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How to install windows server 2022 on VirtualBox

Published: December 1, 2025 (Updated: Dec 1, 2025)

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The Ultimate Guide: Install Windows Server 2022 Evaluation on VirtualBox for Free!

Hi there! This is Darren O’Neil from Darren’s Tech Tutorials, and I’m thrilled to guide you through one of the most essential steps for any aspiring IT professional or home lab enthusiast: installing Microsoft Windows Server 2022.

We’re going to tackle this entire process step-by-step, starting with securing the evaluation copy of the software and ending with a fully functional Windows Server 2022 virtual machine running inside Oracle VirtualBox. This is the perfect way to test new configurations, learn server management, and build out your skills without needing dedicated hardware.

Ready to build your server environment? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Download the Windows Server 2022 ISO

The first thing we need is the installation media. Microsoft provides a free, fully functional evaluation copy of Windows Server 2022, which is perfect for our VirtualBox project.

  1. Navigate to the Evaluation Center: Open your web browser and navigate directly to the Microsoft Evaluation Center.

    Download Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-server-2022

  2. Select ISO: On the download page, make sure you select the ISO option (this is the disc image file we need).
  3. Start the Download: Follow the prompts to begin the download. Be patient! This file is large (about 10GB) and may take a little while to complete.

Once the download is finished, you’re ready to move over to VirtualBox.

Step 2: Creating the Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

With the ISO file ready, we can now configure the Virtual Machine (VM) environment.

  1. Open VirtualBox: Launch Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager.
  2. Create a New Machine: Click the Machine menu and select New, or click the New icon.
  3. Name and ISO Selection:
    • Name: Give your VM a recognizable name, such as Windows Server 2022 Demo.
    • ISO Image: Click the dropdown menu and navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded ServerEval ISO file.
    • Crucial Step: Skip Unattended Installation! Beneath the ISO path, ensure you check the box that says Skip Unattended Installation. We want full control over the setup process.
  4. Allocate Resources: Click Next.
    • Base Memory: We recommend a minimum of 2048 MB (2 GB) of RAM for smooth operation.
    • Processors: Give the VM at least 2 CPUs to ensure it has enough processing power to run the server environment efficiently.
  5. Hard Disk Creation: Click Next.
    • Ensure the option Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now is selected.
    • The default size of 50 GB is sufficient for the installation. Click Next and then Finish.

Your new VM is now configured and ready for the operating system installation!

Step 3: Running the Windows Server 2022 Setup

We now need to boot the VM using the ISO we provided and walk through the standard Windows setup wizard.

  1. Start the VM: In VirtualBox Manager, select your new Windows Server 2022 Demo VM and click Start.
  2. Initial Setup Screen: The VM will boot and load the Windows setup files.
    • Leave the default settings for Language, Time, and Keyboard Input (English, United States) unless you require a different configuration. Click Next.
    • Click Install Now.
  3. Select the Operating System Version: This step is extremely important!
    • You will see four options. To ensure you have the familiar graphical interface (GUI) desktop that you are accustomed to, you must select: Windows Server 2022 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience).
    • Note: If you choose the standard evaluation without the Desktop Experience, you will only have the PowerShell command line interface.
  4. License and Installation Type:
    • Check the box to accept the Microsoft License Terms and click Next.
    • Choose Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced).
  5. Select Drive: You will see the 50 GB drive that VirtualBox created. Click on it to select it, and then click Next.

The installation process will now begin, copying files and installing features. This is the longest part of the installation and may take 15–30 minutes, depending on your host machine’s speed.

Step 4: Finalizing the Installation and Logging In

Once the installation is complete, the VM will reboot. You are now prompted to finish the configuration.

  1. Set Administrator Password: Windows Server requires a strong password for the built-in Administrator account. Enter and confirm a strong password, and then click Finish.
  2. Log In: To log into the server, you need to input the Ctrl + Alt + Delete command.
    • VirtualBox Tip: Because the standard keyboard shortcut will affect your host operating system, you must use the special VirtualBox command: Host Key (Right Control) + Delete, or go to the Input menu, select Keyboard, and choose Insert Ctrl-Alt-Del.
  3. Enter the password you just created.

Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded, installed, and logged into Windows Server 2022 running inside VirtualBox. You now have a complete, contained server environment ready for learning and experimentation.

Conclusion: Start Experimenting Today!

We’ve covered all the critical steps—from securing the ISO to successfully navigating the server setup and logging into your desktop environment. You are now equipped with a powerful tool for tech exploration.

Now is the time to start learning! Try installing server roles, configuring Active Directory, or setting up a web server right inside this new VM.

If this guide was helpful in getting your server up and running, please do me a favor: Like this post and subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear and accessible guides. Your support helps the channel grow!

Happy serving, and I’ll catch you in the next tutorial!