This guide shows you how to download, install and activate Windows Server 2025 Datacenter using your Retail key.
⬇️ Download – Windows Server 2025
The ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center contains Standard and Datacenter. It initially installs an evaluation version, which you convert to the full version with your key in step 5. Server 2025 is only available as a 64-bit version.
1. Create installation media
Download the ISO and write it to a USB drive of at least 8 GB using Rufus or the Windows USB tool.
2. Boot from the media
Boot the server from the USB drive (boot menu via F2, F11 or Del, depending on the manufacturer).
3. Choose the edition
Select Windows Server 2025 Datacenter (Evaluation). If you want a graphical user interface, we recommend the option with Desktop Experience; Core is the lean option without a desktop.
4. Installation
Choose the custom installation and the target partition. After the restart, set the administrator password.
5. Activation
The evaluation version cannot be activated directly with a Retail key. Therefore, open Command Prompt as administrator and convert the edition: DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:YOUR-KEY /AcceptEula. Restart the server when prompted.
Then check under Settings > System > Activation whether Windows is activated. If not, enter the key there again or activate via Command Prompt as administrator: slmgr /ipk YOUR-KEY followed by slmgr /ato.
After installation
- Install updates and restart the server.
- Add server roles via Server Manager.
- Check the activation status with
slmgr /xpr.
Still need help?
Email us at support@mykeys24.com – our team will help you with download, installation and activation Mon–Sun from 10:00 to 22:00.
