Windows Server 2019 is a powerful operating system designed for server environments. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it an excellent choice for businesses and organizations. One of the common tasks when working with Windows Server 2019 is installing or reinstalling the operating system on a server. While there are several methods available for installing Windows Server 2019, using a bootable USB drive is one of the most convenient and efficient options.
Creating a bootable USB drive allows you to easily install Windows Server 2019 on a new server or reinstall the operating system on an existing server. It eliminates the need for physical installation media, such as DVDs, and simplifies the installation process. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019 and provide step-by-step instructions for each method. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced IT professional, this guide will help you create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019 with ease.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods of creating a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019, let’s discuss the prerequisites and the things you will need for the process:
1. Windows Server 2019 ISO file: You will need to download the Windows Server 2019 ISO file from the official Microsoft website or obtain it from a trusted source.
2. USB flash drive: You will need a USB flash drive with sufficient capacity to hold the Windows Server 2019 installation files. It is recommended to use a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space.
3. A computer running Windows: You will need a computer running a Windows operating system to perform the necessary steps for creating a bootable USB drive. The computer should have administrative privileges.
4. Rufus utility: Rufus is a popular and reliable utility for creating bootable USB drives. You will need to download Rufus from the official website or obtain it from a trusted source.
What Requires Your Focus?
Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019 involves several steps and methods. Here are the key areas that you should focus on during the process:
1. Choosing the right method: There are multiple methods available for creating a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019. Each method has its advantages and requirements. It is important to understand the different methods and choose the one that best fits your situation and requirements.
2. Following the instructions carefully: Each method has its own set of instructions and steps. It is crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform each step accurately to ensure success. Skipping or incorrectly executing a step can lead to errors or unsuccessful creation of the bootable USB drive.
3. Verifying the bootable USB drive: Once you have created the bootable USB drive, it is important to verify its functionality before using it for installation. You can do this by booting your server from the USB drive and ensuring that the Windows Server 2019 installation process starts without any issues. This step will help you avoid any potential installation problems.
Now that we understand the background and requirements, let’s explore the different methods to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019.
Method 1. How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Using Rufus
Rufus is a widely used utility for creating bootable USB drives. It is easy to use and offers a straightforward process for creating bootable media. Here’s how you can create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019 using Rufus:
Step 1: Download Rufus
Visit the official Rufus website and download the latest version of the utility. Save the Rufus executable file to your computer.
Step 2: Insert the USB Flash Drive
Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. Make sure there is no important data on the USB drive as the process of creating a bootable USB drive will erase all existing data.
Step 3: Run Rufus
Locate the Rufus executable file that you downloaded in Step 1 and run it. Rufus does not require installation and can be executed directly from the downloaded file.
Step 4: Select the USB Drive
In the Rufus utility, ensure that the correct USB drive is selected from the "Device" dropdown menu. If you have multiple USB drives connected to your computer, make sure to choose the correct one.
Step 5: Select the Windows Server 2019 ISO File
Click on the "Select" button next to the "Boot selection" field and browse to the location where you have saved the Windows Server 2019 ISO file. Once you have selected the ISO file, Rufus will automatically populate the remaining fields with the appropriate settings.
Step 6: Choose the Partition Scheme and File System
Under the "Partition scheme" section, select "MBR" if your server’s firmware uses the legacy BIOS mode. If your server uses the UEFI firmware mode, select "GPT". Choose the "FAT32" file system as it is compatible with most computers and servers.
Step 7: Start the Creation Process
Click on the "Start" button to begin the process of creating the bootable USB drive. Rufus will display a warning message stating that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Double-check that you have selected the correct USB drive and click "OK" to proceed.
Step 8: Wait for the Process to Complete
Rufus will now format the USB drive and copy the Windows Server 2019 installation files onto it. The process may take several minutes, depending on the speed of your computer and USB drive. Do not remove the USB drive or interrupt the process until it is completed.
Step 9: Verify the Bootable USB Drive
Once the process is complete, Rufus will display a "READY" message. You can now close Rufus and safely eject the USB drive from your computer. To verify the bootable USB drive, insert it into the server where you want to install Windows Server 2019 and boot from the USB drive. If the installation process starts, it indicates that the USB drive has been successfully created.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Rufus is a reliable utility for creating bootable USB drives. | 1. Requires downloading and installing additional software. |
| 2. Offers a user-friendly interface with step-by-step instructions. | 2. May not be compatible with all USB flash drives. |
| 3. Allows customization of various settings, such as partition scheme and file system. | 3. Formatting the USB drive will erase all existing data. |
Now that we have covered one method, let’s explore another method to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019.
Method 2. How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Using Windows USB/DVD Tool
The Windows USB/DVD Tool is an official utility provided by Microsoft for creating bootable USB drives. It offers a simple and straightforward process for creating bootable media. Here’s how you can use the Windows USB/DVD Tool to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019:
Step 1: Download the Windows USB/DVD Tool
Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows USB/DVD Tool. Save the executable file to your computer.
Step 2: Insert the USB Flash Drive
Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. Make sure to back up any important data on the USB drive as the process of creating a bootable USB drive will erase all existing data.
Step 3: Run the Windows USB/DVD Tool
Locate the executable file that you downloaded in Step 1 and run it. The Windows USB/DVD Tool does not require installation and can be executed directly from the downloaded file.
Step 4: Choose the Windows Server 2019 ISO File
In the Windows USB/DVD Tool, click on the "Browse" button and navigate to the location where you have saved the Windows Server 2019 ISO file. Select the ISO file and click "Open" to proceed.
Step 5: Select USB Device
Select the "USB device" option in the Windows USB/DVD Tool. Ensure that the correct USB drive is selected from the dropdown menu. If you have multiple USB drives connected to your computer, make sure to choose the correct one.
Step 6: Begin the Creation Process
Click on the "Begin copying" button to start creating the bootable USB drive. The Windows USB/DVD Tool will display a warning message stating that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Double-check that you have selected the correct USB drive and click "Erase USB Device" to proceed.
Step 7: Wait for the Process to Complete
The Windows USB/DVD Tool will now format the USB drive and copy the Windows Server 2019 installation files onto it. The process may take several minutes, depending on the speed of your computer and USB drive. Do not remove the USB drive or interrupt the process until it is completed.
Step 8: Verify the Bootable USB Drive
Once the process is complete, the Windows USB/DVD Tool will display a notification indicating that the bootable USB drive has been created successfully. You can now close the Windows USB/DVD Tool and safely eject the USB drive from your computer. To verify the bootable USB drive, insert it into the server where you want to install Windows Server 2019 and boot from the USB drive. If the installation process starts, it indicates that the USB drive has been successfully created.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Official utility provided by Microsoft for creating bootable USB drives. | 1. Requires downloading and installing additional software. |
| 2. Offers a simple and straightforward process with a user-friendly interface. | 2. May not be compatible with all USB flash drives. |
| 3. Allows customization of various settings, such as partition scheme and file system. | 3. Formatting the USB drive will erase all existing data. |
Now that we have covered two methods, let’s explore another method to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019.
Method 3. How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Using Diskpart Command
Diskpart is a command-line utility in Windows that allows you to manage disks, partitions, and volumes. It can also be used to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019. Here’s how you can use the Diskpart command to create a bootable USB drive:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges on your computer. This can be done by searching for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Run as administrator".
Step 2: Run Diskpart
In the Command Prompt window, type "diskpart" and press Enter to start the Diskpart utility. You may need to provide administrator permissions if prompted.
Step 3: List Available Disks
Type "list disk" and press Enter to view a list of all available disks on your computer. Identify the disk number of the USB drive that you want to use for creating a bootable USB drive. Make sure to choose the correct disk as selecting the wrong disk can result in data loss.
Step 4: Select the USB Disk
Type "select disk " and press Enter. Replace "" with the actual disk number of the USB drive. For example, if the USB drive is listed as Disk 1, you would enter "select disk 1".
Step 5: Clean the Disk
Type "clean" and press Enter to erase all data on the USB drive. This will remove any existing partitions and prepare the USB drive for the bootable media.
Step 6: Create a Bootable Partition
Type "create partition primary" and press Enter to create a primary partition on the USB drive.
Step 7: Select the Partition
Type "select partition 1" and press Enter to select the partition you just created.
Step 8: Set the Partition as Active
Type "active" and press Enter to set the selected partition as active. This will make the USB drive bootable.
Step 9: Format the Partition
Type "format fs=ntfs quick" and press Enter to format the partition with the NTFS file system. The "quick" parameter enables quick formatting.
Step 10: Assign a Drive Letter
Type "assign" and press Enter to assign a drive letter to the USB drive. This will make the USB drive accessible in Windows.
Step 11: Copy Windows Server 2019 files
Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where you have saved the Windows Server 2019 ISO file. Right-click on the ISO file, select "Mount" from the context menu, and note the drive letter assigned to the mounted ISO file.
In the Command Prompt window, type "xcopy :* : /s /e /f" and press Enter. Replace "" with the drive letter assigned to the mounted ISO file and "" with the drive letter assigned to the USB drive. For example, if the mounted ISO file is assigned drive letter D and the USB drive is assigned drive letter E, you would enter "xcopy D:* E: /s /e /f".
Step 12: Verify the Bootable USB Drive
Once the copy process is complete, you can close the Command Prompt and safely eject the USB drive from your computer. To verify the bootable USB drive, insert it into the server where you want to install Windows Server 2019 and boot from the USB drive. If the installation process starts, it indicates that the USB drive has been successfully created.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Built-in command-line utility in Windows for creating bootable USB drives. | 1. Requires manual execution of command-line commands. |
| 2. Does not require downloading or installing additional software. | 2. May not be as user-friendly for beginners without command-line experience. |
| 3. Provides complete control over the partitioning and formatting process. | 3. Formatting the USB drive will erase all existing data. |
Now that we have covered three methods, let’s explore one more method to create a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2019.
Method 4. How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Using PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and automation framework in Windows. It can also be used to create a bootable{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":null}
