Windows Server 2016 32-bit ISO: How to Download and Install the Cloud-Ready OS
Windows Server 2016 32 Bit ISO Download: A Complete Guide
Windows Server 2016 is the latest version of Microsoft's server operating system that powers many businesses and organizations around the world. It offers new levels of security, performance, and innovation for your applications and infrastructure. Whether you want to run a web server, a database server, a file server, or a virtualization host, Windows Server 2016 can help you achieve your goals.
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But how can you get Windows Server 2016 on your computer? How can you install it, upgrade it, or migrate it from an older version? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with a complete guide on how to download, install, and use Windows Server 2016.
Introduction
Before we dive into the details of how to download and install Windows Server 2016, let's first understand what it is and why you might need it.
What is Windows Server 2016 and why you might need it
Windows Server 2016 is the latest release of Microsoft's server operating system that was launched in October 2016. It is based on the same core as Windows 10, but with additional features and enhancements that are designed for server environments.
Windows Server 2016 can be used for various purposes, such as:
Hosting websites, applications, and services on the Internet or intranet
Storing and managing data in databases, files, or cloud storage
Providing network services such as DNS, DHCP, VPN, or firewall
Enabling remote access and administration of servers and clients
Creating and managing virtual machines and containers
Supporting hybrid scenarios that integrate with Azure cloud services
If you need any of these functionalities, or if you want to take advantage of the latest technologies and innovations from Microsoft, you might want to consider using Windows Server 2016 on your computer.
What are the benefits and features of Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 offers many benefits and features that make it a powerful and versatile server operating system. Some of them are:
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Security: Windows Server 2016 provides enhanced security features that help protect your data and systems from unauthorized access, malware, ransomware, and other threats. For example, you can use Shielded Virtual Machines to encrypt your virtual machines and prevent them from being tampered with by malicious actors. You can also use Device Guard and Credential Guard to prevent unauthorized applications from running on your server and protect your credentials from theft. Additionally, you can use Just Enough Administration (JEA) and Just In Time Administration (JIT) to limit the privileges of administrators and reduce the risk of human error or compromise.
Performance: Windows Server 2016 delivers improved performance and scalability for your workloads, thanks to its optimized kernel, networking stack, storage subsystem, and virtualization platform. For example, you can use Storage Spaces Direct to create a highly available and scalable storage cluster using local disks on your servers. You can also use Network Controller to manage and monitor your network resources and traffic. Additionally, you can use Hyper-V to create and run virtual machines and containers with high performance and density.
Innovation: Windows Server 2016 introduces new features and capabilities that enable you to innovate and modernize your applications and infrastructure. For example, you can use Nano Server to deploy a lightweight and minimal server OS that is ideal for cloud-native and microservices applications. You can also use Windows Server Containers and Docker to create and run isolated and portable applications that can be easily deployed and managed across different environments. Additionally, you can use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to run Linux applications and tools on your Windows Server 2016.
These are just some of the benefits and features of Windows Server 2016. You can find more information about them on the official Microsoft website.
What are the system requirements for Windows Server 2016
Before you download and install Windows Server 2016, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running it. According to Microsoft, these are the system requirements for Windows Server 2016:
Component
Minimum Requirement
Processor
1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
Memory
512 MB (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience installation option)
Disk space
32 GB (more if there is a system partition)
Network adapter
An Ethernet adapter capable of at least gigabit throughput
Display
Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher-resolution monitor
Keyboard and mouse
Required (unless installing in headless mode)
Internet access
Required (for activation and updates)
Note that these are the minimum requirements, and you might need more resources depending on your workload and configuration. You can also check the hardware compatibility list (HCL) to see if your hardware is supported by Windows Server 2016.
How to download Windows Server 2016 ISO file
Now that you know what Windows Server 2016 is and what it can do for you, let's see how you can download the ISO file that contains the installation media for it.
Where to find the official download link from Microsoft
The official and recommended way to download Windows Server 2016 ISO file is from the Microsoft Evaluation Center. This is a website where you can sign up for a free trial of various Microsoft products, including Windows Server 2016. The trial period lasts for 180 days, after which you will need to purchase a license or uninstall the product.
To download Windows Server 2016 ISO file from the Microsoft Evaluation Center, follow these steps:
Go to the Microsoft Evaluation Center website.
Select Windows Server 2016 Standard or Datacenter Editions, depending on your needs.
Click on Continue.
Fill out the registration form with your name, email, country, organization, etc.
Click on Continue.
Select your preferred language from the drop-down menu.
Select ISO - LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel), which is the regular version of Windows Server 2016.
Select 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, depending on your hardware.
Click on Download.
Select a location on your computer where you want to save the ISO file.
Wait for the download to complete.
Verify the integrity of the ISO file by comparing its SHA256 hash with the one provided on the website.
Congratulations, you have successfully downloaded Windows Server 2016 ISO file from the Microsoft Evaluation Center. You can now use it to create a bootable USB or DVD media that you can use to install Windows Server 2016 on your computer.
How to choose the right edition and installation option
Before you create a bootable USB or DVD media from the ISO file, you need to decide which edition and installation option of Windows Server 2016 you want to use. There are two main editions of Windows Server 2016: Standard and Datacenter. The main difference between them is the number of virtual machines and containers that you can run on them. The Standard edition allows you to run up to two virtual machines or containers per license, while the Datacenter edition allows you to run unlimited virtual machines or containers per license. The Datacenter edition also has some additional features, such as Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica, Shielded Virtual Machines, and Network Controller. You can compare the features of the two editions on the official Microsoft website.
As for the installation option, there are three main options to choose from: Server with Desktop Experience, Server Core, and Nano Server. The main difference between them is the amount of graphical user interface (GUI) and management tools that they include. The Server with Desktop Experience option is the most familiar and user-friendly option, as it includes the full GUI and all the management tools that you would expect from a Windows server. The Server Core option is a minimal option that only includes a command-line interface (CLI) and some basic management tools. The Nano Server option is an even more minimal option that only includes a subset of the Windows Server 2016 components and requires remote management. You can compare the installation options on the official Microsoft website.
The choice of edition and installation option depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Generally speaking, if you need more virtualization and advanced features, you should go for the Datacenter edition. If you need more GUI and management tools, you should go for the Server with Desktop Experience option. If you need less GUI and more performance and security, you should go for the Server Core or Nano Server option.
How to create a bootable USB or DVD from the ISO file
Once you have decided which edition and installation option of Windows Server 2016 you want to use, you can create a bootable USB or DVD media from the ISO file that you downloaded. This will allow you to install Windows Server 2016 on your computer without requiring an Internet connection or a network share.
To create a bootable USB or DVD media from the ISO file, you can use various tools, such as Rufus, Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, or PowerShell. In this article, we will use Rufus as an example, as it is a free and easy-to-use tool that supports both UEFI and BIOS boot modes.
To create a bootable USB or DVD media from the ISO file using Rufus, follow these steps:
Download Rufus from its official website and run it on your computer.
Insert a blank USB flash drive or DVD disc into your computer.
Select your USB or DVD device from the Device drop-down menu in Rufus.
Select Disk or ISO image from the Boot selection drop-down menu in Rufus.
Click on the Select button next to the Boot selection drop-down menu in Rufus and browse to the location where you saved the Windows Server 2016 ISO file.
Select GPT or MBR from the Partition scheme drop-down menu in Rufus, depending on whether your computer supports UEFI or BIOS boot mode.
Select FAT32 or NTFS from the File system drop-down menu in Rufus, depending on whether your USB or DVD device supports FAT32 or NTFS format.
Select Default from the Cluster size drop-down menu in Rufus.
Type a name for your USB or DVD device in the Volume label field in Rufus.
Click on the Start button at the bottom of Rufus.
Wait for Rufus to copy the files from the ISO file to your USB or DVD device and make it bootable.
Eject your USB or DVD device from your computer.
Congratulations, you have successfully created a bootable USB or DVD media from the Windows Server 2016 ISO file using Rufus. You can now use it to install Windows Server 2016 on your computer.
How to install Windows Server 2016 on your computer
Now that you have a bootable USB or DVD media with Windows Server 2016 on it, you can proceed to install it on your computer. The installation process is similar to installing Windows 10, but with some differences depending on the edition and installation option that you chose.
How to boot from the USB or DVD media
The first step to install Windows Server 2016 on your computer is to boot from the USB or DVD media that you created. To do this, you need to change the boot order in your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings, so that it prioritizes the USB or DVD device over the hard drive. The exact steps to do this vary depending on your computer's manufacturer and model, but generally, you need to:
Turn on or restart your computer.
Press a specific key (such as F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Del) repeatedly to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. You might see a message on the screen that tells you which key to press.
Navigate to the boot menu or boot order section using the arrow keys and the Enter key.
Select your USB or DVD device from the list of available boot options and move it to the top of the order using the + or - keys.
Save and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings using the F10 key or another specific key. You might see a message on the screen that asks you to confirm your choice.
Wait for your computer to reboot and load the Windows Server 2016 installation media.
If you did everything correctly, you should see a screen that says "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" or "Press any key to boot from USB". Press any key on your keyboard and proceed to the next step.
How to follow the installation steps and enter the product key
The next step to install Windows Server 2016 on your computer is to follow the installation steps and enter the product key. The installation steps are similar for all editions and installation options of Windows Server 2016, but there are some differences depending on your choices. Here are the general steps that you need to follow:
Select your preferred language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout from the drop-down menus and click on Next.
Click on Install now.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2016 that matches your product key and click on Next. If you don't have a product key, you can click on I don't have a product key, but you will need to enter one later to activate Windows Server 2016.
Select the installation option of Windows Server 2016 that matches your preference and click on Next. You can choose between Server with Desktop Experience, which includes the full GUI and management tools, Server Core, which only includes a CLI and some basic management tools, or Nano Server, which only includes a subset of the Windows Server 2016 components and requires remote management.
Accept the license terms by checking the box and click on Next.
Select the type of installation that you want to perform and click on Next. You can choose between Upgrade, which will keep your files, settings, and applications from an older version of Windows Server, or Custom, which will erase everything and install a fresh copy of Windows Server 2016. If you choose Upgrade, you will need to make sure that your current version of Windows Server is compatible with Windows Server 2016. If you choose Custom, you will need to select a partition on your hard drive where you want to install Windows Server 2016.
Wait for the installation process to complete. This might take several minutes or hours depending on your hardware and configuration. Your computer might restart several times during this process.
Enter your product key when prompted and click on Next. If you don't have a product key, you can skip this step, but you will need to enter one later to activate Windows Server 2016.
Select your preferred settings for privacy, updates, Cortana, location, and other features and click on Next. You can customize these settings later if you want.
Create a password for the administrator account and click on Finish.
Log in to your Windows Server 2016 with the administrator account and password that you created.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed Windows Server 2016 on your computer. You can now start using it and configuring it according to your needs.
How to upgrade or migrate from an older version of Windows Server
If you already have an older version of Windows Server running on your computer, you might want to upgrade or migrate to Windows Server 2016 to take advantage of its benefits and features. However, before you do that, you need to consider some factors and prepare so