We will show you how to Install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation. You can use this method to run Windows Server 2019 on your personal computer and practice new features and configurations before implementing them in a production environment. Windows Server 2019 comes with a lot of improvements and new features. And like always, Microsoft has made available different editions of Windows Server 2019 for different users and scenarios. In this article, we will focus on the Datacenter edition which is the most feature-rich edition of Windows Server 2019.
If you want to Install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation then follow this guide. We will show you step by step process to Install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation. This guide is also applicable for installing other versions of Windows Servers and Desktops on VMWare Workstation.
Table of Contents
Basic Requirments To Install Windows Server 2019 On VMWare Workstation?
Before we start with the installation process, let’s have a look at the system requirements to install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation.
#1. Host Computer to run VMWare Workstation:
The Minimum computational resources needed to run Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor or later. AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3000+ or higher is recommended.
- Memory: 4GB of RAM or more is recommended. The minimum supported is 2GB of RAM. Note that memory requirements increase as guest operating systems are added.
- Storage: 60GB of available storage is recommended. Additional storage may be necessary when installing guest operating systems.
- Network: A network connection is required for installation and updates.
2. Download Windows Server 2019 ISO File:
The first thing you need is the ISO file of Windows Server 2019. You can download it from the official website of Microsoft. Just go to this link and select the edition you want to download. In our case, we will be downloaded the Datacenter edition because it is the most feature-rich edition.
3. Install VMWare Workstation 15 Pro:
After downloading the ISO file, the next thing you need is virtualization software. In this article, we will be using VMWare Workstation. You can also use other virtualization software like VirtualBox, Hyper-V, etc.
Just go to the official website of VMWare and download the latest version of VMWare Workstation Pro. Install it on your computer and launch it.
Now that we know the system requirements, let’s start with the installation process.
How To Install Windows Server 2019 On VMWare Workstation?
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to Install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation?
- Open the new Virtual Machine Wizard
1. Fire up VMWare Workstation
2. Go to File -> New Virtual Machine or Ctrl + N - Select Custom Configuration Wizard
Select Custom Wizard and click Next
- Choose VM Hardware Compatibility
1. Choose the compatible hardware from the drop-down
2. Click Next - Select to install operating system later option
1. Select to install operating system later option
2. Click Next - Select the guest operating system
1. Select Windows 10 since we don’t have the windows server option included yet.
2. Click Next - Virtual Machine Name & Location
1. Give the Virtual Machine Name & Location
2. Click Next - Select Firmware Type
1. You can select either BIOS or UEFI. Note: Only new boards supports UEFI.
2. Click Next - Allocate the number of processors you need
1. Allocate how many processors you need. This depends on your host machine’s hardware.
2. Click Next - Set the Memory for the virtual machine
1. This depends on your host machine’s hardware. You should leave the memory to run the host machine without hazels.
2. Click Next - Select Network Connection settings for the VM
1. Four options are available to select. Please read and select your desired network setting.
2. Click Next - Choose the appropriate storage IO controller
1. Choose the appropriate storage IO controller
2. Click Next - Select the disk type for the VM
1. Select the available disk type on your host machine.
2. Click Next - Select the virtual disk for the VM
1. Select the virtual disk for the VM if not create a new disk
2. Click Next - Assign the disk size for the VM
You can select a single or split virtual disk option. Selecting a single disk will increase the performance. But, if you want to move the disk to a different location you can select the split virtual disk.
Allocate the disk size and click next. - Give the path where you want to keep the VM disk
1. Give the location where you want to save the disk.
2. Click Next. - Create the VM
1. VM settings are ready to create the VM.
2. Click Finish - Load the ISO image to boot the VM
1. Select use ISO image file
2. Browse the ISO image
3. Click Ok - All set to power on the VM
- First boot screen of Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2019 installation wizard
The installation wizard will appear in a couple of seconds after the boot
1. Select the language time and keyboard settings
2. Click Next - Install Windows Server 2019
Click on Install Now
- Select The Operating System You Want To Install
1. Select the version you want to install
2. Click Next - Accept the License Agreement
- Select installation method
Select custom installation if you are doing a fresh installation. Or, select upgrade if you are upgrading your older Windows Server to Windows Server 2019.
- Select the installation disk for installation
Select the disk and click on Next to install Windows Server 2019. If you want to create additional logical partitions then select the disk and click on new assign the partition size. You can create multiple partitions within available storage.
- Installing Windows Server 2019
- Installation is in progress…
- Windows getting ready after the installation completes
- Create Administrator User
- Windows Server is ready to use
- Windows Server 2019 Login screen
- First look at Windows Server 2019
This is how you should Install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare Workstation.
Thanks for reading the post. Please share this post with those who want to know the procedure to Install Windows Server 2019 on VMWare.
Frequently Asked Questions:
VMware Workstation is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single host computer. It is popular among IT professionals, developers, and businesses for testing, development, and server management tasks.
Windows Server 2019 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Windows NT family and offers enhanced security, scalability, and performance features. It is used by businesses and organizations for managing networks, databases, web services, and other server-based applications.
Yes, you can install Windows Server 2019 on VMware Workstation. This setup allows you to create a virtual environment for testing, development, and server management without the need for dedicated hardware.
The minimum system requirements for installing Windows Server 2019 on VMware Workstation are:
1. A compatible host operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS)
2. A 64-bit x86 processor
3. At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
4. A minimum of 40 GB free disk space
5. A compatible version of VMware Workstation (version 15 or higher recommended)
To create a new virtual machine for Windows Server 2019, follow these steps:
1. Open VMware Workstation.
2. Click “Create a New Virtual Machine” or go to “File” > “New Virtual Machine.”
3. Select the installation method (e.g., “Typical” or “Custom”) and click “Next.”
4. Choose the installation media (e.g., ISO file or physical DVD) and click “Next.”
5. Select “Microsoft Windows” as the guest operating system and choose “Windows Server 2019” from the version dropdown menu. Click “Next.”
6. Configure the virtual machine settings, such as the name, location, disk size, and network settings, as required.
7. Click “Finish” to create the virtual machine.
Once you have created a new virtual machine, follow these steps to install Windows Server 2019:
1. Power on the virtual machine by clicking “Power on this virtual machine” or pressing the power button in VMware Workstation.
2. The Windows Server 2019 installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your language, time format, and keyboard layout.
3. Click “Install Now.”
4. Enter your product key, or choose to evaluate Windows Server 2019 if you don’t have a key.
5. Select the Windows Server 2019 edition you want to install and click “Next.”
6. Accept the license terms and click “Next.”
7. Choose the installation type (e.g., “Custom” for a clean installation) and click “Next.”
8. Select the disk where you want to install Windows Server 2019 and click “Next.”
9. The installation process will begin. It may take some time to complete.
10. Once the installation is finished, the system will reboot. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your administrator account and complete the installation.
Yes, you can create and manage multiple Windows Server 2019 virtual machines on VMware Workstation, provided your host system has adequate resources (e.g., RAM, CPU, and disk space) to support the additional
virtual machines. This setup is useful for creating complex test environments, simulating multiple servers, or isolating specific applications or services.
Yes, you can run multiple operating systems, including other Windows versions, Linux distributions, and macOS, on VMware Workstation alongside Windows Server 2019. This feature enables you to create a versatile and flexible virtual environment for testing, development, and server management tasks.
VMware Workstation provides several networking options for your Windows Server 2019 virtual machines, including:
1. Bridged networking: The virtual machine shares the same network as the host computer, obtaining its IP address from the host’s DHCP server.
2. NAT (Network Address Translation): The virtual machine shares the host’s IP address and accesses external networks through the host’s network connection.
3. Host-only networking: The virtual machine can communicate only with the host computer and other virtual machines configured for host-only networking.
4. Custom networking: Allows you to create a custom virtual network configuration, including defining your own virtual switches and network settings.
There are several methods to transfer files between the host computer and the Windows Server 2019 virtual machine, including:
1. Shared folders: You can create shared folders on the host system that can be accessed by the virtual machine. To enable this feature, go to the virtual machine settings, select “Options” > “Shared Folders,” and configure the folders you want to share.
2. Drag-and-drop: VMware Workstation supports drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to transfer files between the host system and the virtual machine by simply dragging and dropping files or folders.
3. Network file sharing: If the virtual machine is configured for bridged or NAT networking, you can transfer files using standard network file sharing protocols, such as SMB/CIFS or FTP.
Yes, you can take snapshots of your Windows Server 2019 virtual machine in VMware Workstation. Snapshots allow you to capture the state of your virtual machine, including its memory, settings, and virtual disk, at a specific point in time. You can later revert to a previous snapshot if needed, making it a useful feature for testing and troubleshooting purposes.
To take a snapshot, select your virtual machine in VMware Workstation, then click “VM” > “Snapshot” > “Take Snapshot” or use the snapshot button in the toolbar. You can manage your snapshots through the “Snapshot Manager,” accessible by clicking “VM” > “Snapshot” > “Snapshot Manager.”
VMware Workstation does not natively support live migration of virtual machines between different installations or to other VMware products, such as VMware ESXi or vSphere. However, you can perform cold migrations by powering off the virtual machine, exporting it as an OVF (Open Virtualization Format) file or copying the virtual machine folder, and then importing it into another VMware Workstation installation or VMware product.
For more advanced migration features, including live migration, consider using VMware vSphere or other enterprise-level virtualization solutions.
super the steps are really useful Thanks a lot.
Thanks, Sudarsanan. we are happy to hear that!
The steps were followed according, concise and clear. the post is so helpful.
Thanks, Akintola for your comments.
You must do step 17 before 14 by selecting Customize Hardware, select install from .iso, and give it a path.
Hello There,
In our openion, the ISO image should be loaded at the beginning of Step 4 or at Step 17 as shone here. There is a difference in the loading of ISO images. If you load the image at the beginning, the installation will go on partial auto pilot mode (A few steps will be self-configured). If you choose to load the ISO image later as hone in the post. You will be in complete interactive mode. You will have to go through every step throughout the installation process. This is good for custom installation.
Thanks for your comment. Please replay if you have anything else.