Windows Server 2022 Datacenter : How to Download, Install, and Activate (Complete Guide)

Looking for a powerful, secure, and scalable server OS with advanced features?

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is designed for enterprise environments, large-scale virtualization, and hybrid cloud scenarios. With advanced security, software-defined storage, and unlimited virtualization rights, Datacenter is the ideal choice for businesses needing maximum flexibility and performance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Verify system requirements
• Download official installation media
• Install Windows Server 2022 Datacenter (clean or upgrade-in-place)
• Activate & license correctly

Step 1: Quick Specs & Requirements

• Editions: Standard, Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure Edition (this guide focuses on Datacenter)
• CPU: x86-64 (64-bit) compatible; modern multi-core recommended
• RAM: 2 GB+ (Desktop Experience) / 512 MB (Server Core)
• Storage: 32 GB+ minimum (64 GB+ recommended for roles/updates)
• Firmware/Security: UEFI 2.3.1c with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 recommended
• Network: 1 Gbps NIC or better

Tip: For enterprise deployments, use redundant storage (RAID/Storage Spaces Direct), multiple NICs, and plan ample CPU/RAM for virtual machines, containers, and cloud integrations.

Step 2: Download Official Installation Media

Go to the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-server-2022

Choose Standard and your language.

Download the ISO (or VHDX for virtual environments).

Verify checksums (optional but recommended).

Note: You will need a valid license key to convert the evaluation to a fully activated version. You can purchase a genuine Windows Server 2022 Datacenter License Key here: Buy License Key.

Step 3: Create Bootable Media (If Installing on Bare Metal)

• USB (8 GB+): Use Rufus or the Windows USB/DVD tool to write the ISO
• Virtualization: Mount the ISO directly in Hyper-V/VMware

Need help creating bootable media? Follow this guide: Creating a Bootable Windows USB Drive

Step 4: Install Windows Server 2025 Datacenter

Boot from the USB/ISO and start setup

Choose your preferred language, time, and keyboard settings.

Click Next. And then Install now.

When prompted, enter your Windows Server 2022 Datacenter product key, or select I don’t have a product key to add it later.

Choose "Windows Server 2022 Standard (Desktop Experience)" for a GUI-based installation.

Check the box to accept the license terms and click Next.

You should read ALL the license terms before clicking Next

Next, for what type of installation to choose, we’ll go with ‘Custom‘ as we are doing a clean installation with no existing operating system.

Choose Upgrade or Custom to install Windows Server 2022

You’ll have a single, unallocated partition when doing a clean install, so click Next.

Choosing where to install Windows Server 2022

Now, Setup will copy all the installation files, unpack the image, detect devices, and bring you to your first post-setup task.

Step 5: Activate & License Correctly

Open Settings > System > About > Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows

Enter your Windows Server 2022 Datacenter License Key

Click Next and follow the prompts for activation

To convert from evaluation to full retail/volume version using DISM, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter/ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

Then restart and complete activation.

Ready to Deploy Windows Server 2022 Datacenter?

If you need genuine licenses, CALs, or guidance on picking Standard vs. Datacenter, our team can help you size, procure, and activate correctly.

Click here to get your Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Lifetime License Key

Need help now? Contact us with your server specs and role plans, and we’ll recommend the best licensing mix: support@softwareinstore.com.