Install Windows Server 2022 in VMware Workstation 17 + Easy Video Tutorial
This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Orcacore, will walk you through the process to install Windows Server 2022 in VMware Workstation 17. For those new to virtualization, we’ll begin by explaining the fundamentals of "VMware Workstation" before diving into the installation steps. This will ensure everyone, regardless of their experience level, can successfully set up their own Windows Server 2022 environment.
What is VMware Workstation and what is its advantage?
Simply put, VMware Workstation is virtualization software.
VMware Workstation is installed directly on your local operating system, such as Windows 11, and enables you to install and run other operating systems within it. These virtualized environments operate independently of your host OS.
These types of virtualizers differ slightly from server-based virtualization solutions. They are commonly used for creating isolated testing environments, running multiple operating systems on a single PC or laptop, or experimenting with different software configurations without affecting your primary system.
Workstation is a flagship product from VMware, a company renowned for its expertise in virtualization technologies and related products. Recent versions of this software have incorporated numerous enhancements, offering significant advantages to users.
Before we start, you’ll need the Windows Server 2022 ISO file. You can download it from the official Windows Server 2022 download page.
Once downloaded, open VMware Workstation on your computer and follow the steps below to install Windows Server 2022 in VMware Workstation 17.
Step 1: Create a Virtual Machine on VMware Workstation
1-1. From the File menu, click New Virtual Machine. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N.
1-2. In the first window, select the Typical option and click Next.
Point: You can choose the custom option and change the SCSI controller type and compatibility older version.
1-3. In this step, select the ISO file of Windows Server 2022 by clicking the browse button. Once selected, VMware Workstation will automatically detect the operating system.
1-4. You should see a window similar to the image below. You don’t need to fill in all the fields; just enter a desired name in the full name section.
Point: The name you enter here will be used to create a user account in Windows after installation. Don’t worry; we’ll enable the Administrator account in the final steps.
1-5. In the next window, enter the virtual machine name and choose the location where your Virtual Machine will be stored.
1.6- On the next window, you can specify disk capacity and then click next.
Point: 60 GB capacity is enough for Windows, but if you want to install other software inside the virtual machine or need more capacity, you can increase that.
Customize Virtual Machine Hardware
1.7- In the last window of the new virtual machine wizard, you can select finished or click on “customize hardware” for customizing RAM, CPU, or other settings.
In this tutorial, we select customize hardware to increase RAM and CPU.
Recommendation: If you have sufficient RAM and CPU resources available, allocate more to your virtual machine for improved performance.
1.8- Next, select the hardware you want from the left panel and customize it from the right panel.
1.9- Click Close and Finish to build your virtual machine when the customization is completed.
You’ve now successfully created a virtual machine for installing Install Windows Server 2022 in VMware Workstation 17. Allow the virtual machine to power on automatically to continue with the installation.
Step 2: Start the unattended Installing Windows Server 2022 in VMware Workstation 17
In newer versions of VMware Workstation, the Windows installation process is often automated, so you might not see the typical installation steps.
Don’t be surprised if you don’t see some of the steps below. The workstation will proceed with the steps automatically.
2-1. After clicking the finish button in the last step, the virtual machine turns on and starts to install windows server 2022 in VMware Workstation.
2-2. After a few minutes, you will see a window like the one below. In this section, the files will start to be copied.
2-3. Depending on the speed of your system and your hard disk, the installation process will finish after a few minutes, and you will see a window similar to the below image. At this stage, click on restart now or wait for the operating system to restart after 10 seconds.
Install VMware Workstation tools automatically
2.4- At this point, the virtual machine will start the final installation process and will be restarted twice. Then, the login window will be displayed.
Points: Same as the name you entered when creating the virtual machine, a user will be created in your Windows. The workstation will log in with the same user and start installing its tools.
2-5. After the VMware Workstation Tools process is completed, a window will appear asking you to restart the operating system. Click on Reboot.
