While many servers today utilize Linux as their Operating System, there are still plenty of applications which are perfectly suited for Windows Server. Windows Server 2016 provides a light-weight graphical interface for individuals and enterprises running Microsoft based services.
Server 2016 of Windows Server is smaller, faster, and comes with new and upgraded features such as window containers, Hyper-v, windows defender, active directory domain services and so much more. However, you must meet the minimum requirements to be able to install and use it.
See Also: [thrive_2step id=’2926′]2020 Small Business Server PRICING LIST (PDF)[/thrive_2step]
In this article, we’ll outline the server requirements for Windows Server 2016 as well as our recommendations if you are looking to setup a Hybrid or Dedicated Server running Windows Server.
Table of Contents
1. Windows Server 2016 Minimum Hardware Requirements 1.1. Processor 1.2. RAM 1.3. Disk Controller and Disk Space 1.4. Network Adapter 1.5. Other Windows Server 2016 Requirements 2. Windows Server 2016 Recommended Hardware Requirements 3. How much does a Windows Server 2016 Server Cost?
Windows Server 2016 Minimum Hardware Requirements
- Processor: 1.4Ghz 64-bit processor
- RAM: 512 MB
- Disk Space: 32 GB
- Network: Gigabit (10/100/1000baseT) Ethernet adapter, 1Gbps connection is ideal.
- Optical Storage: DVD drive (if installing the OS from DVD media)
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1. Processor
For you to run Windows Server 2016, you need a minimum of AMD64 or 1.4GHz EMT64 Processor.
Your processor must also be compatible with x64 instruction set architecture and should support security features such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and NX Bit.
It should also support CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF.
As well, it should support Second Level Address Translation: Extended Page Table (EPT) and Nested Page Tables (NPT).
2. RAM
The following are the minimum RAM requirements for this server:
- 512 MB and 2 GB for Window Servers that have the Desktop Experience feature
- ECC type or a similar technology
If you create a virtual machine (VM) that has the minimum hardware parameters and then attempt to install WS2016 on the VM, the setup is likely to fail.
To avoid this, you can allocate 800 MB RAM or more to the VM you intend to install WS2016 on and run setup. Once the installation is complete, you can then reduce the VM’s RAM to 512 MB.
You can also interrupt the booting process of Windows Server 2016 by pressing SHIFT+F10. In the CP (command prompt) that will pop up, you can make use of the Diskpart.exe command-line tool to create the desired installation partition. Then run the Wpeutil createpagefile /path=X:pf.sys (where X represents the installation partition you created).
After that, close the CP and continue with the installation process.
3. Disk Controller and Disk Space
Your disk controller should be PCI Express compliant.
You should also note that WS2016 does not support ATA/ IDE /PATA//EIDE for boot, page, or data. For Core installation, you need a minimum disk space of 32 GB.
Additional 4 GB is required for the installation of Graphical User Interface (GUI).
4. Network Adapter
Microsoft recommends the following minimum Windows Server 2016 system requirements:
- A Gigabit adapter with 1 Gbps throughput
- Your network Adapter Should be PCI Express Compliant
- Your Ethernet Adapter should also support PXE (Pre-boot Execution Environment)
If your system meets these requirements, you can consider installing the revolutionary server.
5. Other Windows Server 2016 Requirements
If you intend to install WS2016 from a DVD media, you should ensure your computer has a DVD drive.
You should also have a UEFI 2.3.1c-based system, Graphic device, Trusted Platform Module, keyboard, internet access, and firmware supporting secure boot.
A Microsoft mouse and a monitor that has high-resolution can also help to make the installation process smooth and successful.
After installation, you need to gather some security tips to protect your Windows server.
Windows Server 2016 Recommended Hardware Requirements
- Processor: 3.0GHz 64 Bit Processor
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Disk Space: 32 GB
- Network: Gigabit (10/100/1000baseT) Ethernet adapter, 1Gbps connection is ideal.
- Optical Storage: DVD drive (if installing the OS from DVD media)
Based on our real-world usage of a GUI based Windows Server 2016 install, we’d recommend server specs above the bare minimum outlined by Microsoft. Memory usage in particular was closer to 1.5GB than 512MB.
How much does a Windows Server 2016 Server Cost?
The cost of a Windows Server 2016 dedicated server ranges from $95/month up to $345 a month depending on your hardware requirements.
If you prefer to run Windows Server on a remote server for one low monthly fee, here are our recommendations for two Dedicated Serves which will meet the modest needs of many projects.
| | Small Dedicated Server | Large Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Specs | Intel Xeon 1240v3
4x 3.4GHz Processor 32GB RAM 500GB SSD |
Intel Xeon-W 2145
4x 4.0GHz Processor 32Gb RAM 2x 500GB SSD |
| Cost | $95/month | $165.00/month |
| Order | Order Now | Order Now |
Wrapping Up
Windows Server 2016 is easy to install and may meet your business needs. However, you need to ensure your system meets the Windows Server 2016 requirements highlighted above.
If you have relevant questions or are in need of a quote on your next Windows Server rental, book a free consultation today.
Andrew Lemak is a seasoned Datacenter Solutions Analyst at ServerMania, where he specializes in optimizing data center infrastructure for maximum efficiency and performance. With a passion for technology and a keen eye for detail, Andrew ensures that ServerManias clients receive top-notch solutions tailored to their unique needs.
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- What Are the Server Requirements for Windows Server 2016?
By Ariel | Follow |
Last Updated
As a reliable business operating system, Windows Server 2016 offers end-user with many new and upgraded features such as Hyper-V, Windows containers and so much more. To make you install and use this Windows Server smoothly, we decided to assist you with this post.
Windows Server 2016 Requirements
Windows Server 2016 can be used to set up, manage, and maintain business Servers. It provides a smaller and faster graphical interface for enterprises and individuals when running Microsoft based services.
Tip: MiniTool Partition Wizard Server makes it easier to keep your Server safe and well-organized. You can use it to extend Server partition, change cluster size and manage your disk with many other features.
In addition, Windows Server 2016 bears considerable cybersecurity and data breach prevention capabilities. These features such as security auditing, access privilege control, and active detection are designed to prevent proprietary data from particular aggressions that target business.
However, it is also crucial to meet the Windows Server 2016 requirements before installing and using it. There are Windows Server 2016 hardware requirements as follows:
If you want to run Windows Server 2016 smoothly, you need to meet a minimum of AMD64 or 1.4GHz EMT64 Processor.
At the same time, the processor is required to be compatible with x64 instruction set architecture and support the security features such as NX Bit and Data Execution Prevention.
Also, it should work with CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF and support at least Second Level Address Translation: Extended Page Table (EPT) and Nested Page Tables (NPT).
1. RAM
As for Windows Sever 2016 requirements, you should meet the following RAM requirements:
- With the Desktop Experience feature, the storage capacity 512 GB and 2GB of RAM for Windows Servers are required.
- ECC type or similar technology.
If your virtual machine (VM) has the minimum hardware parameters and is attempting to install WS2016 on the VM, the setup is likely to fail.
To avoid this failure, 800 MB of RAM or more should be allocated to the VM you intend to install WS2016 on and run the setup. After completing this installation, you can reduce the RAM of VM to 512 MB.
Also, you can change the booting process of Windows Server 2016 by pressing the key Shift + F10. In the pop-up window, you can call out the Diskpart.exe command prompt to create the desired installation partition. Then type the Wpeutil createpagefile /path=X:pf.sys command and hit enter to create the installation partition.
2. Disk Controller and Disk Space
It is recommended that you use PCI Express compliant as a disk controller.
You also need to note WS2016 does not support ATA/IDE/PATA/EIDE for boot, page, or data. As for the core installation. You need to meet a minimum disk space of 32 GB. And if you want to install Graphical User Interface, an additional 4 GB is required.
3. Network Adapter
In addition to the above Windows Server 2016 requirements, a suitable Network adapter is also required. Microsoft suggest you to meet the following basic Windows Server 2016 requirements:
- Set up PCI Express Compliant as your network adapter
- A Gigabit adapter with 1 Gbps throughput
- Make sure your Ethernet Adapter support PXE (Pre-boot Execution Environment).
You may also be interested in How Much SSD Storage Do You Need? – Get Answer Now.
4. Other Windows Server 2016 recommended hardware requirements
- If you want to install WS2016 from a DVD media, please make sure your computer has a DVD driver.
- A UEFI 2.3.1c-based system, Graphic device, Trusted Platform Module, keyboard, internet access, and firmware supporting secure boot are also required.
- A Microsoft mouse and a monitor with high-resolution can help you to make the installation process smooth and successful.
- After completing the installation, you need to collect some usefulsecurity tipsto protect your Windows server.
Right now, all server requirements for Windows Server 2016 are told to you. You can try to install the Windows Server 2016.
How Much Does a Windows Server 2016 Cost?
The price of a Windows Server 2016 depends on its various versions. At present, there are three major versions of Windows Server 2016 including Windows Server 2016 Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter. In a nutshell, its cost a range from $95/month up to $345 a month.
You may also like how to Upgrade Windows Server 2008 before Support Ends.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Ariel has been working as a highly professional computer-relevant technology editor at MiniTool for many years. She has a strong passion for researching all knowledge related to the computer’s disk, partition, and Windows OS. Up till now, she has finished thousands of articles covering a broad range of topics and helped lots of users fix various problems. She focuses on the fields of disk management, OS backup, and PDF editing and provides her readers with insightful and informative content.
Table of Contents
Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our disclosure statement.
New System Requirements of Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 is the latest release from Microsoft from the Server OS portfolio of Products. Unsurprisingly, with this version, Microsoft’s focus is on the Cloud Data Platform to offer a consistent platform for both On-premises and Cloud Data Centers. It will give you the ability to choose where & how you want to deploy, bare metal or in a VM, On-premises, Azure or within a multi-tenant service provider environment.
Also Read Learn about the New and Improve Features of Windows Server 2016 under 5 minutes.
The Server Operating System will focus on Enterprise Mobility (EMS), IoT, Business Insights, Application Platform and Datacenter transformation.
Windows Server 2016 System Requirements:
Processor requirements:
- A minimum of 1.4 GHz 64-bit EMT64 or AMD64 processor. Quad Core Recommended for production systems.
- Support for security features like NX Bit and DEP (Data Execution Prevention)
- The processor should support CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchWNeeds
- Needs to Support EPT or NPT (Second Level Address Translation)
Disk Space:
For Core installation, a minimum Disk Space of 32 GB is required. Additional 4 GB is necessary for GUI installation.
Disk Space Capacity Planning:
Microsoft Support recommends the following:
- 3 times the RAM size limited up to 32 GB. Which means 96 GB (32×3 = 96 GB)
- Additional disk space of 10-12 GB for additional roles and features installed based on server roles. For 32 GB Systems with GUI (96 + 12 = 108 GB)
- Additional 10 GB is required for Windows Updates. So, 108 GB +10 GB = 118 GB for 32 GB Systems.
- 10 GB extra space for miscellaneous files and logs (Perfmon, Server Trace, etc.) (128 GB for 32 GB Systems)
- Any Disk Space requirements for applications that are installed on the OS partition are additional. For example SQL, Exchange, SharePoint MS-CRM, etc.
Disk Controller:
- Needs to be a PCI Express Compliant Disk Controller.
- ATA/PATA/IDE/EIDE are not supported for either boot, page, or data.
RAM (Random Access memory) Requirements:
- 512 MB ECC supported Memory Modules
- 800 MB for VM Installations, post-installation, reduce RAM to 512 MB.
Optional System Requirements Features:
- Support of UEFI 2.3.1c-based system and firmware with support for secure boot
- Trusted Platform Module
- Graphics Accelerator device and monitor, capable of SVGA (1024 x 768) minimum. 1080 p monitors or higher-resolution recommended.
- Input devices such as a Keyboard and Microsoft® mouse (or other compatible pointing devices)
- Internet access to download Windows Updates where the tenant is managing the updates.
Network Requirements:
- Minimum a Gigabit Ethernet adapter with 1 Gbps throughput.
- Needs to be PCI Express Compliant hardware.
- Supports Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE).As you may know, Wireless Devices cannot be used to boot from the network.
Some of the requirements have changed compared to its predecessor, but most of the changes are already available in hardware that is sold in the market. For example, the processor feature requirements are already present in products sold for the last couple of years.
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In this article, we are going to show discuss System Requirement and Installation Windows Server 2016. In the previous article, you first saw System Requirement and Installation of Windows Server 2012.
System Requirement:
Windows Server 2016 Microsoft recommended and minimum hardware requirements as listed below…
Processor: Minimum 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
Compatible with x64 instruction set
RAM: Minimum: 512 MB (2 GB Server with Desktop Experience installation option) ECC (Error Correcting Code) type or similar technology
Storage Minimum: Hard Disk 32 GB
First, download the following link and download the Windows Server 2016 ISO.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-server-2016
After you finish downloading the ISO file, then make a bootable cd/DVD or pen drive. configure your BIOS TO boot from CD OR DVD and press “ENTER to boot from CD/DVD OR Removable device. After a few minutes, you receive the Windows Server 2016 screen shown “Windows. Now let’s click Next and start the process of installing Windows Server 2016. Here, select the language, time, and keyboard settings for your system.
- Just click on Install Now :
Start the Windows Server 2016 installation process by clicking on ‘Install Now‘ here.
- Select Operating System:
Now we will select the operating system here and we will do the next. Here I am going to select the standard operating system. You can install the operating system you prefer.
- Accept Agreement License:
Read license agreement turn on checkbox” I accept the license terms” and then click Next.
- Click On Custom Install:
you’ll need to select the Custom installation option. Go through the installation process normally until you reach the Which type of installation do you want? screen and click the Custom option.
- Create Partitions:
On the next screen, click the Drive options (advanced) link. Create several partitions by clicking the New button and entering a size for each partition.
- Installing Windows:
It will start copying the windows server file. this take will a while could be 20 mins it will reboot automatically.
Also Read- Installing and Configuring Active directory in windows server 2016.
- Password Setting:
In the Password, box enters a new password for this computer and then click finish.
Enjoy working on Windows Server 2016…
That’s all, In this article, we have explained System Requirement and Installation Windows Server 2016. I hope you enjoy this article. If you like this article, then just share it. If you have any questions about this article, please comment.
System Requirements for Windows Server 2016. If your computer has less than the “minimum” requirements, you will not be able to install this product correctly. These minimum system requirements apply to all installation options (Server Core, Server with Desktop Experience, and Nano Server) and both Standard and Datacenter editions.
Processor
The following are the processor requirements for this product:
Minimum:
- 4 GHz 64-bit processor
- Compatible with x64 instruction set
- Supports NX and DEP
- Supports CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW
- Supports Second Level Address Translation (EPT or NPT)
RAM
The following are the estimated RAM requirements for this product:
Minimum:
- 512 MB (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience installation option)
- ECC (Error Correcting Code) type or similar technology
For best work you need minimum 4 Gb memory.
Important
If you create a virtual machine with the minimum supported hardware parameters (1 processor core and 512 MB RAM) and then attempt to install this release on the virtual machine, Setup will fail.
To avoid this, do one of the following:
- Allocate more than 800 MB RAM to the virtual machine you intend to install this release on. Once Setup has completed, you can change the allocation to as little as 512 MB RAM, depending on the actual server configuration.
- Interrupt the boot process of this release on the virtual machine with SHIFT+F10. In the command prompt that opens, use Diskpart.exe to create and format an installation partition. Run Wpeutil createpagefile /path=C:\pf.sys (assuming the installation partition you created was C:). Close the command prompt and proceed with Setup.
Storage controller and disk space requirements
Computers that run Windows Server 2016 must include a storage adapter that is compliant with the PCI Express architecture specification. Persistent storage devices on servers classified as hard disk drives must not be PATA. Windows Server 2016 does not allow ATA/PATA/IDE/EIDE for boot, page, or data drives.
The following are the estimated minimum disk space requirements for the system partition.
Minimum: 32 GB
For best work minimum 64 Gb – installation + future updates
The system partition will need extra space for any of the following circumstances:
- If you install the system over a network.
- Computers with more than 16 GB of RAM will require more disk space for paging, hibernation, and dump files.
Network adapter requirements
Network adapters used with this release should include these features:
Minimum:
- An Ethernet adapter capable of at least gigabit throughput
- Compliant with the PCI Express architecture specification.
- Supports Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE).
A network adapter that supports network debugging (KDNet) is useful, but not a minimum requirement.
Other requirements
The following items are not strictly required, but are necessary for certain features:
- UEFI 2.3.1c-based system and firmware that supports secure boot
- Trusted Platform Module
- Graphics device and monitor capable of Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher-resolution
- Keyboard and Microsoft® mouse (or other compatible pointing device)
- Internet access (fees may apply)