How to Download Windows Server 2016 Standard ISO
Windows Server 2016 is the cloud-ready operating system that delivers new layers of security and Azure-inspired innovation for the applications and infrastructure that power your business. In this article, you will learn how to download Windows Server 2016 Standard ISO from Microsoft and how to activate it after installation.
What is Windows Server 2016?
Windows Server 2016 is the latest version of Windows Server, which was released in October 2016. It is based on the same core as Windows 10 and supports both on-premises and cloud deployments. Windows Server 2016 offers many new and improved features that enhance the performance, security, reliability, and scalability of your server environment.
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Features and benefits of Windows Server 2016
Some of the key features and benefits of Windows Server 2016 are:
Hyper-V: This is the virtualization technology that allows you to create and manage virtual machines on your server. Hyper-V in Windows Server 2016 supports new capabilities such as nested virtualization, shielded virtual machines, production checkpoints, hot add and remove for memory and network adapters, and more.
Storage Spaces Direct: This is a feature that enables you to create highly available and scalable storage clusters using local disks on your servers. Storage Spaces Direct can use NVMe, SSD, or HDD disks and supports erasure coding, deduplication, compression, encryption, and tiering.
Storage Replica: This is a feature that enables you to replicate volumes between servers or clusters for disaster recovery purposes. Storage Replica supports synchronous and asynchronous replication modes, block-level replication, and stretch clusters.
Software-Defined Networking: This is a feature that allows you to create and manage virtual networks on your server using a centralized controller. Software-Defined Networking in Windows Server 2016 supports new capabilities such as network virtualization, network security groups, distributed firewall, load balancing, gateway services, and more.
Nano Server: This is a deployment option that provides a minimal footprint server operating system that is optimized for cloud applications and containers. Nano Server has no local logon capability and can only be managed remotely via PowerShell or other tools.
Containers: These are isolated environments that allow you to run applications without affecting the host system or other containers. Containers in Windows Server 2016 support both Windows Server containers and Hyper-V containers, which offer different levels of isolation and performance.
Active Directory: This is the feature that provides identity and access management for your network. Active Directory in Windows Server 2016 supports new capabilities such as Privileged Access Management, Azure AD Join, Group Managed Service Accounts, Time-Based Group Membership, and more.
PowerShell: This is the scripting language and command-line tool that allows you to automate tasks and manage your server. PowerShell in Windows Server 2016 supports new modules, cmdlets, classes, operators, variables, and more.
Editions and installation options of Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 comes in three main editions: Datacenter, Standard, and Essentials. Each edition has different features, licensing, and pricing. Additionally, Windows Server 2016 offers two installation options: Server Core and Server with Desktop Experience. Each option has different benefits and drawbacks. Here is a brief overview of each edition and installation option:
Datacenter edition
This is the most advanced and expensive edition of Windows Server 2016. It is designed for highly virtualized and cloud environments that require unlimited virtualization rights, advanced storage and networking features, and enhanced security and automation capabilities. The Datacenter edition costs $6,155 per 16-core license.
Standard edition
This is the most common and affordable edition of Windows Server 2016. It is designed for physical or minimally virtualized environments that require core functionality, basic storage and networking features, and standard security and automation capabilities. The Standard edition costs $882 per 16-core license and allows up to two virtual machines or Hyper-V containers per license.
Essentials edition
This is the simplest and cheapest edition of Windows Server 2016. It is designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices that require basic functionality, easy management, and cloud integration. The Essentials edition costs $501 per server license and does not support virtualization or Hyper-V containers.
Server Core
This is the default installation option of Windows Server 2016. It provides a minimal server operating system that runs only the essential services and features, such as Hyper-V, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, File Services, etc. Server Core has no graphical user interface (GUI) and can only be managed remotely via PowerShell or other tools. Server Core offers better performance, security, and stability than Server with Desktop Experience, but it also requires more skills and experience to administer.
Server with Desktop Experience
This is the alternative installation option of Windows Server 2016. It provides a full server operating system that runs all the services and features of Server Core, plus the GUI and additional components, such as Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, Control Panel, etc. Server with Desktop Experience can be managed locally or remotely via PowerShell or other tools. Server with Desktop Experience offers more convenience, compatibility, and functionality than Server Core, but it also consumes more resources, exposes more attack surface, and requires more updates.
How to download Windows Server 2016 ISO from Microsoft?
If you want to try Windows Server 2016 for free before buying it, you can download an evaluation version from Microsoft's evaluation center website. The evaluation version is valid for 180 days and can be converted to a licensed version later. Here are the steps to download Windows Server 2016 ISO from Microsoft:
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Step 1: Go to the evaluation center website
Open your web browser and go to . This is the official website where you can download various Microsoft products for evaluation purposes.
Step 2: Select your product experience
On the evaluation center website, you will see two options: "Download" and "Azure". The "Download" option allows you to download an ISO file that you can burn to a DVD or mount to a USB drive. The "Azure" option allows you to create a virtual machine in the cloud using Microsoft Azure. Choose the option that suits your needs and click on it.
Step 3: Choose an edition and an installation option
On the next page, you will see a list of available editions and installation options of Windows Server 2016. You can choose between Datacenter or Standard editions, and between Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience installation options. You can also choose the language of your ISO file. Select the desired options and click on "Continue".
Step 4: Register, download and install
On the final page, you will need to register with your Microsoft account or create a new one if you don't have one already. You will also need to provide some basic information about yourself and your organization. After completing the registration process, you will receive an email with a link to download your ISO file. You can also see your product key on this page. Download the ISO file to your computer and then burn it to a DVD or mount it to a USB drive using a tool like Rufus. Then, boot your computer from the DVD or USB drive and follow the instructions on the screen to install Windows Server 2016.</p How to activate Windows Server 2016 after installation?
After installing Windows Server 2016, you will need to activate it within 30 days to continue using it. Activation verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more devices than the license allows. You can activate Windows Server 2016 online or by phone, depending on your product key type. Here are the steps to activate Windows Server 2016 after installation:
Step 1: Connect to the internet
The easiest way to activate Windows Server 2016 is online. To do this, you will need to connect your server to the internet. You can use a wired or wireless connection, depending on your network configuration. If you have a firewall or proxy server, you may need to configure it to allow activation traffic.
Step 2: Enter your product key
Next, you will need to enter your product key. A product key is a 25-character code that identifies your edition and license of Windows. You can find your product key on the confirmation email you received after downloading the ISO file, on the DVD or USB drive label, or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on your server. To enter your product key, follow these steps:
Open the Start menu and type "slui.exe" in the search box.
Press Enter or click on the "slui.exe" result.
Select "Change product key" and click on "Next".
Type or paste your product key in the box and click on "Next".
Wait for the activation process to complete.
Step 3: Activate online or by phone
If you have an internet connection and a valid product key, Windows Server 2016 will activate automatically online. You will see a message that says "Windows is activated" and you can close the activation window. If you don't have an internet connection or your product key is not valid, you will need to activate by phone. To do this, follow these steps:
Select "Activate by phone" and click on "Next".
Select your country or region from the drop-down list and click on "Next".
Call the toll-free number that appears on the screen and follow the voice instructions.
Enter the installation ID that appears on the screen using your phone keypad.
Write down the confirmation ID that you receive from the automated system.
Type or paste the confirmation ID in the boxes on the screen and click on "Next".
Wait for the activation process to complete.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned how to download Windows Server 2016 Standard ISO from Microsoft and how to activate it after installation. Windows Server 2016 is a powerful and versatile operating system that can help you run your business more efficiently and securely. Whether you choose the Datacenter, Standard, or Essentials edition, and whether you choose the Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience installation option, you can enjoy the benefits of Windows Server 2016 for your server environment. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about Windows Server 2016:
Q: What are the system requirements for Windows Server 2016?
A: The minimum system requirements for Windows Server 2016 are:
Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
Memory: 512 MB (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience)
Disk space: 32 GB (more if there is a system partition)
Network adapter: Gigabit Ethernet adapter (10/100/1000baseT PHY/MAC)
Internet access: Optional (required for activation)
Q: How long can I use the evaluation version of Windows Server 2016?
A: The evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 is valid for 180 days from the date of installation. You can extend the evaluation period up to three times for a total of 720 days by using the slmgr.vbs /rearm command in an elevated command prompt.
Q: How can I upgrade from an older version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016?
A: You can upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2016 by using either an in-place upgrade or a clean install. An in-place upgrade allows you to keep your existing settings, applications, and data, but it requires that you have the same edition and installation option of the previous version. A clean install allows you to start fresh with a new system, but it requires that you back up your data and reinstall your applications. To perform an upgrade, you will need to have a valid license and product key for Windows Server 2016. You can follow the steps in this article to upgrade your server: .
Q: How can I convert the evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 to a licensed version?
A: You can convert the evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 to a licensed version by using the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool. You will need to have a valid license and product key for Windows Server 2016. You can follow the steps in this article to convert your server: .
Q: How can I get help and support for Windows Server 2016?
A: You can get help and support for Windows Server 2016 from various sources, such as:
Microsoft Support: This is the official website where you can find technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, downloads, updates, forums, and contact information for Microsoft support. You can access it here: .
Windows Server Blog: This is the official blog where you can find news, announcements, tips, best practices, and insights from the Windows Server team. You can access it here: .
Windows Server Channel: This is the official YouTube channel where you can find videos, tutorials, demos, webinars, and interviews about Windows Server. You can access it here: .
Windows Server Community: This is the official online community where you can connect with other Windows Server users, experts, and enthusiasts. You can ask questions, share ideas, provide feedback, and learn from each other. You can access it here: .
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