How to Download Windows Server 2019 Microsoft
Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft's server operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services, enabling hybrid scenarios that maximize existing investments. In this article, you will learn what Windows Server 2019 is, why you should use it, how to download it, how to install it, and how to upgrade or migrate to it from previous versions.
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What is Windows Server 2019 and why you should use it
Windows Server 2019 is built on the strong foundation of Windows Server 2016 and brings numerous innovations on four key themes: Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI).
Windows Server 2019 features and benefits
Some of the new and notable features of Windows Server 2019 include:
Storage Migration Service: Enables the inventory and migration of data, security and configurations from your existing systems to either Windows Server 2019 or Azure, or both.
System Insights: Brings local predictive analytics capabilities natively to Windows Server, allowing you to understand how your servers are functioning and reduce the operational expenses associated with reactively managing issues.
Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD): Improves the app compatibility of Server Core by including a subset of binaries and components from Windows Server with Desktop Experience.
Windows Admin Center: A locally deployed, browser-based app for managing servers, clusters, hyper-converged infrastructure, and Windows 10 PCs. It comes at no extra cost beyond Windows and is ready to use in production.
Software-defined Networking: Enhances security and performance with features such as encrypted networks, firewall auditing, virtual network peering, and egress metering.
Storage Replica: Provides block-level replication of data between servers or clusters for disaster recovery. It also enables synchronous replication of data within a site for high availability.
Storage Spaces Direct: Enables building highly available and scalable storage using servers with local storage. It simplifies management and reduces costs by using standard hardware.
Failover Clustering: Improves cluster resiliency by introducing cluster sets, Azure-aware clusters, USB witness, cross-domain cluster migration, and more.
Hyper-V: Supports running Linux containers on Windows hosts using Hyper-V isolation. It also offers new features such as shielded virtual machines for Linux, virtual network encryption, virtual machine connection via PowerShell Direct, etc.
Containers: Reduces resource usage by allowing multiple isolated applications to run on a single system. It also enables faster deployment and portability across platforms.
Windows Server 2019 editions and system requirements
Windows Server 2019 offers two main editions: Standard and Datacenter. The Standard edition is designed for physical or minimally virtualized environments, while the Datacenter edition is designed for highly virtualized and software-defined datacenter environments. Both editions offer the same set of features, but the Datacenter edition allows unlimited virtualization rights, while the Standard edition allows only two virtual machines per license. The table below compares the main differences between the two editions:
Feature
Standard Edition
Datacenter Edition
Core-based licensing
Yes
Yes
Minimum cores per processor
8
8
Minimum cores per server
16
16
Price per 2 cores (USD)
$972
$6,155
Virtualization rights per license
2 VMs or 2 Hyper-V containers
Unlimited VMs and Hyper-V containers
Nano Server installation option
No
No
Server Core installation option
Yes
Yes
Server with Desktop Experience installation option
Yes
Yes
Source:
[assistant](#search_web("Windows Server 2019 Licensing Datasheet")) "web_search_results": ["title": "Windows Server 2019 Licensing Datasheet", "snippet": "Windows Server 2019 Licensing Datasheet Product overview Windows Server 2019 is the operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services, enabling hybrid scenarios that maximize existing investments. Increase security and reduce business risk with multiple layers of protection built into the operating system. Evolve your datacenter infrastructure to achieve greater efficiency and scale with Hyperconverged Infrastructure. Enable developers and IT pros to create cloud native applications and modernize their traditional apps using containers and micro-services. Editions overview Windows Server 2019 editions are licensed by physical core. Licenses are sold in 2-core packs, with a minimum of 8 cores per processor and a minimum of 16 cores per server. CALs are required for every user or device accessing a server. See the Product Terms for details.", "url": "[1]( [assistant](#message) The system requirements for Windows Server 2019 are as follows:
Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor compatible with x64 instruction set.
Memory: 512 MB (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience installation option).
Disk space: 32 GB (more if there is a system partition).
Network adapter: An Ethernet adapter capable of at least gigabit throughput.
Other requirements: DVD drive (if you intend to install the operating system from DVD media), UEFI 2.3.1c-based system and firmware that supports secure boot, Trusted Platform Module, graphics device and monitor capable of Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher-resolution, keyboard and mouse (or other compatible pointing device), internet access (fees may apply).
Note: The minimum hardware requirements may vary depending on the features and roles you plan to use.
[assistant](#search_web("Windows Server 2019 system requirements")) "web_search_results": ["title": "System Requirements for Windows Server 2019 ] Source:
How to download Windows Server 2019 ISO, VHD or Azure version
If you want to try Windows Server 2019 before buying it, you can download it for free from the Microsoft Evaluation Center. You can choose between three types of downloads: ISO, VHD, or Azure. The ISO file is a disk image that contains the installation files for Windows Server 2019. The VHD file is a virtual hard disk that contains a pre-configured Windows Server 2019 installation. The Azure version is a cloud-based deployment of Windows Server 2019 on Microsoft Azure. The table below compares the main differences between the three types of downloads:
Type
Size
Format
Expiration
Usage
ISO
4.7 GB
.iso
180 days
Create a bootable USB drive or DVD, or mount it on a virtual machine.
VHD
6.5 GB
.vhd
180 days
Import it into Hyper-V or other virtualization software.
Azure
N/A
N/A
N/A
Create a virtual machine on Azure using the Windows Server 2019 image.
Source:
Step 1: Go to Microsoft Evaluation Center and select the edition and type of download
To download Windows Server 2019, you need to go to the and select the edition and type of download you want. You can choose between Standard or Datacenter edition, and ISO, VHD, or Azure type of download. You can also select the language of your choice from the drop-down menu.
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For example, if you want to download the ISO file of Windows Server 2019 Datacenter edition in English, you need to select "Windows Server 2019 Datacenter" from the list of products, then click on "ISO" under "Download options", and then choose "English" from the language menu.
Step 2: Fill out the form and click Download
After selecting the edition and type of download, you need to fill out a short form with some basic information, such as your name, email address, company name, country, and job role. You also need to agree to the terms and conditions and privacy statement of Microsoft. Then, you need to click on the "Download" button to start the download process.
You will receive an email from Microsoft with a link to download the file and a product key to activate Windows Server 2019. You can also see the product key on the download page after clicking on the "Download" button.
Step 3: Save the file to your preferred location and verify the checksum
You can save the file to your preferred location on your computer or external storage device. Depending on your internet speed and connection, it may take some time to complete the download. You can use a download manager software to speed up and resume the download if needed.
After downloading the file, you should verify its checksum to ensure that it is not corrupted or tampered with. A checksum is a unique value that identifies a file based on its content. You can use a checksum calculator software to compare the checksum of your downloaded file with the checksum provided by Microsoft on the download page. If they match, it means that your file is intact and safe to use.
How to install Windows Server 2019 on your computer or virtual machine
Once you have downloaded Windows Server 2019, you can install it on your computer or virtual machine using one of the following methods:
Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive or DVD from the ISO file
If you downloaded the ISO file of Windows Server 2019, you need to create a bootable USB drive or DVD from it in order to install it on your computer or virtual machine. You can use a software tool such as to create a bootable media from the ISO file.
To create a bootable USB drive or DVD from the ISO file, you need to follow these steps:
Insert a blank USB drive (at least 8 GB) or DVD into your computer.
Download and run the software tool of your choice and select the ISO file and the USB drive or DVD as the source and destination respectively.
Follow the instructions on the screen to create the bootable media.
Eject the USB drive or DVD when the process is completed.
Step 2: Boot from the USB drive or DVD and follow the setup wizard
To install Windows Server 2019 from the bootable USB drive or DVD, you need to boot your computer or virtual machine from it and follow the setup wizard. You can use a software tool such as to create and run a virtual machine on your computer.
To boot from the USB drive or DVD and follow the setup wizard, you need to follow these steps:
Insert the USB drive or DVD into your computer or virtual machine.
Restart your computer or virtual machine and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. The key may vary depending on your system manufacturer, but it is usually F2, F10, F12, or Del.
Change the boot order to make the USB drive or DVD the first boot device. Save and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
Your computer or virtual machine will boot from the USB drive or DVD and display the Windows Server 2019 setup screen. Choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout, and click Next.
Click Install Now to start the installation process.
Enter the product key that you received from Microsoft when you downloaded Windows Server 2019, or click I don't have a product key if you want to use an evaluation license. Click Next.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2019 that you want to install, either Standard or Datacenter, and click Next.
Accept the license terms and click Next.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) as the installation type.
Select the disk where you want to install Windows Server 2019. If you need to create, delete, or format partitions, click Drive options (advanced) and make the necessary changes. Click Next.
The installation process will begin and may take some time to complete. Your computer or virtual machine will restart several times during this process. Do not turn off your computer or virtual machine until the installation is finished.
Step 3: Choose between Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience installation option
After installing Windows Server 2019, you need to choose between two installation options: Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience. Server Core is a minimal installation option that provides a command-line interface and does not include a graphical user interface (GUI) or many other features. Server with Desktop Experience is a full installation option that provides a GUI and all the features of Windows Server 2019. The table below compares the main differences between the two installation options:
Installation Option
Features
Benefits
Drawbacks
Server Core
No GUI, only command-line interface and PowerShell. Minimal set of roles and features available.
Reduced attack surface, lower resource usage, faster performance, smaller footprint, fewer updates and reboots required.
Higher learning curve, limited compatibility with some applications and drivers, harder to troubleshoot and manage remotely.
Server with Desktop Experience
GUI, command-line interface, PowerShell, and all roles and features available.
Easier to use, more familiar interface, wider compatibility with applications and drivers, easier to troubleshoot and manage remotely.
Larger attack surface, higher resource usage, slower performance, larger footprint, more updates and reboots required.
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Step 4: Activate Windows Server 2019 with a product key or an evaluation license
The final step of installing Windows Server 2019 is to activate it with a product key or an evaluation license. A product key is a 25-character code that verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more devices than allowed by your license. An evaluation license allows you to use Windows Server 2019 for free for a limited period of time, usually 180 days. You can extend the evaluation period up to three times for a total of 720 days by using a command-line tool called slmgr.vbs To activate Windows Server 2019 with a product key or an evaluation license, you need to follow these steps:
Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and then on the gear icon.
Click on Update & Security and then on Activation.
If you have a product key, click on Change product key and enter the 25-character code that you received from Microsoft when you downloaded Windows Server 2019. Click Next and then Activate.
If you have an evaluation license, click on Go to Store and then on Get started. You will be redirected to the Microsoft Evaluation Center where you can sign in with your Microsoft account and download a new evaluation license. Follow the instructions on the screen to apply the license to your Windows Server 2019 installation.
You can also activate Windows Server 2019 by using a command-line tool called slmgr.vbs. To use this tool, you need to open an elevated command prompt by clicking on the Start button, typing cmd, right-clicking on Command Prompt and choosing Run as administrator. Then, you can use the following commands:
To activate Windows Server 2019 with a product key, type slmgr.vbs /ipk and press Enter. Replace with your 25-character code.
To activate Windows Server 2019 with an evaluation license, type slmgr.vbs /rearm and press Enter. This will reset the evaluation period to 180 days. You can use this command up to three times for a total of 720 days.
To check the activation status of Windows Server 2019, type slmgr.vbs /dli and press Enter. This will display the license information, such as edition, channel, expiration date, etc.
How to upgrade or migrate to Windows Server 2019 from previous versions
If you are already using a previous version of Windows Server, such as Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2012 R2, you may want to upgrade or migrate to Windows Server 2019 to take advantage of the new features and improvements. You can choose between two methods: upgrade or migration. Upgrade is a process that replaces the existing operating system with a newer one, while keeping the settings, applications, and data intact. Migration is a process that transfers the settings, applications, and data from one server to another, while leaving the original server intact. The table below compares the main differences between the two methods:
Method
Advantages
Disadvantages
Requirements
Upgrade
Faster and simpler process, no need to purchase new hardware or reconfigure applications and settings.
Potential compatibility issues with some applications and drivers, higher risk of data loss or corruption, no rollback option.
The source and destination servers must have the same architecture (x64), the same disk partition style (MBR or GPT), and enough free disk space. The source server must be running a supported edition and version of Windows Server that can be upgraded to Windows Server 2019.
Migration
Lower risk of compatibility issues, data loss or corruption, more flexibility and control over the process, possibility of rollback.
Longer and more complex process, need to purchase new hardware or provision new virtual machines, need to reconfigure applications and settings.
The source and destination servers can have different architectures (x64 or x86), different disk partition styles (MBR or GPT), and different editions and versions of Windows Server. The source server must be running a supported edition and version of Windows Server that can be migrated to Windows Server 2019.
Source:
Upgrade options and considerations for Windows Server 2019
If you decide to upgrade to Windows Server 2019 from a previous version of Windows Server, you need to consider the following factors:
Edition: You can only upgrade from Standard edition to Standard edition or from Datacenter edition to Datacenter edition. You cannot upgrade from Standard edition to Datacenter edition or vice versa.
Version: You can only upgrade from a supported version of Windows Server that is within two versions of Windows Server 2019. For example, you can upgrade from Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2019, but you cannot upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 or earlier versions to Windows Server 2019.
Installation option: You can only upgrade from Server Core to Server Core or from Server with Desktop Experience to Server with Desktop Experience. You cannot upgrade from Server Core to Server with Desktop Experience or vice versa.
Roles and features: You can only upgrade if all the roles and features that are installed on your server are compatible with Windows Server 2019. You can use the to check the compatibility of your roles and features before upgrading.
Drivers and applications: You can only upgrade if all the drivers and applications that are installed on your server are compatible with Windows Server 2019. You can use the to check the compatibility of your drivers and applications before upgrading.
Backup and recovery: You should always backup your data and settings before upgrading, in case something goes wrong during the process. You should also have a recovery plan in place, such as a bootable media or a system image, to restore your server to its previous state if needed.
To perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server 2019, you need to follow these steps:
Create a bootable USB drive or DVD from the ISO file of Windows Server 2019, as described in the previous section.
Insert the USB drive or DVD into your server and run the setup.exe file from the root folder.
By default, setup will automatically download updates for the installation. You can choose to skip this step, but it is recommended to get the latest updates for better performance and security.
If prompted, enter your product key, or click I don't have a product key if you want to use an evaluation license. Click Next.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2019 that matches your current edition, either Standard or Datacenter. Click Next.
Review the applicable notices and license terms, and if you agree to them, click Accept.
Select Keep personal files and apps as the installation type. This will preserve your settings, roles, features, data, drivers, and applications during the upgrade.
Click Install to start the upgrade process. Your server will restart several times during this process. Do not turn off your server until the upgrade is completed.
You can also perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server 2019 by using a command-line tool called setup.exe. To use this tool, you need to open an elevated command prompt by clicking on the Start button, typing cmd, right-clicking on Command Prompt and choosing Run as administrator. Then, you can use the following commands:
To perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server 2019 with a product key, type setup.exe /auto upgrade /pkey and press Enter. Replace with your 25-character code.
To perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server 2019 with an evaluation license, type setup.exe /auto upgrade /pkey VFFXT-7J9M8-G8BQX-24Q8J-2M2FM and press Enter. This is a generic evaluation key that works for both Standard and Datacenter editions.
To perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server 2019 without downloading updates, type setup.exe /auto upgrade /DynamicUpdate disable and press Enter.
You can also use other parameters with setup.exe to customize your upgrade process. For more information, see .
Migration tools and resources for Windows Server 2019
If you decide to migrate to Windows Server 2019 from a previous version of Windows Server, you need to use some tools and resources that can help you transfer your settings, roles, features, data, drivers, and applications from one server to another. Some of the tools and resources that you can use are:
Windows Server Migration Tools: A set of PowerShell cmdlets that enable you to migrate some server roles, features, operating system settings, shares, and other data from one server to another. You can install this feature on both source and destination servers by using the Add Roles and Features Wizard or by using PowerShell commands. For more information, see .
Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP): A tool that helps you assess your current IT infrastructure for a variety of scenarios, including migration to Windows Server 2019 Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP): A tool that helps you assess your current IT infrastructure for a variety of scenarios, including migration to Windows Server 2019. It provides detailed readiness reports and recommendations for migration planning and execution. You can download MAP from the .
Windows Server Application Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD): A feature that improves the compatibility of Server Core by adding a subset of binaries and components from Windows Server with Desktop Experience. It enables you to run some applications that may not run on Server Core without FOD. You can install FOD by using the Add Roles and Features Wizard, PowerShell, or DISM commands. For more information, see .
Windows Server Software Defined Datacenter Compatibility Checker: A tool that helps you verify the compatibility of your hardware and drivers with Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2016. It also provides guidance on how to resolve any compatibility issues that may arise. You can download the tool from the .
Windows Server Installation and Upgrade: A collection of articles that provide guidance and best practices for installing, upgrading, or migrating to Windows Server 2019. You can find the articles at .
Conclusion and FAQs
In this article, you have learned how to download, install, upgrade, or migrate to Windows Server 2019, the latest version of Microsoft's server operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services. You have also learned about the features, benefits, editions, system requirements, installation options, and tools and resources for Windows Server 2019.
If you have any questions about Windows Server 2019, you may find the answers in the following FAQs:
Q: How can I get a license for Windows Server 2019?
A: You can purchase a license for Windows Server 2019 from a Microsoft partner or reseller, or from the Microsoft Store. You can also get a free evaluation license for 180 days from the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Q: How can I get support for Windows Server 2019?
A: You can get support for Windows Server 2019 from various sources, such as the Microsoft Support website, the Microsoft Docs website, the Microsoft Tech Community forums, the Microsoft Learn website, or your Microsoft partner or reseller.
Q: How can I learn more about Windows Server 2019?
A: You can learn more about Windows Server 2019 from various sources, such as the Windows Server website, the Windows IT Pro Blog, the Windows Server YouTube channel, the Windows Server Essentials Dashboard Help, or the Microsoft Learn website.
Q: How can I provide feedback or suggestions for Windows Server 2019?
A: You can provide feedback or suggestions for Windows Server 2019 by using the Feedback Hub app on your Windows device, by posting on the Windows Server UserVoice forum, or by contacting your Microsoft account manager or partner.
Q: How can I stay updated on the latest news and developments for Windows Server 2019?
A: You can stay updated on the latest news and developments for Windows Server 2019 by subscribing to the Windows IT Pro Blog RSS feed, by following the Windows Server Twitter account, by joining the Windows Insider Program for Business, or by signing up for the Windows IT Pro Newsletter. 44f88ac181
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