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Step-by-step Guide to creating a Windows Server 2025 Virtual Machine

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Shane Menezes
Author
Shane Menezes
Oracle DBA L2
Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Windows Server 2025 VM Using VMware Workstation Pro
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In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of setting up a Windows Server 2025 virtual machine using VMware Workstation Pro. This guide is ideal for users who want to set up a Windows Server environment for testing or development.

Prerequisites
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Before we begin, ensure you have the following:

  • VMware Workstation Pro: Make sure VMware Workstation Pro is installed and licensed (License is now Free for Personal Use).
  • Windows Server 2025 ISO file: Download the official ISO file from Microsoft Offical Website.
  • Adequate system resources: At least 4 GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, and sufficient disk space for the VM.

Step 1: Launch VMware Workstation Pro
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  1. Open VMware Workstation Pro from your desktop or start menu.
  2. From the Home screen, click on Create a New Virtual Machine or go to File > New Virtual Machine or press Ctrl+N

Step 2: Configure Virtual Machine Settings
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  1. In the New Virtual Machine Wizard, select Custom (advanced) and click Next.
    Step 02
  2. Leave Everything at defaults and Click Next.
    Step 02

Step 3: Guest Operating System Installation
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  1. In the Guest Operating System Installation window, select I will install the operating system later. as the operating system.Click Next.
    Step 02
    2.In the Guest Operating System window, select Microsoft Windows as the operating system.
  2. From the Version dropdown, choose Windows Server 2022 (if Windows Server 2025 is not listed, select the closest match). Click Next.
    Step 02

Step 4: Name the Virtual Machine and Choose Location
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  1. Name your virtual machine (e.g., “Windows Server 2025”).
  2. Choose a location to save your VM files or accept the default path. Click Next.
    Step 02
  3. In the Firmware Type Window choose UEFI. Click Next.
    Step 02

Step 5: Set Processor and Memory for the VM RAM, connection type and Controller Type.
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  1. In the Processor Configuration window.
  • Select 2 for the number of Processors.
  • Select 2 for the number of cores per Processors.
    Step 02
  1. In the Memory for the Virtual Machine window. Set 4GB Memory to the VM.
    Step 02
  2. In the Network Type window select Use bridged networking
    Step 02
  3. In the Select I/O Controller Types select LSI Logical SAS (Recommmended)
    Step 02

Step 6: Set Disk Size and Storage Options.
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  1. In the Select Disk Type window, select NVMe (Recommmended).
    Step 02
  2. In the Select a Disk window, choose Create a new virtual disk. Click Next
    Step 02
  3. In the Specify Disk Capacity window, choose a disk size appropriate for your VM. 60 GB is recommended. Select Store virtual disk as a single file for simplicity (you may also choose Split virtual disk into multiple files if needed).
    Step 02
  4. In the Specify Disk File window, choose a disk file location of your choice.
    Step 02
  5. Click Next.

Step 7: Customize Hardware (Optional)
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  1. To optimize performance, click on Customize Hardware.
  2. Adjust the Memory to at least 4 GB (or more, depending on your system’s capacity).
  3. Set Processors to at least 2 cores.
  4. Optionally, configure Network Adapter settings, USB Controller, or Display options as required.
  5. Once done, click Close, then Finish.

Step 8: Add the Windows Server 2025 ISO File.
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  1. In the Virtual Machine Settings click CD/DVD (SATA) and select the Use ISO Image file.
    Step 02
  2. Browse for the Windows Server 2025 ISO image.
  3. Click OK close the Virtual Machine Settings

Step 9: Power On the Virtual Machine
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  1. Return to the main VMware Workstation Pro window.
  2. Locate your new VM from the Library and select it.
  3. Click Power on this virtual machine to start the installation process.

Step 10: Install Windows Server 2025
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  1. Upon powering on the VM, you’ll see the Windows Server Setup screen.
  2. Select your Language, Time and Currency format preferences, then click Next.
    Step 02
  3. Click Next.
  4. Select your Keyboard or input method then click Next.
    Step 02
  5. Select your Install Windows Server and select I agree everyting will be deleted including files, app, and settings click Next.
    Step 02
  6. Choose the Windows Server edition you want to install i.e Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience). Click Next.
    Step 02
  7. Click Accept to accept the license terms.
    Step 02
  8. Select the Select the virtual disk that you created earlier Disk 0 to install Windows Server and click Next.
    Step 02
  9. Windows Server 2025 Installation will Begin.
    Step 02

Step 11: Complete Initial Setup and Configure Admin Account
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  1. After installation, Windows Server will reboot. You’ll be prompted to set up an Administrator password.
  2. Enter a strong password and press Finish.
    Step 02

Step 12: Log In to Windows Server 2025
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  1. Once the setup is complete, press Ctrl+Alt+Del (or use VMware’s Send Ctrl+Alt+Del option).
  2. Log in using the Administrator account and password you set up.
    Step 02

Step 13: Install VMware Tools (Optional but Recommended) #

  1. After logging in, go to the VM menu in VMware Workstation Pro.
  2. Select Install VMware Tools to enhance VM performance, such as improved graphics and seamless mouse integration.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install VMware Tools and reboot if necessary.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up a Windows Server 2025 VM in VMware Workstation Pro. You can now begin configuring your server environment, install roles and features, and use it for testing or development purposes.

Happy virtualizing!