How to Download Windows Server 2016 ISO for Free
Windows Server 2016 is the cloud-ready operating system that delivers new layers of security and Azure-inspired innovation for the applications and infrastructure that power your business. Whether you want to test it out, learn more about it, or use it for your personal or professional projects, you might be interested in downloading Windows Server 2016 ISO for free. In this article, we will show you how to do that and also how to install, activate, and explore the features of Windows Server 2016.
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How to get the evaluation edition of Windows Server 2016 from Microsoft Evaluation Center
One way to download Windows Server 2016 ISO for free is to get the evaluation edition from Microsoft Evaluation Center. This is a legitimate and official source that provides you with a full-featured version of Windows Server 2016 that you can use for up to 180 days without any license issues. You can also convert your evaluation version to a retail version when you complete your evaluation.
To download Windows Server 2016 ISO from Microsoft Evaluation Center, you need to follow these steps:
Go to and select your preferred language and edition (Datacenter or Standard).
Click on ISO under Download and register with your name, email address, company name, and phone number.
Click on Continue and then click on Download to start downloading the ISO file.
Save the ISO file on your computer or external drive.
How to get the full ISO file of Windows Server 2016 from other sources
If you don't want to register with Microsoft Evaluation Center or you want to get the full ISO file of Windows Server 2016 without any expiration date, you can also download it from other sources. However, you need to be careful about the reliability and legality of these sources, as some of them might provide you with corrupted or pirated files that could harm your computer or violate Microsoft's terms of service.
One source that claims to provide a free download of Windows Server 2016 ISO file is TECHNIG. This website offers a direct link to download the ISO file without any registration or verification. However, we cannot guarantee the quality or authenticity of this file, so download it at your own risk.
To download Windows Server 2016 ISO from TECHNIG, you need to follow these steps:
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Go to and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Click on the link that says Download Windows Server 2016 ISO File.
Save the ISO file on your computer or external drive.
How to Install Windows Server 2016 on Your Computer or Virtual Machine
After you download Windows Server 2016 ISO file, you need to install it on your computer or virtual machine. You can use a physical DVD or a USB flash drive to create a bootable media, or you can use a software like VirtualBox or VMware to mount the ISO file and run it as a virtual machine. In this section, we will show you how to install Windows Server 2016 using both methods.
How to Install Windows Server 2016 Using a Bootable Media
To install Windows Server 2016 using a bootable media, you need to follow these steps:
Create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive using the ISO file. You can use a tool like Rufus or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool to do this.
Insert the bootable media into your computer and restart it.
Press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Del) to enter the BIOS or boot menu and select the bootable media as the first boot option.
Press any key to start the installation process.
Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout and click on Next.
Click on Install now.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2016 that you want to install and click on Next.
Accept the license terms and click on Next.
Select the type of installation: Upgrade (if you want to keep your files and settings from a previous version of Windows Server) or Custom (if you want to do a clean installation).
Select the drive or partition where you want to install Windows Server 2016 and click on Next. You can also create, delete, or format partitions using the options below.
Wait for the installation to complete. Your computer will restart several times during this process.
Enter a password for the administrator account and press Enter.
You have successfully installed Windows Server 2016 on your computer.
How to Install Windows Server 2016 Using a Virtual Machine
To install Windows Server 2016 using a virtual machine, you need to follow these steps:
Download and install a virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware on your computer.
Create a new virtual machine with the following specifications:
Name: Windows Server 2016
Type: Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows Server 2016 (64-bit)
Memory size: At least 4 GB
Hard disk: Create a virtual hard disk now
Hard disk file type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically allocated
File location and size: Choose a location and size for your virtual hard disk (at least 32 GB)
Click on Create.
Select the virtual machine and click on Settings.
In the System tab, make sure that the processor is set to at least 2 CPUs and enable PAE/NX if available.
In the Storage tab, click on the empty CD icon under Controller: IDE.
In the Attributes section, click on the CD icon next to Optical Drive:.
Select Choose a disk file... and browse to the location of your ISO file.
In the Network tab, make sure that the network adapter is enabled and set to NAT.
In the User Interface, enable Show at Top of Screen:, Status Bar,, and Show in Status Bar:.
In the Description,, enter some information about your virtual machine.
OK to save the settings.
Start the virtual machine and press any key to boot from the ISO file.
Follow the same steps as in the previous section to install Windows Server 2016 on your virtual machine.
You have successfully installed Windows Server 2016 on your virtual machine.
How to Activate Windows Server 2016 after Installation
After you install Windows Server 2016, you need to activate it to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and that it has not been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Depending on the source of your Windows Server 2016 ISO file, you may have different options to activate it. In this section, we will show you how to activate Windows Server 2016 using three methods: KMS, MAK, or retail license.
How to Activate Windows Server 2016 Using KMS
KMS stands for Key Management Service, which is a server that provides activation services for clients within a network. If you are using Windows Server 2016 in an organization that has a KMS server, you can activate your Windows Server 2016 using the KMS client key. You can find the KMS client key for Windows Server 2016 .
To activate Windows Server 2016 using KMS, you need to follow these steps:
Open an elevated command prompt by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
Type slmgr /ipk <KMS client key> and press Enter. Replace <KMS client key> with the actual key for your edition of Windows Server 2016.
Type slmgr /skms <KMS host name> and press Enter. Replace <KMS host name> with the name or IP address of your KMS server.
Type slmgr /ato and press Enter. This will activate your Windows Server 2016 online using the KMS server.
You have successfully activated Windows Server 2016 using KMS.
How to Activate Windows Server 2016 Using MAK
MAK stands for Multiple Activation Key, which is a one-time activation key that can be used to activate a specific number of devices. If you have purchased a volume license of Windows Server 2016, you can use the MAK key to activate your Windows Server 2016 online or offline. You can find the MAK key for Windows Server 2016 in the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
To activate Windows Server 2016 using MAK online, you need to follow these steps:
Open an elevated command prompt by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
Type slmgr /ipk <MAK key> and press Enter. Replace <MAK key> with the actual key for your edition of Windows Server 2016.
Type slmgr /ato and press Enter. This will activate your Windows Server 2016 online using the MAK key.
You have successfully activated Windows Server 2016 using MAK online.
To activate Windows Server 2016 using MAK offline, you need to follow these steps:
Command Prompt (Admin).
Type slmgr /ipk <MAK key> and press Enter. Replace <MAK key> with the actual key for your edition of Windows Server 2016.
Type slmgr /dti and press Enter. This will display the installation ID of your Windows Server 2016.
Call the Microsoft Activation Center and provide the installation ID. You can find the phone number for your region .
Enter the confirmation ID that you receive from the Microsoft Activation Center.
Type slmgr /ato and press Enter. This will activate your Windows Server 2016 offline using the MAK key.
You have successfully activated Windows Server 2016 using MAK offline.
How to Activate Windows Server 2016 Using a Retail License
If you have purchased a retail license of Windows Server 2016, you can use the product key that comes with it to activate your Windows Server 2016 online or by phone. You can find the product key on the packaging or in the confirmation email that you received after purchase.
To activate Windows Server 2016 using a retail license online, you need to follow these steps:
Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Activation.
Click on Change product key.
Type or paste your product key and click on Next.
Follow the instructions to complete the activation process.
You have successfully activated Windows Server 2016 using a retail license online.
To activate Windows Server 2016 using a retail license by phone, you need to follow these steps:
Open an elevated command prompt by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
Type slui 4 and press Enter. This will open the Phone Activation Wizard.
Select your country or region and click on Next.
Call the toll-free number that appears on the screen and provide the installation ID that is displayed.
Enter the confirmation ID that you receive from the phone operator.
Click on Activate Windows.
You have successfully activated Windows Server 2016 using a retail license by phone.
<h2 How to Explore the Features of Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 is not just an operating system, but a platform that offers a variety of features and capabilities that can help you optimize your performance, security, scalability, and reliability. Whether you are running a small business, a large enterprise, or a hybrid cloud environment, Windows Server 2016 has something for you. In this section, we will give you an overview of some of the new and improved features of Windows Server 2016 and how to use them.
Hyper-V
Hyper-V is the virtualization technology that allows you to create and manage virtual machines on Windows Server 2016. With Hyper-V, you can run multiple operating systems on the same physical server, isolate workloads, and reduce costs. Hyper-V also supports Linux and FreeBSD guests, nested virtualization, shielded virtual machines, and containers.
To use Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Open the Server Manager by clicking on the Start button and selecting Server Manager.
Click on Manage and select Add Roles and Features.
Click on Next until you reach the Select server roles page.
Check the box next to Hyper-V and click on Add Features.
Click on Next until you reach the Create Virtual Switches page.
Select one or more network adapters that you want to use for your virtual machines and click on Next.
Select the default path for storing virtual machine files and click on Next.
Select the option to enable or disable live migration of virtual machines and click on Next.
Select the option to enable or disable NUMA spanning of virtual machines and click on Next.
Select the option to enable or disable automatic start and stop actions of virtual machines and click on Next.
Review your selections and click on Install.
Wait for the installation to complete and restart your server if required.
You have successfully installed Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016.
Containers
Containers are a lightweight and portable way to run applications on Windows Server 2016. Containers allow you to isolate your applications from the underlying operating system, making them more secure, efficient, and scalable. Containers also support microservices architecture, which enables you to build and deploy applications faster and easier. Windows Server 2016 supports two types of containers: Windows Server containers and Hyper-V containers.
To use containers on Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Open the PowerShell by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type Install-Module -Name DockerMsftProvider -Repository PSGallery -Force and press Enter. This will install the Docker provider module.
Type Install-Package -Name docker -ProviderName DockerMsftProvider -Force and press Enter. This will install the Docker engine.
Type Restart-Computer -Force and press Enter. This will restart your server.
Type Docker version and press Enter. This will verify that Docker is installed correctly.
Type Docker pull microsoft/windowsservercore:ltsc2016 and press Type Docker pull microsoft/windowsservercore:ltsc2016 and press Enter. This will download the base image for Windows Server containers.
Type Docker run -it microsoft/windowsservercore:ltsc2016 cmd and press Enter. This will create and run a Windows Server container with an interactive command prompt.
Type exit and press Enter to exit the container.
Type Docker ps -a and press Enter. This will list all the containers on your server.
Type Docker rm <container ID> and press Enter. Replace <container ID> with the ID of the container that you want to remove.
You have successfully used Windows Server containers on Windows Server 2016.
To use Hyper-V containers on Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Open the PowerShell by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Containers -All -NoRestart and press Enter. This will enable the containers feature on your server.
Type Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All -NoRestart and press Enter. This will enable the Hyper-V feature on your server.
Type Restart-Computer -Force and press Enter. This will restart your server.
Type Docker pull microsoft/nanoserver:10.0.14393.1066 and press Enter. This will download the base image for Hyper-V containers.
Type Docker run -it --isolation=hyperv microsoft/nanoserver:10.0.14393.1066 cmd and press Enter. This will create and run a Hyper-V container with an interactive command prompt.
Type exit and press Enter to exit the container.
Type Docker ps -a and press Enter. This will list all the containers on your server.
Type Docker rm <container ID> and press Enter. Replace <container ID> with the ID of the container that you want to remove.
You have successfully used Hyper-V containers on Windows Server 2016.
Upgrade Steps
To upgrade from a compatible version and edition of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Check the compatibility of your hardware, software, and drivers with Windows Server 2016. You can use the Windows Server 2016 Upgrade and Migration Guide to help you with this task.
Backup your data, settings, and applications using a reliable backup tool. You can use the Windows Server Backup feature or a third-party tool to do this.
Insert the bootable media or mount the ISO file of Windows Server 2016 on your server.
Run the setup.exe file and select Install now.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2016 that matches your current edition and click on Next.
Accept the license terms and click on Next.
Select the option to Keep personal files and apps and click on Next.
Wait for the upgrade to complete. Your server will restart several times during this process.
Enter a password for the administrator account and press Enter.
You have successfully upgraded to Windows Server 2016.
Migration Options
A migration is a process that transfers your data, settings, and applications from one server to another, while keeping your original server intact. A migration is useful when you want to move to a new hardware, change your operating system architecture, or switch to a different edition of Windows Server. However, a migration requires more planning and preparation than an upgrade, as you need to ensure that your data and applications are compatible and functional on the new server. You also need to have enough resources and licenses to run both servers simultaneously during the migration process.
To migrate from an older version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016, you have three options: in-place migration, cluster OS rolling upgrade, or side-by-side migration.
In-place Migration
An in-place migration is a migration that replaces your existing operating system with a newer one on the same server, while keeping your data, settings, and applications intact. An in-place migration is similar to an upgrade, but it allows you to change your operating system architecture or edition. For example, you can migrate from Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard (64-bit) to Windows Server 2016 Datacenter (64-bit), or from Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter (64-bit) to Windows Server 2016 Standard (64-bit). However, an in-place migration is not supported for all scenarios. You can find more information about the supported in-place migration paths .
In-place Migration Steps
To perform an in-place migration from a compatible version and edition of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Check the compatibility of your hardware, software, and drivers with Windows Server 2016. You can use the Windows Server 2016 Upgrade and Migration Guide to help you with this task.
Backup your data, settings, and applications using a reliable backup tool. You can use the Windows Server Backup feature or a third-party tool to do this.
Insert the bootable media or mount the ISO file of Windows Server 2016 on your server.
Run the setup.exe file and select Install now.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2016 that you want to migrate to and click on Next.Select the edition of Windows Server 2016 that you want to migrate to and click on Next.
Accept the license terms and click on Next.
Select the option to Keep personal files and apps and click on Next.
Wait for the migration to complete. Your server will restart several times during this process.
Enter a password for the administrator account and press Enter.
You have successfully performed an in-place migration to Windows Server 2016.
Cluster OS Rolling Upgrade
A cluster OS rolling upgrade is a migration that upgrades the operating system of each node in a cluster from an older version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016, while keeping the cluster online and functional. A cluster OS rolling upgrade allows you to minimize downtime and avoid service disruption during the migration process. However, a cluster OS rolling upgrade is only supported for Hyper-V and Scale-Out File Server clusters. You can find more information about the cluster OS rolling upgrade .
Cluster OS Rolling Upgrade Steps
To perform a cluster OS rolling upgrade from a compatible version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Check the compatibility of your hardware, software, and drivers with Windows Server 2016. You can use the Windows Server 2016 Upgrade and Migration Guide to help you with this task.
Backup your data, settings, and applications using a reliable backup tool. You can use the Windows Server Backup feature or a third-party tool to do this.
Drain one of the nodes in your cluster using the Failover Cluster Manager or PowerShell. This will move all the roles and resources from that node to another node in the cluster.
Eject the node from the cluster using the Failover Cluster Manager or PowerShell. This will remove the node from the cluster membership.
Insert the bootable media or mount the ISO file of Windows Server 2016 on that node.
Run the setup.exe file and select Install now.
Select the edition of Windows Server 2016 that matches your current edition and click on Next.
Accept the license terms and click on Next.
Select the option to Keep personal files and apps and click on Next.
Wait for the upgrade to complete. The node will restart several times during this process.
Add the node back to the cluster using the Failover Cluster Manager or PowerShell. This will restore the node to the cluster membership.
Repeat steps 3 to 11 for each node in your cluster until all nodes are upgraded to Windows Server 2016.
You have successfully performed a cluster OS rolling upgrade to Windows Server 2016.
<h4 Side-by-side Migration
A side-by-side migration is a migration that transfers your data, settings, and applications from one server to another, while keeping both servers online and functional. A side-by-side migration allows you to test and verify the functionality of your new server before decommissioning your old server. However, a side-by-side migration requires more manual steps and configuration than an upgrade or a cluster OS rolling upgrade, as you need to copy or move your data and applications from one server to another. You also need to have enough resources and licenses to run both servers simultaneously during the migration process.
To perform a side-by-side migration from an older version of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Check the compatibility of your hardware, software, and drivers with Windows Server 2016. You can use the Windows Server 2016 Upgrade and Migration Guide to help you with this task.
Backup your data, settings, and applications using a reliable backup tool. You can use the Windows Server Backup feature or a third-party tool to do this.
Install Windows Server 2016 on your new server using the same steps as in the previous sections.
Activate Windows Server 2016 on your new server using the same steps as in the previous sections.
Configure your new server according to your needs and preferences. You can use the Server Manager or PowerShell to do this.
Copy or move your data and applications from your old server to your new server using the appropriate tools and methods. For example, you can use the Windows Server Migration Tools, Robocopy, or File Server Migration Wizard to migrate file servers, or you can use the Hyper-V Export and Import feature to migrate virtual machines. You can find more information about the migration tools and methods .
Test and verify the functionality of your new server and resolve any issues that may arise.
Decommission your old server or repurpose it for other uses.
You have successfully performed a side-by-side migration to Windows Server 2016.
Conclusion and FAQs
In this article, we have shown you how to download, install, activate, and explore the features of Windows Server 2016. We have also shown you how to upgrade or migrate from older versions of Windows Server to Windows Server 2016. We hope that this article has helped you understand and appreciate the benefits and capabilities of Windows Server 2016.
Here are some FAQs that you might have about Windows Server 2016:
Q: What are the system requirements for Windows Server 2016?
A: The minimum system requirements for Windows Server 2016 are:
Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
Memory: 512 MB (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience)
Disk space: 32 GB (more if there is a system partition)
Network adapter: Gigabit Ethernet adapter
Optical drive: DVD drive (if installing from DVD media)
Q: What are the editions and licensing options for Windows Server 2016?
A: The main editions of Windows Server 2016 are:
Datacenter: For highly virtualized and software-defined datacenter environments
Standard: For physical or minimally virtualized environments
Essentials: For small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devicesEssentials: For small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices
MultiPoint Premium Server: For academic institutions that need multiple users to access one computer simultaneously
Storage Server: For dedicated storage solutions
Hyper-V Server: For virtualization-only scenarios
The licensing options for Windows Server 2016 are:
Per core/CAL: For Datacenter and Standard editions, you need to purchase a license for each physical core on your server, plus a Client Access License (CAL) for each user or device that accesses the server.
Per user/Per device: For Essentials edition, you need to purchase a license for each user or device that accesses the server, up to the maximum limit of 25 users and 50 devices.
Per server: For MultiPoint Premium Server edition, you need to purchase a license for each server, plus a CAL for each user or device that accesses the server.
No cost: For Storage Server and Hyper-V Server editions, you do not need to purchase any license, as they are included with the hardware or software that you buy.
Q: How can I get help and support for Windows Server 2016?
A: There are many ways to get help and support for Windows Server 2016, such as:
Using the built-in Help and Support feature on your server. You can access it by clicking on the Start button and selecting Help and Support.
Visiting the official Windows Server website . You can find documentation, tutorials, videos, blogs, forums, and other resources to help you with Windows Server 2016.
Contacting Microsoft Support . You can get technical assistance, troubleshooting, feedback, and other services from Microsoft experts.
Joining the Windows Server community . You can connect with other Windows Server users and professionals, share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from others.
Q: How can I update and secure Windows Server 2016?
A: To update and secure Windows Server 2016, you need to follow these steps:
Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Windows Update.
Click on Check for updates. This will download and install any available updates for your server.
Click on Advanced options. This will allow you to configure your update settings, such as choosing when to install updates, pausing updates, or deferring updates.
Click on Windows Security. This will allow you to access the security features of your server, such as antivirus, firewall, device performance and health, app and browser control, family options, and more.Click on Windows Security. This will allow you to access the security features of your server, such as antivirus, firewall, device performance and health, app and browser control, family options, and more.
Review and adjust your security settings according to your needs and preferences. You can also run scans, troubleshoot problems, or get help from Microsoft if needed.
You have successfully updated and secured Windows Server 2016.
Q: How can I optimize and manage Windows Server 2016?
A: To optimize and manage Windows Server 2016, you need to use the appropriate tools and methods for your tasks and goals. Some of the tools and methods that you can use are:
Server Manager: A graphical tool that allows you to manage multiple servers, roles, and features from a single console. You can access it by clicking on the Start button and selecting Server Manager.
PowerShell: A command-line tool that allows you to automate tasks, configure settings, and run scripts on your server. You can access it by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting Windows PowerShell.
Task Manager: A graphical tool that allows you to monitor and control the processes, performance, and resources of your server. You can access it by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Task Manager.
Resource Monitor: A graphical tool that allows you to view detailed information about the CPU, memory, disk, network, and processes of your server. You can access it by opening the Task Manager and clicking on Performance and then Open Resource Monitor.
Event Viewer: A graphical tool that allows you to view and analyze the logs of events that occur on your server. You can access it by clicking on the Start button and typing eventvwr.msc.
Performance Monitor: A graphical tool that allows you to collect and analyze data about the performance of your server. You can access it by clicking on the Start button and typing perfmon.msc.
Group Policy: A feature that allows you to configure and enforce settings for your server and its users. You can access it by clicking on the Start button and typing gpedit.msc.
Remote Desktop: A feature that allows you to connect to and control your server from another computer. You can access it by clicking on the Start button and typing mstsc.exe.
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