How to Create a Windows Server 2022 Bootable USB

Recently, Windows Server 2022 has been released, which catches the eyes of lots of users who need Server OS in their work.

Windows Server 2022 has three editions that are Standard, Data Center, and Data Center Azure. This version of Windows Server not only builds on the excellent foundation established by Windows Server 2019 but also introduces more significant advantages.

If you get a Server 2022 bootable USB, you can:
◤Install Windows Server 2022 from the USB
◤Create a portable Server OS drive

Sounds nice, right? If you’re interested, let’s move to the next part to see more details.

Create Windows Server 2022 bootable USB for OS installation

To create a Windows Server bootable USB for OS installation, we can employ Diskpart. Before we start the creation, we need to prepare:

If all preparations are ready, please insert your USB into your computer, and follow the guide.

Step 1. Run CMD as admin.

Click “Start”, input “CMD” in the search box, and right-click on the search outcome, then click "Run as administrator" to open the Command Prompt window tool.

Step 2. Type correct commands and execute them carefully.

Type “diskpart” and press Enter to open the Diskpart tool. Type the following commands and press “Enter” to execute them one by one.
• list disk
• select disk x (“x” is the number of the USB)
• clean
• create partition primary
• select partition 1
• format fs=ntfs quick

Step 3. Type confirm commands.

• active
• exit

Step 4. Mount Server ISO files on USB.

Although you exit the Diskpart command, please don’t exit CMD. Find the Windows Server setup ISO in your computer and double-click on it to mount the ISO. Then we need to copy ISO files to USB, type the following commands, and hit “Enter” in the CMD:
• xcopy D:\*.* E: /s/e/f (D is the ISO image drive, and drive E: is the USB drive letter)
• D:\Boot\Bootsect /NT60 E: /force /mbr

★Note:

 You may receive a message that "file creation error - the parameter is incorrect" or "the install.wim is too large"; it is because of the limit of the FAT32 file system. To solve it, you can split the vim file into smaller files by the command: "dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:h:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:r:\sources\install.swm /FileSize: 4096”.

Now you can use this USB to install Windows Server 2022 on other computers.

Make a portable Windows Server 2022 USB

The above part is to make an installation USB of Windows Server 2022. The steps might be a little difficult for many normal users, if you are a bit confused because of the mentioned method, then, we highly recommend you a Windows Server 2022 USB creator, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. This powerful Server manager offers a “Windows To Go Creator” feature which allows users to create a portable Server OS, so they can directly boot and run  OS from the USB to avoid the installation.

In Windows 10/8/8.1 Enterprise, only the USB of certified brands allows you to use Windows To Go feature. But in AOMEI Partition Assistant, this feature supports Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7/XP and Server 2022/2019/2019/2016/2012(R2) on uncertified USB. And when you run OS on the USB, the original OS on your computer won’t be affected, they are separated, so it’s very safe and convenient.

Tip: To employ this user-friendly function, you’ll need a 16GB or larger USB, and download Windows Server 2022 ISO.

Now, you can read the steps.

Step 1. Connect USB to PC and download tool.

Connect a USB drive to your computer. Install and open AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. Click “Tools” in the top toolbar, and choose “Windows To Go Creator”.

Step 2. Choose the way to start.

Here, choose “Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO” and click “Next”.

Tip: If you’re using Windows Server 2022 computer, you can choose “Create Windows To Go with the current system”.

Step 3. Select the target USB drive.

In this window, select a USB drive. If it doesn’t show, click “Refresh”.

Step 4. Select installation files.

Then click "Browse” to select Windows Server 2022 ISO.

Step 5. Check the USB and the ISO files to proceed.

Then you will be prompted that the process will wipe data on the selected USB drive, so backup files, you need in advance. Ensure you have backed up important files and click “Yes”. And click “Proceed”.

Then you can wait for a while, then unplug the USB and plug it into the target computer to check if it’s available or not. Don’t forget to enter BIOS (press F2 or DEL) to change the boot order.

Final words

Hope this guide can help you successfully create Windows Server 2022 bootable USB. AOMEI Partition Assistant Server is a versatile Server manager for all users, it can “Convert to MBR/GPT” without data loss for both system disk and data disk; “Disk Clone Wizard” to clone the whole disk; and “App Mover” to transfer installed program to the destination disk or drive without reinstalling… What’s more, it has a “Make a bootable media” feature to create a repair tool to help you when your computer cannot boot normally.

If you need to use this tool on another computer, you can choose Unlimited Edition to create a portable AOMEI Partition Assistant.

FAQs about Windows Server 2022 bootable USB

What are the system requirements for creating a Windows Server 2022 bootable USB?
You need a USB flash drive with sufficient capacity (usually at least 8GB), a working Windows PC, and the Windows Server 2022 ISO file, or, if you're using Windows Server 2022, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant to create a USB with the current system.

Can I use the same method to create a bootable USB for both Windows Server 2022 and other Windows versions?
The general process is similar, but it's recommended to use the specific tools or methods designed for each Windows version to ensure compatibility. Of course, you can choose our handy tool to easily solve your problem.

Are there any precautions I should take before creating a bootable USB?
Make sure to back up any important data on the USB drive, as creating a bootable USB will erase its contents. Also, ensure you have a reliable Windows Server 2022 ISO file.