Create an USB Drive for Windows Server 2025 Installation

Setting up a fresh Windows Server 2025? The fastest way is with a bootable USB drive. Here’s how to create one in under 15 minutes, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.

What You Need

• A USB flash drive (at least 8GB, 16GB recommended)
• Windows Server 2025 ISO file (Download here)
• A working computer with admin rights

Step 1: Download the Windows Server 2025 ISO

You’ll need the official Windows Server 2025 ISO. You can download it here:
Windows Server 2025 ISO – Download Link

Always scan files from the internet for viruses, and only use trusted sources.

Step 2: Prepare Your USB Drive

Warning: This process will erase everything on the USB drive.

On Windows: Use Rufus

1. Download Rufus (free and portable).
2. Plug in your USB drive.
3. Open Rufus. It will detect your USB.
4. Under “Boot selection,” click SELECT and choose your Windows Server 2025 ISO.
5. Keep the default settings (File system: NTFS, Partition scheme: GPT).
6. Click Start.
7. Confirm any warnings, and Rufus will create your bootable USB.

On macOS: Use Terminal

1. Insert your USB drive.
2. Open Disk Utility, select the drive, and click Erase. Format as MS-DOS (FAT) and name it WINUSB.
3. Download the Windows Server 2025 ISO.
4. Open Terminal.
5. Use the dd command (replace X with your actual USB disk number):
   sudo dd if=/path/to/Windows_Server_2025.iso of=/dev/diskX bs=1m
6. Wait for the process to finish. Don’t remove the drive until the command completes.

On Linux: Use dd

1. Plug in your USB drive.
2. Open a terminal.
3. Identify your USB (lsblk or fdisk -l).
4. Run:
   sudo dd if=/path/to/Windows_Server_2025.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress sync
   Replace /dev/sdX with your USB device path.

Step 3: Boot and Install

1. Insert your USB into the server you want to set up.
2. Power on and enter the boot menu (often F12, Esc, or Del).
3. Select the USB drive as the boot device.
4. The Windows Server 2025 setup will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Quick Tips

• Make sure your server’s BIOS is set to boot from USB.
• If your server uses UEFI, keep your USB formatted as GPT/NTFS.
• Disconnect other external drives to avoid confusion.

That’s it. You’re ready to install Windows Server 2025 from USB. Bookmark this page for future setups, and if you run into trouble, drop a comment below—happy to help!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!