The instructions in this article describe how to install Windows for VPS ON servers. Instructions for VPS SSD can be found in the article VPS SSD - Installing Windows Server with VirtIO. For general instructions on connecting a custom ISO and installing the OS, see VPS ON - Connecting a custom ISO and installing the OS.
In this article you will read:
- How to prepare VPS ON for Windows installation
- How to start the installation process
- How to load VirtIO drivers:
- Common problems
- Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing VPS ON for Windows installation
To install Windows on a VPS ON with the appropriate configuration you will need:
- Installation ISO for selected Windows versions
- Windows VirtIO ISO drivers (download here &boxboxbox;)
The procurement of the installation files and Windows licenses is the responsibility of the customer, as is the installation itself. For installation errors that are not described in these instructions, please contact Microsoft Customer Support.
Attach all necessary ISO files to the VPS according to the instructions in VPS ON - Attaching your own ISO and installing the OS. Make sure you have the following disks attached:
- Empty Image of OS type (basic Empty Image for VPS ON)
- ISO of the selected Windows Readonly CD-ROM type
- ISO VirtIO drivers of the Readonly CD-ROM type
Starting the installation
Follow the chapter Booting the operating system from the VPS ON ISO manual - Connecting your own ISO and installing the OS.
Loading VirtIO drivers
In particular, you use VirtIO to boot disk and network card drivers.
Disk Drivers
During the installation process, the installer will prompt you to select a system location. If you don't see any disk there, load the VirtIO drivers using this procedure:
- In the installation window, select Load driver.
- In the pop-up window, click Browse.
- In the next window, select the drive containing the VirtIO drivers.
- On the VirtIO CD, find the amd64 folder and the folder with the drivers corresponding to your system version.
- Confirm the driver selection by pressing the Next button.
- In the installation window, select the disk that appears.
- ClickNext to continue with the installation.
Network card drivers
Install the network card drivers by following these steps:
- Open the Device Manager application.
- Select the Ethernet Controller item with the yellow exclamation mark.
- Click on Update Driver Software and select manual installation.
- Locate and install the driver on the connected VirtIO disk.
After installing the driver, complete the network setup:
- The IP addresses of the server can be found in the service setup email and in the service details in the customer administration.
- DNS servers and gateway IP address can be found in the SunStone interface, VPS details, Info tab.
Common problems
Common problems with installing Windows on VPS ON include:
Outdated VirtIO driver
Problem: We are installing Windows 11, but VirtIO only has drivers for Windows 10.
Solution: In my experience, the Win10 drivers work with Win11. If this is not the case for you, unfortunately we cannot help you from our side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upload an ISO file to the VPS ON and attach it to the virtual machine?
Follow the instructions on this link.
Where can I get a Windows installation ISO?
We do not distribute Windows from our side, nor do we provide contacts to other distributors.