Convert Windows Server DVD to ISO and Use in Proxmox

This guide helps you turn your physical Windows Server 2019 DVD into a bootable ISO file for installation in Proxmox VE.

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1. Create an ISO from the DVD

On Windows (Using ImgBurn)

1. Download and install ImgBurn
2. Insert the DVD into your PC’s drive
3. Open ImgBurn
4. Select “Create image file from disc”
5. Choose output location (e.g. WindowsServer2019.iso)
6. Click “Read” to start

On macOS

1. Insert the DVD
2. Open Disk Utility
3. Select the DVD in the sidebar
4. Click File > New Image > Image from [DVD Name]
5. Choose:
6. Format: DVD/CD Master
7. Save As: windows2019.cdr
8. Rename .cdr to .iso once created

```bash

mv windows2019.cdr windows2019.iso

2. Upload ISO to Proxmox
   1. Log into the Proxmox web interface
   2. Navigate to your Proxmox node (left sidebar)
   3. Click “Local” (or your chosen storage)
   4. Go to Content > Upload
   5. Select your windows2019.iso file
   6. Wait for upload to complete

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3. Create and Install Windows Server VM

   1. Click Create VM
   2. Set:

   • Name: win2019
   • OS: Microsoft Windows

   3. Choose the uploaded windows2019.iso as the CD-ROM boot media
   4. Set desired CPU, RAM (e.g. 16–24 GB), and disk (e.g. 100–250 GB NVMe)
   5. Finish and start the VM
   6. Proceed with Windows setup using your DVD licence key

⸻

✅ Notes

•   You only need to do this once — the ISO can be reused for reinstallations.
•   You don’t need to buy a DVD drive for your server if you have any PC or Mac with a drive.
•   This method ensures faster, headless, and more reliable installs in Proxmox.

May 25, 2025

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