# Launch a Windows Server
This guide walks you through creating a Windows Server instance on NeevCloud step by step.
***
### Step 1: Create a New Server
Click the **+ Create A Cloud Server** button in the top-right corner of the Servers page.
***
### Step 2: Choose an Operating System
Under the **Image** section, click the **Operating System** tab and select **Windows**. Choose your preferred version from the dropdown — for example, **Windows Server Standard 2022**.
***
### Step 3: Configure Hardware
Choose a hardware plan that matches your workload requirements. NeevCloud offers the following categories:
* **General Purpose** — balanced CPU and RAM for most workloads
* **Memory Optimized** — higher RAM for memory-intensive applications
* **CPU Optimized** — higher CPU for compute-heavy tasks
* **GPU Enabled** — dedicated GPU for graphics or ML workloads
* **Smart Servers** — pre-configured for specific use cases
Select the plan that fits your needs and refer to the hardware documentation for a detailed comparison.
***
### Step 4: Select a Volume
In the **Volumes** section, configure your boot disk:
* **Name** — give the volume a name or leave the default
* **Type** — select `__DEFAULT__` unless you have a specific storage requirement
* **Size (GB)** — set your desired disk size (minimum 30 GB recommended for Windows)
The volume will be automatically attached as the boot disk.
***
### Step 5: Configure Networking
Choose the network type for your server:
**Public Network** A public network is open and accessible over the internet. Select this if you want your server to be reachable from outside NeevCloud, such as for RDP access. Ensure your security group rules are properly configured to control access.
**Private Network** A private network is accessible only within your organization or between specific resources. Select this if your server does not need to be exposed to the internet. Note that you must create a private network before selecting it here.
***
### Step 6: Set Up Authentication
Under **Authentication**, set the **Administrator password** that will be used to log in to Windows and connect via RDP.
To create a strong password:
* Use at least **10 characters**
* Mix **uppercase and lowercase** letters
* Include **numbers**
* Add **special characters** such as `!`, `$`, `#`, `@`
* Avoid personal information such as names or birthdates
> **Important:** This is the password for the built-in **Administrator** account. You will need it to access the server via console or Remote Desktop (RDP).
Alternatively, you can attach an **SSH key** to the server and retrieve the encrypted password later using the **Retrieve Password** option on the server overview page.
***
### Step 7: Add a Security Group
A security group acts as a virtual firewall that controls inbound and outbound traffic to your server.
Select the **default** security group or create a new one. To allow Remote Desktop (RDP) access, make sure the following rule is present in your security group:
| Direction | Protocol | Port Range | Remote IP |
| --------- | -------- | ----------- | --------- |
| Ingress | TCP | 3389 – 3389 | 0.0.0.0/0 |
If the rule is missing, open the security group and click **+ Add Rule** to add it.
***
### Step 8: Name Your Server
Enter a name for your server in the **Name** field at the bottom of the page. Choose something descriptive, such as `Windows-VM`.
Once everything is configured, click **+ Create Server**.
***
### Step 9: Verify the Server is Active
After creation, you will be taken to the server overview page. Wait until the status shows **Active** with a green indicator. Confirm the following details:
* **Status:** Active
* **vCPU and RAM** match your selected hardware
* **IPv4** address is assigned
* **Booted From Volume** shows the correct disk size
***
### Step 10: Access the Console
From the server overview page, click **Console** under **Server Actions** (or click the `>_` icon in the top-right corner).
This opens a browser-based console session connected directly to your instance.
***
### Step 11: Complete the Windows Setup
When the console loads, Windows Server 2022 will guide you through a first-time setup process. Follow each step below carefully.
***
**11.1 — Region and Language**
The first screen will ask for your basic regional preferences. Configure the following:
* **Home country/region** — Select your country (e.g., India)
* **Preferred app language** — Select your preferred language (e.g., English India)
* **Keyboard layout** — Select the keyboard layout that matches your setup (e.g., English India)
Once done, click **Next** to continue.
***
**11.2 — License Terms**
The next screen displays Microsoft's License Terms for Windows Server. Read through the agreement and click **Accept** to proceed. You cannot continue the setup without accepting the license terms.
***
**11.3 — Set Administrator Password**
On the **Customize settings** screen, you will be asked to set a password for the built-in **Administrator** account. This is the primary account used to access and manage your Windows Server.
Fill in the following fields:
* **Username** — This is pre-filled as `Administrator` and cannot be changed
* **Password** — Enter a strong password
* **Reenter password** — Confirm your password by entering it again
To create a strong password:
* Use at least **10 characters**
* Mix **uppercase and lowercase** letters
* Include **numbers**
* Add **special characters** such as `!`, `$`, `#`, `@`
Once both password fields match, click **Finish**.
> **Important:** Save this password securely. You will need it every time you log in via the console or connect through Remote Desktop (RDP).
***
**11.4 — Automatic Reboot**
After clicking **Finish**, Windows Server will apply your settings and automatically reboot the instance. This is expected behavior — you do not need to do anything during this time.
Once the reboot is complete, the **Windows lock screen** will appear showing the current date and time, with the message:
> *Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to unlock.*
Your instance is now fully set up and ready for login.
***
### Step 12: Log In to Windows
On the lock screen, click **Send Ctrl+Alt+Del** from the top-right corner of the console window. Enter your **Administrator** password and press **Enter** to log in.
Your Windows Server instance is now live and ready to use.
To connect to your server remotely from your local machine, you can use **Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)**. RDP allows you to access the full Windows desktop environment over the internet, just as if you were sitting in front of the server.
Follow the next guide to set up and establish your RDP connection:
[**Connecting to a Windows Instance via RDP**](https://docs.neevcloud.com/neevcloud-guide/troubleshoot/how-to-access-instances/access-windows-instance)
