How To Install Windows Server 2012

Introduction

In today's article you will learn how to install "Windows Server 2012" and what it's Installation Options are.

Windows Server 2012 shares the following two installation modes:

• Server Core Installation.
• Server with a GUI.

The Server Core Installation mode doesn't have the Graphical shell interestingly enough and is meant to minimize the attack surface of a machine and improve it's performance.

The Server with a GUI mode does give you Windows Explorer, the Microsoft Management Console Interface etc.

Both of these modes are available while installing the Windows Server 2012 but the Server Core Installation is the default option. Unless you override it, your Windows Server 2012 will have the Core.

By using "Dynamic Interface Switching" you can go back and forth between "Server Core" and "GUI" that will give you great flexibility as Administrator. There are two ways for doing this type of switching:

1. Dynamic Install Mode Switching: It's work flow would be: "Install Server with GUI" > "Perform Initial Configuration using your Tools" > "Switch to Server Core" for the performance and security of the system.
2. Intermediate State: It's called "Minimal Server Interface". It's work flow would be: "Install GUI" or "switch to GUI" then you can remove the Server Graphical Shell but you can still have access to your Core Tools like Server Manager, MMC, and Subset of Control Panel Options.

Thus this time Microsoft has given Administrators much more flexibility in terms of how they want Windows to run.

Now you will see some important steps that you must follow when installing the Windows Server 2012.

Step 1

As you begin the installation, some options are available for selection, like Language Option and the Time and Currency Option. After selecting these options click on Next.

Step 2

As you click on the Next button, there would be two options in front of you, one for the Installation and another one for the Repair. Click on "Install Now".

Step 3

Now there would be two important Installation options present in front of you from which you must select the preferred Installation Mode.

1. Server Core Installation.
2. Server with a GUI.

Here I have selected the second option i.e. Server with a GUI.

Step 4

Now as always you must accept the License terms for continuation of the process and click on the "Next" button.

Step 5

You can Upgrade or can do a Fresh Installation. For a fresh installation, click on the second option i.e. Custom: Install Windows Only.

Step 6

If you click on the Fresh Installation then you will be asked where you want to Install Windows (in which Driver). You can also load a new Custom Driver by clicking on Load Driver that is given on the lower left corner of the window.

Step 7

You can also click on the Drive Option where you can delete the partition or format the drive.

Step 8

Now after doing all the customization click on Next and your Windows Installation will start, you will see that it's only a two-step process.

Step 9

After rebooting you can enter your password for your Admin and then click Next.

Step 10

After setting the password for the Admin you will be asked to press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to sign in, just press these buttons, then enter your username and password and you will be signed in.