Running a Windows Server 2012 VM in Virtualbox 🌱

  1. Locate a Windows Server 2012 iso
  2. Launch Virtualbox
  3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

    Name: Microsoft Windows Server 2012
    Machine Folder: C:\VMs
    Type: Microsoft Windows
    Version: Windows 2012 (64-bit)
    Memory Size: 4096 MB
    Hard disk: Create a virtual hard disk now

  4. Click Create
  5. On the Create Virtual Hard Disk dialog

    Name the virtual disk image Microsoft Windows Server 2012.vdi
    File size: 50.00 GB
    Hard disk file type: VDI
    Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically Allocated

  6. Click Create
  7. Select the VM and Click Settings
  8. Select System > Processor
  9. Give the VM at least 2 processors
  10. Select Display
  11. Slide the Video Memory to 128 MB
  12. Select Storage
  13. Click on the CD-ROM drive
  14. Select the disc dropdown to the right > Choose a virtual optical disc file...
  15. Browse to and select the Windows Server 2012 .iso file
  16. Click OK
  17. Make sure the Windows Server 2012 VM is selected and click Start > Normal
  18. Click Next
  19. Click Install Now
  20. Select the desired edition > Click Next
  21. Check the I accept box > Click Next
  22. Click Custom (advanced) > Click Next
  23. Wait for Windows to copy files, the VM will reboot
  24. Enter a password > Re-type the password > Enter a password hint > Click Next
  25. Select Input > Keyboard > Ctrl-Alt-Del
  26. Input the administrator password and login
  27. Welcome back to Server 2012

Optional Steps

  1. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image...
  2. If VirtualBox Guest Additions doesn't autorun, open My Computer > CD Drive > Double click VBoxWindowsAdditions-amd64.exe
  3. Install Guest Additions accepting the defaults
  4. Accept any driver popups from the Guest Additions installer by clicking the Yes button
  5. After the installation completes select Reboot now > Click Finish