Windows Server 2019 is the operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services enabling hybrid scenarios maximizing existing investments. Increase security and reduce business risk with multiple layers of protection built into the operating system. Evolve your datacenter infrastructure to achieve greater efficiency and scale with Hyper-converged Infrastructure. Windows Server 2019 also enables you to create cloud native and modernize traditional apps using containers and micro-services. For more details, check out the Windows Server Website.

In addition to downloading the ISO, run Windows Server on Azure. Azure provides a great way to test Windows Server 2019 with pre-built images.

Choose an edition and an installation option:

Customers who download the full ISO will need to choose an edition and an installation option. This ISO evaluation is for the Datacenter and Standard editions. The Datacenter edition is the most complete edition and includes the new Datacenter-specific features (Shielded Virtual Machines, Storage Spaces Direct, and Software-Defined Networking) in addition to unlimited server virtualization.

Installation options:

• Server Core: This is the recommended installation option. It’s a smaller installation that includes the core components of Windows Server and supports all server roles but does not include a local graphical user interface (GUI). It is used for “headless” deployments which are managed remotely through Windows Admin Center, PowerShell, or other server management tools.
• Server with Desktop Experience: This is the complete installation and includes a full GUI for customers who prefer this option.

Before you begin your evaluation, be sure to check out What’s new in Windows Server 2019.

When you complete your evaluation, you can convert your evaluation versions to retail. Also, check out our technical documentation to learn how to upgrade or migrate your other existing servers to Windows Server 2022.

Languages:

• Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish

Evaluation Options:

• Windows Server 2019 on Microsoft Azure
• Windows Server 2019 | 64-bit ISO
• Windows Server 2019 | 64-bit VHD

1. Review Windows Server 2019 release notes and system requirements.
2. Register, then download and install. (Note: This evaluation edition expires in 180 days.)
3. Receive emails with resources to guide you through your evaluation.

Installation Guidelines

After installation, install the latest servicing package.

• Go to: Microsoft update catalog and search for “Windows Server 2019”.
• Evaluation versions of Windows Server must activate over the internet in the first 10 days to avoid automatic shutdown.