Windows Server 1.1 : Install Windows Server 2019

In the previous lesson we created the virtual machine. Now we install Windows Server 2019 inside it. Start the VM from Hyper-V Manager and the Windows installer should appear automatically. The first screen asks for language and regional settings — accept the defaults, click Next, then Install now. The installer takes a moment, then offers a choice of editions.

Steps of the install

  • Edition — pick Windows Server 2019 Datacenter (Desktop Experience), click Next.
  • License agreement — accept, click Next.
  • Install type — since the disk is brand new, choose a clean install (Custom), not Upgrade. An upgrade would be the right choice on top of an existing Windows Server 2016, but not here.
  • Target disk — leave the only listed virtual disk as is (this is the VHDX created with the VM) and click Next.

The installer copies files, applies them and reboots the VM. After the reboot it asks for the administrator password — set it, click Finish, and then sign in. The very first sign-in always takes a little longer because Windows is building the user profile; this is normal and does not happen on subsequent logons. Once on the desktop, you have a fully functional Windows Server 2019 instance with network and Internet connectivity.

Two pop-ups appear on first sign-in. The first asks if you want the PC to be discoverable on the network by other devices — click Yes. The second is the Windows Admin Center banner about server management; tick Don't show this again so it stops appearing on every logon, close it, and the installation phase is complete. Windows Server 2019 is now installed.

Summary

This lesson demonstrates the complete step-by-step installation of Windows Server 2019 on a newly created virtual machine. From the initial installation wizard through configuration choices (Datacenter edition with Desktop Experience), custom installation selection, administrator password setup, and final first login with network configuration. The lesson confirms that after installation, Windows Server 2019 is fully operational and internet-connected, with first login taking slightly longer due to user profile initialization.

Key points

  • Select Windows Server 2019 Datacenter with Desktop Experience from the installation options for full functionality
  • Choose custom installation for new machines; upgrade installation is only applicable for existing Windows Server systems being upgraded to 2019
  • The virtual hard disk created during VM setup serves as the installation target and requires no manual configuration
  • Administrator password configuration occurs after installation files are copied and before completing the setup
  • First login takes longer than subsequent logins because the system builds the user profile for the first time
  • Network detection and Server Manager popups appear on first login; Server Manager can be disabled via settings if not immediately needed

FAQ

What installation option should I choose for a new virtual machine?

For a new machine, select the custom installation option. This allows a clean installation of Windows Server 2019 on the virtual disk. The upgrade option is only used when migrating from an existing Windows Server installation.

Why does the first login take longer than subsequent logins?

The first login is slower because the system is building your user profile for the initial time. The system creates and initializes profile data, which takes additional seconds. Subsequent logins will be significantly faster.

Can I upgrade an existing Windows Server system to Windows Server 2019?

Yes, if you have an existing Windows Server installation (such as Windows Server 2016), you can perform an upgrade installation instead of a clean installation to migrate to Windows Server 2019 while preserving your existing configuration.