How To Install Windows on Contabo VPS/VDS or Dedicated Server
Current Offers
Client Login
Home / Blog

How To Install Windows on Contabo VPS/VDS or Dedicated Server

Servers
windows contabo

How To Install Windows on Contabo VPS/VDS or Dedicated Server

Contabo offers fast and reliable servers, including VPS, VDS, and dedicated options. They let you install Windows for an extra $8 per month, but that may be too expensive for some users. This guide will show you how to install Windows on a Contabo server yourself. This way, you can save money and stay in control.

You can hire a CloudWave Expert to install Windows on your server

Step 1: Install Ubuntu 20.04 on Your Server

  • Log in to Contabo: Open your Contabo account and go to the control panel.
  • Find Your Server: Select the server you want to set up and click Reinstall.
  • Choose Ubuntu 20.04: Pick Ubuntu 20.04 from the OS list.
  • Set a Password: Create a strong password and save it.
  • Start Installation: Click Start Installation and track the progress in the OS Installation menu.

Step 2: Turn on Rescue Mode

  • Go to the Control Panel: After Ubuntu is installed, open your server management page.
  • Enable Rescue Mode: Click Rescue System.
  • Pick Debian-10: Select Debian-10 and set a new password.
  • Start Rescue Mode: Click Start Rescue System and wait a few minutes for activation.

Step 3: Connect to the Server with VNC

  • Find VNC Details: On the server page, hover over Manage and click VNC Information.
  • Save IP and Port: Write down the VNC IP address and port number.
  • Set a Password: Click VNC Password to create one (avoid special characters).
  • Get a VNC Client: Download RealVNC or UltraVNC and install it.
  • Connect to the Server: Open the VNC client, enter the IP:Port (e.g., 173.249.8.80:64292), and type the password.

Step 4: Install Windows on the Contabo Server

  1. Open Terminal: Launch the terminal from the VNC interface.
  2. Update and Upgrade System Packages: Execute the following commands to ensure the system is up to date:
apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  1. Switch to Root User: Gain root privileges by running:
sudo su
  1. Install Required Tools: Install essential utilities such as gparted, filezilla, grub2, and wimtools:
apt install gparted filezilla grub2 wimtools -y
  1. Partition the Disk: Use gparted to partition the disk and mount it:
gdisk /dev/sda
r
g
p
w
Y
mount /dev/sda1 /mnt
  1. Prepare the Bootloader: Install GRUB and configure the bootloader:
grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda
cd /mnt/boot/grub
nano grub.cfg
  1. Add Boot Entry: Insert the following boot entry into the grub.cfg file and Enter.:
menuentry "windows installer" {
  insmod ntfs
  search --set=root --file=/bootmgr
  ntldr /bootmgr
  boot
}
  1. Download and Mount Windows ISO:
cd /root/windisk
mkdir winfile
wget -O win10.iso https://t.ly/swrq1
mount -o loop win10.iso winfile
rsync -avz --progress winfile/* /mnt
umount winfile
  1. Install Virtio Drivers:
wget -O virtio.iso https://shorturl.at/aiy13
mount -o loop virtio.iso winfile
rsync -avz --progress winfile/* /mnt/sources/virtio
mkdir /mnt/sources/virtio
cd /mnt/sources
touch cmd.txt
echo 'add virtio /virtio_drivers' >> cmd.txt
wimlib-imagex update boot.wim 2 < cmd.txt
reboot

Supported Windows Versions

You can install these Windows versions using this method:

  • Windows Server: 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022
  • Windows: 10, 11

Conclusion

After the server restarts, the Windows setup will start. Follow the steps on the screen to finish the installation. Once done, use Remote Desktop (RDP) to access your Windows server with its IP address, username, and password.

This method lets you install Windows on a Contabo server for free, giving you full control over your system.

Looking for a Budget-Friendly VPS?

Check out our affordable VPS plans designed to fit your needs!

Want to Install Windows on Other Servers?

Read our guides for Hetzner and OVH dedicated servers.