.,
Drivers) and copy any essential device drivers into this folder. This is crucial because, during the Windows Server installation, the installer might not detect server hard drives without the appropriate storage drivers. Having these drivers readily available can expedite the setup process and mitigate potential installation hurdles.(https://example.com/rufus-finalization-placeholder[/IMG
Best Practices and Tips
- Use High-Quality USB Drives: Opt for reliable USB flash drives to prevent data corruption and ensure smooth installation.
- Verify the ISO Integrity: Always check the checksum of your downloaded ISO to confirm its integrity and authenticity.
- Backup Important Data: Since the USB creation process erases all data on the drive, ensure you’ve backed up any important files beforehand.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update Rufus and your Windows Server ISO to benefit from the latest features, security patches, and compatibility improvements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with meticulous preparation, you might encounter challenges during installation. Here are some common issues and their remedies:
- USB Not Detected by Rufus: Ensure the USB is properly connected. Try using a different port or another USB drive if the problem persists.
- Installation Fails with BSOD: This is often related to Secure Boot settings. Access your server’s BIOS and disable Secure Boot to facilitate the installation.
- Missing Storage Drivers: If the Windows Server installer doesn’t recognize your server’s hard drives, ensure you’ve copied the necessary storage drivers to the USB. You can usually download these drivers from the server manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion
Creating a bootable USB for Windows Server installation using Rufus is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your server deployment efficiency. By following this comprehensive guide, IT professionals can ensure a smooth installation experience, even on hardware lacking traditional optical drives. Embracing such tools and methodologies not only optimizes workflow but also empowers you to manage and scale your IT infrastructure with confidence and precision.
Embrace the power of streamlined installations and elevate your server management capabilities today!
Source: Redmondmag.com Creating Bootable USB Installation Media for Windows Server — Redmondmag.com
If you plan to perform a clean install of Windows Server 2022 (or an older version), you will need to create a USB bootable drive that you can use to start the server and continue with the setup. You can complete this task in at least two ways, and in this guide, you will learn how.
Unlike Windows 11 and 10, Microsoft doesn’t offer a Media Creation tool to download the ISO or create a USB flash drive to install the server version of the operating system. However, it’s possible to create a Windows Server bootable USB drive using commands or through third-party apps like Rufus.
This guide will teach you the steps to create a Windows Server USB flash.
- Create Windows Server 2022 bootable USB media with Rufus
- Create Windows Server 2022 bootable USB copying files to USB
Create Windows Server 2022 bootable USB media with Rufus
To create a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB with Rufus, use these steps:
-
Open Windows Server 2022 download page.
-
Click the “Download the ISO” link.
-
Register with the form and download the ISO file.
-
Click the Download now button.
-
Click the “ISO downloads 64-bit edition” option to download the file.
-
Open Rufus website.
-
Under the “Download” section, click the link to download the latest version.
-
Double-click the rufus.3.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
-
Under the “Device” section, select the USB flash drive to create the bootable media.
-
Under the “Boot selection” section, select the “Disk or ISO image” option.
-
Click the Select button.
-
Select the “Windows Server 2022 ISO” file.
-
Click the Open button.
-
Under the “Image option” setting, select the “Standard Windows Installation” option.
-
Under the “Partition scheme” section, select the GPT option.
-
Under the “Target system” section, select the UEFI (non-CSM) option.
-
Under the “Volume label” section, confirm a name for the USB flash drive. For example, “Server 2022 USB.”
-
Use the default settings for the File system and Cluster size options.
-
Check the Quick format option.
-
Check the “Create extended label and icon files” option.
-
Click the Start button.
-
Clear the “Customize Windows installation” settings.
-
Click the OK button.
-
Click the OK button again.
Once you complete the steps, you can proceed to install the server version of Windows on the device.
Create Windows Server 2022 bootable USB copying files to USB
To create a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB through Command Prompt, use these steps:
-
Open Start.
-
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as Administrator option.
-
Type the following command to open DiskPart and press Enter:
diskpart
-
Type the following command to find out the USB flash drive and press Enter:
list disk
-
Type the following command to select the drive and press Enter:
select disk 2
In the command, replace “2” with the number of the USB removable drive.
-
Type the following commands to erase the flash drive and press Enter:
clean
-
Type the following command to create a primary partition on the drive and press Enter:
create partition primary
-
Type the following command to select the new partition and press Enter:
select partition 1
-
Type the following command to activate the partition and press Enter:
active
-
Type the following command to make the Windows Server 2022 USB flash drive bootable and press Enter:
format FS=FAT32 quick
-
Type the following command to set a drive letter and press Enter:
assign letter=S
In the command, change “S” for any available letter to use.
-
Type the following command to exit the DiskPart tool without closing Command Prompt and press Enter:
exit
-
Type the following command to mount the Windows Server 2022 ISO file and press Enter:
PowerShell Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "E:\SERVER_EVAL_x64FRE_en-us.iso"
In the command, change the path with the location of the ISO file.
-
(Optional) Type the following command to start DiskPart and press Enter:
diskpart
-
(Optional) Type the following command to find the drive letter for the mounted ISO file and press Enter:
list volume
-
Type the following command to quit the DiskPart tool and press Enter:
exit
-
Type the following command to access the Windows Server 2022 ISO file and press Enter:
I:
In the command, change “I” for the drive letter of the mounted ISO file.
-
Type the following command to enter the “boot” folder in the ISO file and press Enter:
cd boot
-
Type the following command to update the volume boot code on the flash drive and press Enter:
bootsect /nt60 S:
-
Type the following command to copy all the Windows Server 2022 files from the ISO to the USB flash drive and press Enter:
xcopy G:\*.* S:\ /E /F /H
In the command, change the “G” and “S” drive letters with the correct drive letters for the Windows Server 2022 ISO image and the USB drive respectively.
After you complete the steps, you can use the USB flash drive to perform an in-place upgrade or clean installation of Windows Server 2022.
These introductions should also work to create a USB bootable drive for previous versions of Windows Server, including 2019 and 2016.
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Sometimes specialists and system administrators are faced with the task of installing Windows Server 2022 on one or more machines. To solve this problem, you will need reliable bootable media to quickly deploy systems. This instruction is not necessarily useful only to IT workers. One way or another, if you are faced with the task of installing Windows Server 2022, we will try to explain step by step and clearly how to create a bootable USB drive required to install the operating system on the server. We will break everything down into several stages (steps): from preparing the necessary devices and programs to starting the installation of the operating system.
Preparing the necessary tools
Before you begin, make sure you have a free USB drive with at least 8 GB of capacity. By the way, you can use any external drive to solve this problem. Next, you will need to download the official image of Windows Server 2022 from the Microsoft website.
We will also need the Rufus program to create a system image on the drive, or if you have experience, you may be more familiar with this task using Diskpart (a Windows console system program).Both options lead to the same result, it’s just that in the case of Rufus the process will be accompanied by a more friendly interface. But sometimes it happens that instead of an operating system, you only have the command line at hand. In any case, we will look at both methods.
If you choose rufus, you need to go to their website and download the latest version of the program.
Formatting USB and burning Windows Server 2022 distribution to a USB drive
While the distribution and program are loading, connect the USB to your PC. Make sure that your important files are not there – make a copy of them, because we will need a completely empty flash drive. Once you are ready to start formatting, right-click on the usb icon and select “Format” from the context menu. Before starting the formatting process, change the file system type to NTFS, as the FAT32 file system does not support files larger than 4 GB. Click the “Start” button and wait for the result.
Create a bootable USB using Rufus
We use the Rufus tool to burn an ISO image of Windows Server 2022 to a flash drive. This free app makes it easy to create a bootable disk. In the Rufus interface, select our USB, load the downloaded ISO image and click “Start”. It is important to select the image recording mode in “DD”. Once the process is complete, Rufus will show a message indicating that the USB drive is ready. You can now safely remove the USB and use it to install Windows Server 2022 on your desired machine.
Create a bootable USB using Diskpart
Diskpart is a console system program included in Windows through which you can manage disks, partitions and volumes by directly entering commands.
To create a boot entry on a USB drive using the Diskpart utility, you will need to run a series of commands.
- Open a command prompt with administrator rights.
- Type diskpart and press Enter to start using the Diskpart utility.
- Enter list disk command to display a list of all available disks.
- Find your USB disk number in the list and enter select disk X command, replacing X with the number of your USB disk.
- Enter the clean command to delete all data on the selected drive.
- To create a new primary partition, use create partition primary command.
- Next, enter select partition 1 command to focus on the partition you just created.
8. To format the partition in NTFS, enter format fs=ntfs quick .
9. Finally, enter the active command to make the partition bootable.
After completing these steps, your USB drive will be prepared and activated as bootable. You can close the Diskpart utility by entering the exit command.
Please be careful when using Diskpart, as this powerful tool can erase data from any drive you access. Always make sure you select the correct drive before running the clean command.
Once you have formatted the flash drive, you need to transfer the Windows Server 2022 distribution files to it. To do this, write list volume to display a list of volumes on all connected media and determine the letter or volume number of the flash drive and run the command select volume Y , where Y is this is the letter or number of the desired volume. After selecting the volume, you can exit Diskpart by typing exit .
It should be noted that the Diskpart utility itself is not capable of copying files; it is designed to manage disks and partitions. To copy files to a flash drive, you can use regular Windows Explorer or the copy command in the command line.
For example, after preparing a flash drive using Diskpart, in the command line you can use the following command to copy file: copy C:\windowsserver2022.iso E:
Here copy C:\windowsserver2022.iso E: should be replaced with the path to the file you want to copy, and `E:` with the letter of the assigned flash drive volume.
Installing the distribution from a flash drive
Once your USB drive is ready, insert it ino the machine’s USB port and reboot it. Enter BIOS or UEFI mode and set the USB boot priority.
If you did everything correctly, you will see the installation start welcome window. Select the desired configuration and begin installation. All that’s left is to wait a little. You have successfully created a bootable USB flash drive for Windows Server 2022 and installed the server operating system from it on your hardware. Remember that accuracy and attentiveness in this process is the key to successful installation and further stable operation of your server.
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