How To Install Windows on Contabo VPS/VDS or Dedicated Server
How to Install Windows on Contabo Server (Step-by-Step Guide)
Contabo is known for providing top-quality VPS, VDS, and Dedicated Servers. However, installing Windows on a Contabo server costs around $8/month, which can be expensive for many users. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Windows on a Contabo server yourself, saving costs and gaining full control.
Steps to Install Windows on the Contabo Server
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Step 1: Reinstall the Server with Ubuntu 20.04
- Log in to your Contabo control panel.
- Locate your server and click the Reinstall button.
- Choose Ubuntu 20.04 as the OS.
- Generate a password and save it securely.
- Click Start Installation, then monitor progress via the “OS Installation” menu.
Step 2: Enable Rescue Mode
- After Ubuntu installation, go back to the server control panel.
- Click Rescue System.
- Select Debian-10 as the OS and generate a password.
- Click Start Rescue System, and wait 1-5 minutes for activation.
Read More: How To Install Windows On Hetzner Dedicated Server (With Images)
Step 3: Access Server via VNC
- Navigate to your server management page.
- Hover over the Manage button and click VNC Information.
- Note down the VNC IP and Port.
- Click VNC Password, generate a password (avoid special characters).
- Download and install a VNC client like RealVNC or UltraVNC.
- Connect using VNC IP:Port (e.g.,
173.249.8.80:64292
) and enter the password.
Step 4: Install Windows on Contabo Server
- Open Terminal from the VNC interface.
- Execute the following commands carefully:
apt update && sudo apt update -y && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo su
apt install gparted filezilla grub2 wimtools -y
gparted
- Partition the disk and mount it:
gdisk /dev/sda
r
g
p
w
Y
mount /dev/sda1 /mnt
cd ~
mkdir windisk
mount /dev/sda2 windisk
grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda
cd /mnt/boot/grub
nano grub.cfg
- Add the following boot entry in grub.cfg, then save:
menuentry "windows installer" {
insmod ntfs
search --set=root --file=/bootmgr
ntldr /bootmgr
boot
}
Save using Ctrl+X
, then press Y
and Enter
.
- Download Windows ISO and install:
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
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
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
Conclusion
Once the server reboots, the Windows installation wizard will appear. Complete the setup and access your Windows server using RDP with your IP address, username, and password.
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Read More: How To Install Windows On OVH Dedicated Server.