Window's sever 2016 Pre-installation tasks and considerations.

ANSWER

Before installing Windows Server 2016, there are several pre-installation tasks and considerations
you should be aware of to ensure a smooth installation and operation of the server. Here are some
important steps and things to consider:

1. Hardware Requirements:

• Ensure that your hardware meets the minimum system requirements for Windows Server
2016. These requirements can vary based on the edition and the roles and features you plan
to use.

2. Edition Selection:

• Choose the appropriate edition of Windows Server 2016 based on your organization's needs.
Windows Server 2016 comes in several editions, including Standard and Datacenter, each
with different licensing and feature sets.

3. License Activation:

• Ensure you have a valid license key for Windows Server 2016 and activate it during the
installation process.

4. Backup Data:

• Backup any critical data on your server to prevent data loss during installation.

5. Hardware Compatibility:

• Verify that all hardware components (CPU, RAM, disk drives, network adapters, etc.) are
compatible with Windows Server 2016. Check for driver compatibility as well.

6. Network Configuration:

• Ensure that your server's network configuration (IP address, DNS, and network settings) is
properly configured. You should have a static IP address assigned.

7. System Partition:

• Ensure the system partition (usually the C: drive) has sufficient space for the Windows Server
installation. Microsoft recommends a minimum of 32 GB of free space.

8. System Firmware Updates:

• Ensure that your server's BIOS or UEFI firmware is up to date. Check the manufacturer's
website for any available firmware updates.

9. Installation Media:

• Have the installation media ready, either on a bootable USB drive or a DVD. You can
download the ISO image from the Microsoft website.

10. Installation Method: - Choose the installation method that best suits your needs. You can
perform a clean installation, upgrade from a previous version, or use a virtual machine image.
11. Choose Server Roles and Features: - Plan which server roles and features you need for your
environment, as this can affect the installation process and system resources.

12. Active Directory Considerations: - If you're setting up a domain controller, plan your Active
Directory structure and ensure your server's DNS settings are configured correctly.

13. Data Migration: - If you're upgrading from a previous version of Windows Server, consider data
migration and application compatibility. Test your applications on a test server first.

14. Security Considerations: - Plan for security measures, such as firewall settings, server hardening,
and group policies, to secure your server.

15. Post-Installation Tasks: - Plan for post-installation tasks, such as Windows Update, driver
installations, and configuring backup solutions.

16. Documentation: - Document your server's configuration, including IP addresses, hardware, and
installed software. This documentation will be helpful for troubleshooting and maintenance.

17. User Account Control (UAC): - Be aware of the User Account Control (UAC) feature, which can
affect how applications run and interact with the server.

18. Testing: - Perform a test installation in a non-production environment before deploying Windows
Server 2016 in a production environment.

By following these pre-installation tasks and considerations, you can ensure a successful deployment
of Windows Server 2016 in your organization. It's important to plan and prepare to avoid issues and
to make the installation and configuration process as smooth as possible.

Windows server 2016 Different installation options: GUI, Core, Nano Server

ANSWER

Windows Server 2016 offers different installation options to cater to various use cases and
requirements. The three primary installation options are:

1. Server with Desktop Experience (Full GUI):

• This option provides a traditional Windows desktop environment, including the

graphical user interface (GUI). It is similar to previous versions of Windows Server.
The Full GUI option is well-suited for scenarios where you need a full-fledged
graphical interface for managing the server. You can install and use server roles and
features as you would in a desktop operating system.

Pros:

• Familiar Windows interface for management.

• Easy to manage with GUI tools.

• Suitable for traditional server workloads.

Cons:

• Higher resource usage compared to Core and Nano Server.

 • Increased attack surface due to the presence of the GUI components.

2. Server Core:

• Server Core is a minimal installation option that does not include the traditional
Windows desktop interface. It's designed for a lightweight and efficient server
environment. Server Core requires most management tasks to be performed
through the command line or remote management tools, such as PowerShell,
Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT), and Windows Admin Center.

Pros:

• Lower resource usage and reduced attack surface.

• Improved security due to fewer components.

• Ideal for headless and resource-constrained servers.

Cons:

• Management is primarily through the command line.

• Limited local GUI for some configuration tasks.

3. Nano Server:

• Nano Server is the most minimalistic installation option in Windows Server 2016. It's
designed for specific use cases, such as container hosting, cloud infrastructure, and
microservices. Nano Server has no local GUI, and all management is performed
remotely using PowerShell, Windows Admin Center, or other remote management
tools. It is extremely lightweight and highly secure.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and efficient.

• Enhanced security with minimal attack surface.

• Designed for modern containerized and cloud-based workloads.

Cons:

• Limited compatibility with some traditional server roles and applications.

• Requires a strong understanding of remote management.

When choosing an installation option for Windows Server 2016, consider the specific needs of your
environment, the nature of your workloads, and your familiarity with remote management tools.
Many organizations use a combination of these installation options based on their diverse server
requirements. For example, you might deploy Server Core or Nano Server for web servers or
container hosts while using the Server with Desktop Experience option for management servers that
benefit from a traditional GUI.

Windows server 2016 Step-by-step installation process

ANSWER
The step-by-step installation process for Windows Server 2016 involves several stages, from
preparing your installation media to configuring initial settings. Here's a detailed guide:

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

1. Obtain a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows Server 2016 installation files. You can
download the ISO image from the Microsoft website and create a bootable media using tools
like Rufus (for USB) or burn the ISO to a DVD.

Step 2: Boot from Installation Media

1. Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into the server where you want to install Windows
Server 2016.

2. Start or restart the server, and boot from the installation media. You might need to change
the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize the installation media.

Step 3: Begin Installation

1. The Windows Setup screen should appear. Choose your language, time, currency, and
keyboard preferences.

2. Click "Next."

Step 4: Install Now

1. Click "Install Now" to begin the installation process.

Step 5: Enter Product Key

1. Enter your Windows Server 2016 product key if required. Click "Next."

Step 6: Accept License Terms

1. Read and accept the license terms by selecting "I accept the license terms."

2. Click "Next."

Step 7: Choose Installation Type

1. Select the installation type. You can choose from "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)"
or "Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications."

2. If you're performing a clean installation, choose "Custom."

Step 8: Partition the Disk

1. If you selected "Custom," you'll be presented with the disk partitioning screen.

2. Choose the drive where you want to install Windows Server 2016. You can create, delete, or
format partitions as needed.

3. Click "Next" to begin the installation.

Step 9: Installation Progress

1. Windows Server 2016 will copy files and perform the installation. The server may reboot
during this process.
Step 10: Set Administrator Password

1. After the server reboots, you'll be prompted to set an administrator password. Enter a strong
password.

2. Confirm the password and click "Finish."

Step 11: Configure Initial Settings

1. On the initial configuration screen, you can choose to configure the server's settings. You can
do this immediately or later.

2. Configure the server's network settings, set the computer name, and select the appropriate
server role and features if desired. You can also choose whether to enable or disable
Windows Update.

3. Click "Next" after configuring the settings.

Step 12: Check for Updates

1. If you chose to enable Windows Update, the server will check for updates. This step may take
some time.

Step 13: Sign In

1. Sign in with the administrator account and password you created earlier.

Step 14: Post-Installation Tasks

1. Once you're signed in, you can continue with post-installation tasks, including configuring
additional roles and features, setting up security, and managing the server.

2. Make sure to activate Windows Server 2016 with a valid product key if you haven't done so
already.

Your Windows Server 2016 installation is now complete, and you can start configuring and managing
the server according to your organization's needs.

WINDOWS SERVER 2016 POST-INSTALLATION CONFIGURATION.

ANSWER

After you have successfully installed Windows Server 2016, it's important to perform post-installation
configuration to set up and secure your server. Here are some key post-installation tasks and
configurations:

1. Activate Windows Server:

• Ensure that Windows Server 2016 is activated with a valid product key. You can do this
through the "Settings" app or by running the "slmgr.vbs" command in Command Prompt.

2. Install Windows Updates:

• Keep your server up to date by installing the latest Windows updates and security patches.
Use Windows Update or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage updates.
3. Set the Time and Time Zone:

• Configure the correct time and time zone settings for your server. This can be done in the
"Date and Time" settings.

4. Network Configuration:

• Configure network settings, including setting a static IP address, subnet mask, default
gateway, and DNS servers. Proper network configuration is essential for server operation.

5. Windows Firewall Settings:

• Review and configure Windows Firewall rules to allow necessary traffic and block unwanted
traffic. Customize firewall rules based on your server's role and services.

6. Join a Domain or Configure Active Directory:

• If your server is part of a domain, join it to the domain. If it's intended to be a domain
controller, configure Active Directory, DNS, and other domain-related settings.

7. Configure Remote Desktop:

• If you need remote access to your server, configure Remote Desktop settings, including who
can connect and through which ports. Enable Remote Desktop Services if needed.

8. Install Roles and Features:

• Install and configure server roles and features as per your requirements. This can include
roles like Web Server (IIS), File Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and more.

9. Configure Storage:

• Manage and configure storage, including creating and formatting volumes, configuring RAID,
and setting up file sharing or network-attached storage (NAS).

10. Backup and Restore:

• Set up backup solutions to protect your data and system configurations. Use built-in
Windows Server Backup or third-party backup software.

11. Security and Group Policies:

• Implement security best practices, including configuring Group Policies to control user and
computer settings, enable security auditing, and set password policies.

12. Hardening and Server Security:

• Secure the server by disabling unnecessary services, applying security patches, and
implementing best practices for hardening the server's security.

13. Install Antivirus and Antimalware Software:

• Install and configure antivirus and antimalware software to protect your server from threats
and malware.

14. Monitor Server Performance:

 • Set up server monitoring to track performance, resource usage, and system health. Windows
Performance Monitor and third-party tools can help in this regard.

15. Configure User and Group Accounts:

• Create and configure user accounts, groups, and permissions to control access to server
resources.

16. Documentation:

• Maintain documentation of your server's configuration, including IP addresses, roles, and

features, as well as critical system information.

17. Test and Verify Functionality:

• Thoroughly test the server to ensure that it performs its intended tasks as expected.

18. Disaster Recovery Plan:

• Create a disaster recovery plan and regularly back up critical data and system configurations.

Remember that post-installation configuration will vary depending on your server's role and your
organization's specific needs. It's essential to follow best practices for security, performance, and
reliability when configuring your Windows Server 2016.