Professional Installation Instructions for Windows Server 2012 R2

After creating a bootable USB drive, follow these steps to perform a clean installation:

1. Power on your server to start Windows normally. Insert the Windows Server USB and restart the server.
2. Your device will boot from the Windows Server USB. Press any key when the message Press any key to boot from CD or DVD appears.

Note: If Windows Server installation does not start upon reboot, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings to boot from the USB.
3. Restart your server and when the manufacturer's logo appears, press the key for the BOOT menu, typically F2, F10, F11, F12 or Del.

4. Set the boot order to USB.
5. In the setup program, select your language, time format, currency, and keyboard/input method, then click Next.

6. Click Install now to start the process.

7. Select the edition of Windows Server you wish to install. We recommend the server with a GUI. Click Next.

8. Accept the license terms and click Next.

9. Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

10. Select the drive where you want to install Windows Server and click Next.
Note: We recommend deleting all partitions on the hard drive for optimal Windows Server performance. If your hard drive is new, just click Next.

11. The Windows Server installation will commence. This process will take several minutes.

12. Click Accept to set a password.

13. Choose a password that's easy to remember.

14. A lock screen will appear. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to sign in.

15. You have successfully installed Windows Server.