Windows Server 2022, released on August 18, 2021, is the successor to Windows Server 2019. It is Microsoft's latest long-term servicing (LTSC) version, bringing enterprise-grade performance, cloud integration, and advanced security.
You can install it on a virtual machine for tests or deploy it on a physical server. Whatever, getting the right installation file is the first step.
Well, this Windows Server 2022 download center offers the direct links for downloading Windows Server 2022 Standard and Datacenter ISO and Windows Server 2022 VHD.
🔔 Before downloading, let's take a brief overview of Windows Server 2022 ISO vs. VHD:
| Windows Server 2022 ISO | Windows Server 2022 VHD | |
| Definition | A disk image containing the setup files for installing Windows Server 2022 (like a digital DVD) | A virtual hard disk file (.vhd or .vhdx) that already has Windows Server 2022 pre-installed |
| File Format | .iso | .vhd or .vhdx |
| Typical Size | About 5 GB | 10–20+ GB |
| Primary Usage | Fresh installs, upgrades, or creating bootable USB installers | Quick virtualization, testing, or running a pre-built Windows Server 2022 environment |
| Installation Required | Yes (manual installation) | No (already installed) |
| Where It's Used | Physical servers, PCs, or virtual machines (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V) | Hyper-V or Azure |
Windows Server 2022 Download ISO 64-bit
The Windows Server 2022 ISO is a complete disk image file (similar to a digital copy of a DVD) that allows you to install Windows Server 2022 from scratch. It includes all necessary setup files for both Standard and Datacenter editions.
You can get the genuine Windows Server 21H2 ISO file (x64) directly from these direct links:
⬇️ Download Server 2022 ISO
File size: 4.7 GB
Source: archive.org
⬇️ Download Windows Server 2022 ISO
File size: 4.7 GB
Source: Microsoft official
Notably, the Windows Server 2022 downloaded from Microsoft and other sources is usually an evaluation copy of Windows Server 2022.
More details, Microsoft allows you to use Windows Server 2022 for free for 180 days (about 6 months). After 180 days, some features will stop working. You should convert the evaluation copy to a fully licensed version by entering a valid product key purchased from Microsoft.
If you worry about the security and integrity of the ISO file downloaded from the internet, you can switch to a more reliable way.
iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows is an authenticated disk manager that offers direct entrances for downloading the original ISO file of any Windows version you want, including Windows Server 2022 Standard and Datacenter editions.
- Free download, install, and open iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows on your PC.
- In the Download and create boot disk module, click "Download Windows system image."
- Click on "Windows Server," select "2022" in the Windows version field, and choose "Datacenter," "Standard," or other in the system version field.
- Click "Get" and choose a destination.
Then, wait for the Windows Server 2022 ISO 64-bit to download quickly.
Windows Server 2022 download VHD 64-bit
A Windows Server 2022 VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) is a ready-to-run virtual machine disk with Windows Server 2022 already installed.
Unlike the Windows Server 2022 ISO, the VHD lets you skip setup and go straight to using it. You can boot it up instantly inside Hyper-V (Microsoft's virtualization tool).
Microsoft is a fully legitimate and safe source for Windows Server 2022 VHD download.
Here's the direct link:
⬇️ Download Windows Server 2022 VHD
File size: 9.5 GB
Source: Microsoft official
Share the direct links for free download of Windows Server 2022 with your friends.
How to create a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB installer
Rufus is the most common tool for creating a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB installer; however, using Rufus is actually not easy and error-prone. For tech newbies, I suggest you use iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows.
This multi-functional disk management tool lets you create a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB installer with only a few clicks, no complicated setups.
Here's how:
- Free download, install, and open iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows on your PC.
- Connect an erased USB drive with 32 GB or more storage capacity to your computer.
- In the Download and create boot disk field, click "Create Windows OS USB Installer."
- Select the USB drive as the target disk and click "Select."
- Click on "Windows Server," select "2022" from the Windows version drop-down menu, and select "Datacenter," "Standard," or other in the system version section.
- Click "Start creating boot disk."
This tool will quickly download Windows Server 2022 ISO and automatically begin creating the bootable USB installer.
After that, you can use this bootable installer to deploy a clean Windows Server 2022 installation, test Windows Server 2022 on multiple devices, or start up a PC that won't turn on.
Share this easy-to-use Windows bootable USB installer creation tool with others.
How to install Windows Server 2022 on a virtual machine
There are diverse virtualization tools to help you install Windows Server 2022 on a virtual machine, including Hyper-V, VirtualBox, and VMware Workstation.
Option 1. Use Hyper-V to install Windows Server 2022 on a virtual machine
If your PC runs Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, you can use the built-in Hyper-V tool to run Windows Server 2022 on your computer without affecting your main OS.
- Download the Windows Server 2022 VHD from the Evaluation Center.
- Search for Hyper-V Manager and open it on your computer.
- Click "New" > "Virtual Machine" in the right-hand pane.
- Follow the wizard to enter a name, select "Generation 1," allocate memory (RAM) - minimum 4 GB, and configure networking.
Note: Choose "Generation 2" if you have a .vhdx file of Windows Server 2022. - Choose "Use an existing virtual hard disk" if asked for a virtual hard disk.
- Browse to the downloaded Windows Server 2022 .vhd file.
- Check the summary and click "Finish."
- In Hyper-V Manager, select your new VM, click "Start" > "Connect."
- Windows Server 2022 will prompt you to set the Administrator password.
After that, Windows Server 2022 will boot instantly, no installation required.
Option 2. Use VirtualBox to install Windows Server 2022 on a virtual machine
If you don't have a Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise PC that has Hyper-V, you can also use VirtualBox to install Windows Server 2022 on a virtual machine.
- Install VirtualBox on your computer.
- Get Windows Server 2022 ISO (from Microsoft Evaluation Center).
- Ensure your computer has at least 4 GB of memory (8 GB is recommended) and 40 GB or more available disk space.
- Open VirtualBox and click "New."
- Enter a name for the virtual machine, set "Microsoft Windows" as Type, and "Windows 2022 (64-bit)" as Version.
Note: If VirtualBox doesn't list Windows Server 2022, selecting 2019 is also okay. - Check "Skip Unattached Installation" and click "Next."
- Set at least 4 GB (4096 MB) of memory and click "Next."
- Choose "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click "Create."
- Select "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" and click "Next."
- Select "Dynamically allocated" and click "Next."
- Assign at least 40 GB for disk size and click "Create."
- Choose the created virtual machine, click "Settings" > "Storage."
- Under Controller: IDE, click the empty CD icon > "Choose a disk file."
- Find and select your Windows Server 2022 ISO, and click "Open" > "OK."
- Go to "Settings" > "System."
- In the Processor field, allocate 2 or more CPU cores.
- In the Network field, ensure "Adapter 1" is attached to the NAT or "Bridged Adapter" for the internet.
- In the Motherboard field, enable EFI.
- Check the summary and click "Finish."
- Select your virtual machine and click "Start."
- Follow the on-screen guide to install Windows Server 2022, and the virtual machine will restart automatically.
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FAQs about Windows Server 2022 download
- QCan I download Windows Server 2022 ISO non-evaluation for free?
-
A
By default, the Windows Server 2022 ISO file you downloaded from Microsoft or other online sources is an evaluation version. That means you can only use Windows Server 2022 for free for 180 days.
You can download Windows Server 2022 ISO non-evaluation Standard or Datacenter version directly from iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows, a Windows disk manager. Notably, a valid product key is still required when you run the non-evaluation Windows Server 2022.
- QIs Windows Server 2022 free?
-
A
Microsoft offers Windows Server 2022 Evaluation, which allows you to run it for free for 180 days. When the time is out, you should purchase a product key.
- QIs Microsoft Windows Server 2022 still supported?
-
A
Yes, Windows Server 2022 (LTSC editions: Standard, Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure Edition) is still supported by Microsoft.
- QWhere do I download Windows Server 2022?
-
A
You can download Windows Server 2022 from Microsoft's official website. Also, iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Windows, a disk manager, offers you direct entrances to download Windows Server 2022 and others. It also helps you create a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB installer.