How to Create a Bootable Windows Server 2022 USB [Full Guide]

Windows Server 2022, the latest server operating system offering from Microsoft, has set a new standard for server infrastructures. Whether you're an enterprise, a small business, or an IT professional, this operating system is designed to meet your needs. But, to install it effectively, you might need to create a bootable Windows Server 2022 USB. This article will guide you through the process.

What is an ISO Image?

An ISO image is a disk image of an optical disc. In other words, it is a type of file that represents a whole CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. It can include the disc's exact data content, file system, and structure. When we talk about creating a bootable Windows Server 2022 USB, we often refer to the Windows Server 2022 ISO image. This image is used as the source file to create a bootable USB.

Benefits of Creating a Bootable USB for Windows Server 2022

Make Windows Server 2022 Bootable USB: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create a Windows Server 2022 Bootable USB (Easy Tool)🔥

Benefits of Creating a Bootable USB for Windows Server 2022

Creating a bootable USB for Windows Server has several advantages:

Portability: A bootable USB is small, compact, and easy to carry, making it a perfect tool for IT admins who need to install Windows Server 2022 on multiple servers.
Speed: USB drives are significantly faster than CDs or DVDs, leading to quicker installation times.
Versatility: A bootable USB can be used for installation, troubleshooting, and recovery purposes.
Reusability: You can format and reuse the USB drive multiple times, making it a cost-effective solution.

Now, let's explore the process of creating a bootable Windows Server 2022 USB.

Make Windows Server 2022 Bootable USB: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking to install or reinstall Windows Server 2022 on your devices using a USB drive, CMD can help you get the job done.

1. Windows Server 2022 ISO files from Microsoft.

2. A USB drive with at least 16GB capacity.

3. Ensure to back up the USB drive, as all data on it will be erased.

Once these are ready, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download the Windows Server 2022 ISO

Visit Microsoft's official website and download the Windows Server 2022 ISO file. Ensure you have enough space on your system and remember the destination where you save the file.

Step 2. Open CMD as administrator

Click on "Start" and type “cmd" in the search box. Right-click the program and select "Run as Administrator."

Step 3. Enter commands

In the Command Prompt window, type "diskpart" and press "Enter" to open DiskPart. Then, input each of the following commands one by one and press “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: Because of the limitation of FAT32-based partitions, files over 4GB cannot be copied. Therefore, you'll need to split the vim file into smaller files. Run the command: “dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:h:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:r:\sources\install.swm /FileSize:4096”.

Step 4. Mount ISO files.

Next, locate your ISO files on your computer and double-click to mount them. Once mounted, copy all the contents from the mounted ISO drive to your USB flash drive.

Then, return to the Command Prompt window and execute the following command: “H:cd\boot\ bootsect.exe /nt60 r” to create the boot sector code in the specified partition. (“H:” represents the drive letter of the mounted Windows ISO, and “r” denotes the destination USB drive letter)

How to Create a Windows Server 2022 Bootable USB (Easy Tool)

The previous section explained how to create a Windows Server 2022 installation USB. These steps might be tricky for some users. If you find them confusing, we suggest using a simpler method: AOMEI Backupper Server, a tool to create a Windows Server 2022 USB.

This tool helps you create a versatile bootable USB drive for all server computers, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It supports various Windows Server versions, including 2003, 2008 (R2), 2011, 2012 (R2), 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025. Unlike the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, you don't need to prepare an ISO file beforehand—it handles the bootable media creation process for you.

Just like the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, you'll need a Windows Server system image backup for successful recovery. Ensure you have at least one system image created by AOMEI Backupper. If you don't have one and your current system is corrupted, you can create a system image on another working computer with the preferred operating system and then restore the system to a new computer with different hardware.

Steps to Create Windows Server Bootable USB

Step 1: Connect a blank USB drive to a working computer and download the AOMEI Backupper Server.

Step 2: Install and open AOMEI Backupper Server, then click on "Tools" and choose "Create Bootable Media."

Step 3: Select the Bootable Disc Type—choose Windows PE for a bootable USB Windows Server drive.

Step 4: Choose the bootable media, such as a USB Boot Device, and click "Next."

Notes:
If you're making a bootable USB from an ISO file, select "Export ISO File." You'll need to burn the ISO to a CD/DVD later.
For multiple computer deployments, use the AOMEI Image Deploy.

After creating the bootable Windows Server recovery disk, insert it into the failing computer and boot from it. Also, connect the disk containing the system backup you want to restore.

FAQs About Windows Server 2022 ISO Bootable USB

Q1: Why would I need to create installation media for Windows Server 2022?

A1: Creating installation media is useful if you need to install Windows Server 2022 on multiple servers or want to perform a clean installation. It also helps if you need to repair or reinstall the operating system.

Q2: Can I use the Windows Server 2022 Media Creation Tool to upgrade from an older version of Windows Server?

A2: The tool is primarily designed for clean installations. If you want to upgrade from an older version of Windows Server, you would typically use an in-place upgrade method.

Q3: Can I use the Windows Server 2022 Media Creation Tool to create bootable USB drives or DVDs?

A3: Yes, the tool allows you to create bootable USB drives and DVDs that can be used for installation or recovery purposes.

🔥Hot: What's new in Windows Server 2025?

Windows Server 2025 was officially released on November 1, 2024, bringing several exciting updates. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Desktop Shell: The first time you sign in, the desktop shell adopts the sleek look and feel of Windows 11, offering a modern and familiar user interface.
• Bluetooth Support: Windows Server 2025 now includes Bluetooth functionality, making it easy to connect and pair devices like mice, keyboards, headsets, and audio devices.
• DTrace Integration: DTrace is now a native tool in Windows Server 2025, providing a powerful command-line utility for real-time system performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Email & Accounts: You can now manage Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft accounts, and Work or School accounts directly in Windows Settings under Accounts > Email & Accounts. However, note that domain joining remains necessary for most configurations.

If you'd like to experience all these wonderful features, you may make a Windows Server 2025 Media Creation Tool to install Server 2025 on a compatible device.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable Windows Server 2022 USB may seem like a daunting task, but with the right resources and guidance, it's quite straightforward. This guide provides you with a step-by-step process to create your bootable USB, making it easier to install Windows Server 2022 on your system. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth, efficient installation of your server operating system.

Whether you're an IT professional or a small business owner, mastering this skill can significantly benefit your server management tasks.AOMEI Backupper is the best tool you can get. You can even use it to create a Windows XP backup disk if you need to. Give it a try!