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Upgrade Windows Server 2022 to 2025

In this lab, you will upgrade Windows Server 2022 to the latest 2025 version, exploring key features, best practices, and troubleshooting techniques to ensure a smooth transition.

Session duration: 60 minutes· Typical launch: ~3 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lab level

Lab VMs

1

1 Hyper-V

XP Reward

300 XP

On completion

Virtual machines

Lab VMs

Hyper-V

Windows Server (upgrade to 2025)

Username / Password

user / password123

Connection type

In-browser RDP (nested)

CPU / RAM

—

Lab instructions

Follow the steps below to complete the lab.

Performing an in-place upgrade allows you to move to Windows Server 2025 while preserving your existing roles, settings, and data without rebuilding the server from scratch.

  1. Click the three dots ... on the upper left of the Windows screen.
  2. Click Ctrl+Alt+Del button to unlock Windows Server 2022.
  3. Type the Administrator password of password123

NOTE: You can click the three dots ... on the upper left of the Windows screen to close the menu.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC and double-click the D: drive.

NOTE: Windows Server 2025 ISO is already mounted on the D: drive.

The Windows Server Setup installation wizard should pop-up.

  1. When prompted, click Next to check for updates.
  2. Select the appropriate edition of Windows Server 2025 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience), then click Next.
  3. Click the Accept button to accept the license terms and click Next.
  4. Click Next on the Choose what to keep window.
  5. Click Yes on the popup message to continue.
  6. Click Install to begin the in place upgrade process to Windows Server 2025.

Wait while the server installs Windows Server 2025 (the system will reboot multiple times).

  1. After installation completes, select the default Region, Language, and Keyboard layout clicking Next.
  2. Type a password like P@ssw0rd as the administrator credentials and click Finish.
  3. Login as the Administrator typing the recently entered password P@ssw0rd.
  4. Click Accept to send diagnostic data to Microsoft.
  5. Verify the upgrade by running winver on a command prompt or from the taskbar search box.