Running a Windows Server 2025 VM in VirtualBox 🌱

  1. Download the Windows Server 2025 iso Download
  2. Launch Virtualbox
  3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

    Name: Windows Server 2025
    Machine Folder: C:\VMs
    Type: Microsoft Windows
    Version: Other Windows (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 Windows Server 2025.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 2025 .iso file
  16. Click OK
  17. Make sure the Windows Server 2025 VM is selected and click Start > Normal
  18. If prompted, press a key to boot to the CD/DVD drive
  19. Set the Language settings > Click Next
  20. Set the Keyboard settings > Click Next
  21. Click the I agree everything will be deleted checkbox > Click Next
  22. Enter a product key or select I don't have a product key > Click Next
  23. Select the desired edition > Click Next
  24. On the License Terms screen click Accept
  25. With the Unallocated Space selected, click Next
  26. Click Install
  27. Wait for Windows to copy files, the VM will reboot several times
  28. If prompted, enter a Product Key or click Do this later
  29. Enter and confirm a password for the Administrator account > Click Finish
  30. Select Input > Keyboard > Ctrl-Alt-Del
  31. Input the administrator password and login
  32. Welcome to Windows Server 2025

Optional Steps

  1. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image...
  2. If VirtualBox Guest Additions doesn't autorun, open File Explorer > CD Drive > Right click VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe > Run as administrator
  3. Install Guest Additions accepting the defaults
  4. Accept any driver popups from the Guest Additions installer by clicking the Install button
  5. After the installation completes select Reboot now > Click Finish

What's New in Server 2025: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/windows-server-2025/get-started/whats-new