Windows Server 2025 / How to Install Desktop Experience

Install Windows Server 2025 Desktop Experience by selecting an installation image whose name includes Desktop Experience. Use a new lab virtual disk, verify the installation target, and finish by checking Administrator sign-in and the installed operating system information.

Prepare before starting setup

• Obtain the Windows Server 2025 ISO and check the conditions for using that media.
• For a VM installation, confirm that you are working in the VM connection window rather than installing onto the physical host.
• Use a new virtual disk for the lab. Back up disks containing existing data and keep them separate from the installation target.
• Decide the edition and Desktop Experience installation option in advance.
• Prepare a lab password for Administrator without reusing an organization's real administrator password.

Microsoft's Windows Server installation guide separates instructions by product version. Media type and revision can change some screens, including licensing choices. Use the product version and selected image name to identify the applicable path.

Boot from the ISO and choose language settings

1. Attach the ISO to the VM's virtual DVD drive, open the VM connection window, and start the VM. Respond to the prompt to boot from installation media inside that window.
2. Select the installation language and regional settings offered by the media. Do not assume the ISO contains a language that is not listed.
3. Check the keyboard layout, particularly if your password will contain characters whose positions differ between layouts.
4. When the setup option screen appears, choose Install Windows Server. If setup asks you to acknowledge deletion of files, apps, and settings, reconfirm that the target is your empty lab VM before continuing.

Do not experiment with this procedure on the host's storage or an existing production server. A deletion acknowledgment does not mean setup automatically creates a backup that can reverse the installation.

Select the edition and Desktop Experience image

1. If setup presents licensing choices or requests a product key, follow the path appropriate to your media and agreement. Evaluation media can differ from other distribution channels.
2. In the image list, find the intended edition with Desktop Experience in its name. For a Standard lab, check that both Standard and Desktop Experience appear in the selected entry.
3. Confirm that you have not selected a Core image without the Desktop Experience label. The edition can be correct while the installation option is wrong.
4. Review and accept the applicable terms before proceeding to the installation target.

Do not choose Core expecting to add the full desktop later. Microsoft's installation option documentation explains that switching between Core and Desktop Experience requires a clean installation.

Verify the disk and install

1. At the installation location screen, compare the new virtual disk's capacity with your VM configuration record.
2. If you intend to use empty unallocated space, select that space. Do not arbitrarily delete existing partitions: deleting them can remove their data.
3. If a Ready to install screen appears, check the image and target again before selecting Install.
4. Allow file copying and restarts to complete without forcing the VM off. If the ISO boot prompt appears during a restart, avoid starting setup again from the beginning.
5. When prompted, set the Administrator password. Follow the sign-in instructions and send the required secure key sequence through the VM connection tool.

The connection tool provides a way to send Ctrl+Alt+Delete to the guest. If pressing the keys affects the host instead, check which window is receiving input before concluding that the guest is unresponsive.

Check the installed operating system and sign-in

After signing in, confirm that the desktop appears. Open PowerShell from the Start menu and query the installed operating system:

Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem |
    Select-Object Caption, Version, BuildNumber

The command returns the operating system caption, version, and build number. Actual values depend on the installation image and updates. Check that Caption identifies the intended Windows Server edition. Also confirm that Server Manager or PowerShell opens and that you can sign out and sign back in through the VM console.

Once the operating system boots successfully from the virtual hard disk, disconnect unnecessary installation media or adjust the boot order. Record the VM name, selected image, installation option, and basic device configuration so that you can distinguish this initial state from later role changes.

Resolve unexpected results

• Only a command line and SConfig appear: check whether you installed Core. If you need the desktop, reinstall the intended option before adding roles or data.
• The sign-in password is rejected: check the keyboard layout, letter case, and selected account. Do not reveal the password on a public screen to troubleshoot it.
• The first setup screen appears again: check whether the VM is booting from the installed disk or returning to the ISO.
• The expected disk is missing: check the virtual disk connection or, on physical hardware, whether a storage driver is required. Do not initialize another disk without identifying it.

Complete the checks through image selection, disk boot, Administrator sign-in, and the operating system query. The computer name, networking, updates, and server roles are configured separately on top of this installation.