Windows Server 2019 | Microsoft Evaluation Center[^1^] [^2^]
How to Download and Install Windows Server 2019 ISO
Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft's server operating system that offers many new features and improvements for hybrid cloud, security, application platform, and hyper-converged infrastructure. Windows Server 2019 is ideal for IT professionals and businesses that want to leverage the power of cloud computing while maintaining control and security of their on-premises environments.
download 2019 windows server iso
In this article, we will show you how to download Windows Server 2019 ISO file from different sources, how to install it on a physical server or a virtual machine, how to activate it using various methods, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of using Windows Server 2019.
Download options
There are several ways to download Windows Server 2019 ISO file depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common options:
Microsoft Evaluation Center: This is the easiest way to download Windows Server 2019 ISO file for free for evaluation purposes. You can choose between Standard and Datacenter editions, as well as Server Core or Desktop Experience installation options. You will need to register with your Microsoft account and provide some basic information before you can download the file. The evaluation edition expires in 180 days, but you can convert it to a licensed edition later. To download Windows Server 2019 from Microsoft Evaluation Center, go to .
Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center: This is the option for customers who have a volume licensing agreement with Microsoft and want to download Windows Server 2019 ISO file for production use. You will need to sign in with your volume licensing account and select the product key that matches your edition and installation option. You can also download additional features on demand for Server Core installations. To download Windows Server 2019 from Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center, go to .
Microsoft Azure: This is the option for customers who want to run Windows Server 2019 on virtual machines in Microsoft Azure cloud platform. You can choose from various pre-built images that include different editions and installation options of Windows Server 2019, as well as other software such as SQL Server or Visual Studio. You can also upload your own custom image from an ISO file or a VHD file. To download or create Windows Server 2019 images in Microsoft Azure, go to .
Installation steps
Once you have downloaded Windows Server 2019 ISO file from one of the sources above, you can install it on a physical server or a virtual machine. The installation steps are similar for both scenarios, but there may be some differences depending on your hardware configuration and virtualization software. Here are the general steps to install Windows Server 2019 from an ISO file:
Boot from the media: Insert the DVD or USB installation media into the server or attach the ISO file to the virtual machine and start it. Press any key to boot from the media when prompted.
Select language and preferences: On the first screen, select the language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout that you want to use and click Next.
Start the installation: On the next screen, click Install now to begin the installation process.
Enter the product key: On the next screen, enter the product key that you obtained from your download source and click Next. If you don't have a product key, you can skip this step and activate Windows Server 2019 later.
Select the edition and installation option: On the next screen, select the edition of Windows Server 2019 that matches your product key and click Next. Then, accept the license terms and click Next. On the next screen, select the installation option that you want to use: Server Core or Desktop Experience. Server Core is a minimal installation that has no graphical user interface and requires less disk space and resources. Desktop Experience is a full installation that includes the graphical user interface and other features such as Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer.
Select the destination drive: On the next screen, select the drive where you want to install Windows Server 2019 and click Next. You can also create, delete, or format partitions on the drive if needed.
Complete the installation: The installation will begin and may take several minutes to complete. The server or virtual machine will restart several times during the process. After the installation is finished, you will be prompted to set a password for the administrator account and log in to Windows Server 2019.
Activation methods
After you have installed Windows Server 2019 from an ISO file, you need to activate it to verify that it is genuine and licensed. There are different methods to activate Windows Server 2019 depending on your download source and your environment. Here are some of the most common methods:
Product key: This is the simplest method to activate Windows Server 2019 if you have a valid product key that matches your edition and installation option. You can enter the product key during the installation process or after the installation by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and clicking Change product key.
Key Management Services (KMS): This is a method to activate Windows Server 2019 using a centralized server that hosts a KMS service. You need to have a KMS host that is running Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2016 and has a KMS host key for Windows Server 2019. You also need to configure your KMS clients to connect to the KMS host by using DNS records or registry settings. To activate Windows Server 2019 using KMS, go to Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command slmgr /ato.
Azure Hybrid Benefit: This is a method to activate Windows Server 2019 on virtual machines in Microsoft Azure cloud platform using your existing on-premises licenses. You need to have Software Assurance or a subscription license for Windows Server Standard or Datacenter editions. You also need to upload your own custom image from an ISO file or a VHD file that has not been activated yet. To activate Windows Server 2019 using Azure Hybrid Benefit, go to Azure Portal and select your virtual machine. Then, go to Configuration > Licensing and select Yes under Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server.
Benefits and drawbacks
Windows Server 2019 is a modern server operating system that offers many benefits for IT professionals and businesses that want to optimize their hybrid cloud, security, application platform, and hyper-converged infrastructure scenarios. Some of the benefits of Windows Server 2019 are:
Improved hybrid cloud integration: Windows Server 2019 supports seamless integration with Microsoft Azure cloud platform through features such as Azure File Sync, Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Network Adapter, Azure Monitor, and Azure Security Center.
Enhanced security features: Windows Server 2019 provides advanced security features such as Shielded Virtual Machines, Host Guardian Service, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Windows Defender Exploit Guard, Encrypting File System, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and Secure Boot.
Better application platform support: Windows Server 2019 supports modern application development and deployment through features such as Windows Subsystem for Linux, Container Services, Kubernetes Services, Hyper-V Containers, Nano Server, PowerShell Core, .NET Core, and Visual Studio Code.
More efficient hyper-converged infrastructure: Windows Server 2019 enables more efficient hyper-converged infrastructure through features such as Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica, Storage Migration Service, Storage Quality of Service, Data Deduplication, ReFS File System, Cluster Sets, Cluster-Aware Updating, and Cluster Shared Volumes.
However, Windows Server 2019 also has some drawbacks that may affect your decision to use it or not. Some of the drawbacks of Windows Server 2019 are:
Higher system requirements: Windows Server 2019 has higher system requirements than previous versions of Windows Server, such as more disk space, memory, and CPU cores. This may affect your hardware budget and performance.
Complex licensing model: Windows Server 2019 has a complex licensing model that depends on the edition, installation option, number of cores, number of virtual machines, and other factors. This may affect your software budget and compliance.
Compatibility issues: Windows Server 2019 may not be compatible with some older applications, devices, or protocols that you use in your environment. This may affect your functionality and security.
Learning curve: Windows Server 2019 has many new features and changes that may require you to learn new skills and best practices. This may affect your productivity and efficiency.
Conclusion
Windows Server 2019 is a powerful server operating system that can help you achieve your hybrid cloud, security, application platform, and hyper-converged infrastructure goals. However, it also has some challenges that you need to consider before you decide to use it or not. In this article, we showed you how to download Windows Server 2019 ISO file from different sources, how to install it on a physical server or a virtual machine