This guide walks you through the process of creating a bootable USB using a Windows Server 2022 ISO file. You’ll learn different methods, including using popular tools. The article explains each step in detail, with troubleshooting tips and answers to common questions.
Windows Server 2022 ISO is a digital file that contains all the installation data required for setting up Windows Server 2022, Microsoft's server operating system. The ISO format is a replica of the contents found on an installation disk or media, allowing users to create bootable drives (such as USBs) or virtual machines for installing the server software.
This ISO file includes essential components such as system files, drivers, and the Windows Server 2022 environment, making it possible to install or upgrade server infrastructure without needing physical installation media.
Creating a bootable USB for Windows Server 2022 offers several key advantages that make it a preferred method for installation and recovery. Here are the primary benefits:
📌Portability and Convenience: A bootable USB drive is highly portable and can be easily carried around, making it convenient to deploy Windows Server 2022 on multiple systems without requiring access to DVDs or network installations. 📌Faster Installation Process: USB drives offer faster data transfer speeds compared to optical drives (like DVDs). This leads to a much quicker installation of Windows Server 2022, especially on modern systems. 📌Reusability: The same USB drive can be reused for multiple installations or updated with new versions of the ISO file. Unlike DVDs, which are single-use, USB drives allow flexibility in their reconfiguration. 📌Durability: USB flash drives are more durable than physical discs, which can easily be scratched or damaged. This increases the reliability of the installation media over time. 📌Emergency Recovery: A bootable USB can be a vital recovery tool. If a system running Windows Server 2022 crashes, the bootable USB can be used to repair, troubleshoot, or reinstall the server software.
Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows Server 2022 is a straightforward, highly beneficial process for system administrators, ensuring quick, reliable, and flexible installations.
To install or reinstall Windows Server 2022 using a USB drive, you can use CMD to assist with the process.
You’ll need:
Once you have these ready, follow the steps below:
Go to Microsoft's official website and download the Windows Server 2022 ISO file. Make sure you have enough storage space and note the location where you save the file.
Click "Start," type “cmd” in the search bar, then right-click it and choose "Run as Administrator."
In the Command Prompt, type "diskpart" and hit "Enter" to start DiskPart. Next, type each of the following commands, pressing “Enter” after each one.
• list disk
• select disk x (“x” is the USB drive you want to use for boot.)
• clean
• create partition primary
• select partition 1
• format fs=ntfs quick (If you use UEF, you need to type: format fs=fat32 quick)
• active
• assign letter= r (Other available letters also OK)
• exit
Note: FAT32 partitions can't handle files larger than 4GB, so you'll need to split the "install.wim" file into smaller parts. Use the command: dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:h:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:r:\sources\install.swm /FileSize:4096.
Find the ISO file on your computer and double-click it to mount. Copy all the contents from the mounted ISO to your USB drive.
Next, in the Command Prompt, run this command to create the boot sector: H:cd\boot\bootsect.exe /nt60 r(“H:” is the mounted ISO drive, and “r” is the USB drive letter.)
The previous section covered how to create a Windows Server 2022 installation USB. If those steps seem too complicated, a simpler alternative is to use AOMEI Backupper Server, which simplifies creating a bootable USB.
This tool works for both 32-bit and 64-bit server systems and supports a range of Windows Server versions, including 2003, 2008 (R2), 2011, 2012 (R2), 2016, 2019, and 2022. Unlike the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, you don't need to have an ISO file ready—it manages the entire bootable media process.
You’ll still need a Windows Server system image backup to recover your system. If you don't have one and your system fails, you can create a system image on another working computer and restore it to your machine, even if the hardware differs.
Step 1: Connect a blank USB to a working computer and download the AOMEI Backupper Server.
Step 2: Install and launch the AOMEI Backupper Server. Go to "Tools" and click "Create Bootable Media."
Step 3: Select the bootable disk type. Choose Windows PE for a bootable USB for Windows Server.
Step 4: Choose your USB as the bootable media and click "Next."
Notes: If you're using an ISO file, select "Export ISO File." You'll need to burn it to a CD/DVD later. To deploy on multiple computers, use AOMEI Image Deploy.
After creating the bootable USB, insert it into the failing computer, boot from it, and connect the disk with the system backup you wish to restore.
Download Rufus: Go to the Rufus official site and download the latest version. Since Rufus is portable, you don't need to install it—just run the file.
Rufus makes it easy to create a bootable USB for installing Windows Server 2022. Open Rufus, select your USB drive, load the ISO file, and click "Start." Be sure to set the image recording mode to "DD." Once it's done, Rufus will let you know the USB is ready. You can now safely eject the drive and use it to install Windows Server 2022 on your system.
Q1: What size USB do I need for Windows Server 2022 ISO?
A 1: To transfer Windows Server 2022 ISO to USB, you will need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage. It’s recommended to use a 16 GB USB for better performance and flexibility.
Q 2: Why is my USB not booting after transferring the ISO?
A 2: If the USB doesn’t boot, check that you’ve set it as the primary boot device in your BIOS settings. Also, ensure that the ISO was correctly transferred with tools like Rufus or Media Creation Tool.
Q 3: Can I use FAT32 for the USB format?
A 3: Yes, but FAT32 has a file size limitation of 4 GB, which can cause issues with large files. NTFS is usually recommended for ISO transfers, especially when dealing with larger installations like Windows Server 2022.
Transferring the Windows Server 2022 ISO to USB is an essential task for IT professionals looking to simplify server installations and repairs. With the methods outlined above, you can efficiently create a bootable USB drive and ensure a smooth installation process. Whether using tools like Rufus or relying on manual methods, following the detailed steps ensures your bootable USB is ready to deploy Windows Server 2022 anywhere, anytime.