Follow these steps to install and activate your Windows Server 2025 Datacenter license.
1. Download the ISO file
Go to the official Microsoft page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-server-2025. Select your language and click ISO download – 64-bit edition.
2. Create installation media
Use a USB flash drive (8 GB or more) and create a bootable installer using a tool like Rufus.
3. Boot from the USB
Insert the USB drive into your PC or server and restart the device. Enter the boot menu (usually F2, F12, Esc, or Del) and select the USB drive.
4. Start installation
Choose your language, region, and keyboard input, then click Install now.
5. Choose edition
Select Windows Server 2025 Datacenter (Desktop Experience) from the list of available versions.
6. Accept the license terms
Check the box to accept Microsoft’s terms and click Next.
7. Choose custom install
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). Choose a partition and format it if needed.
8. Complete setup
Wait for the installation to finish. The system will restart multiple times during the process.
9. Set administrator password
After installation, create a password for the Administrator account.
10. Activate Windows Server
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the following command:
Dism /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Replace the X with the product key you received by email.
Your Windows Server 2025 Datacenter is now installed and activated.