# 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