Windows Server installs on a Dell PowerEdge server the same way as on any machine, but there are three PowerEdge-specific points: Dell's support matrix for your model, the BIOS security settings that Windows Server 2022 and later require, and storage drivers for the PERC controller. This guide covers those points and the two install routes Dell documents. For the Windows setup screens themselves and first configuration, see Install Windows Server 2022.
Before you start
- Check support for your model in Dell's PowerEdge / Microsoft Windows Server Operating System Support (LTSC) document or on your model's Supported Operating Systems page. For example, the R760 page lists Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025 LTSC.
- Dell's support document states that Windows Server 2022 and later require TPM 2.0 installed and enabled, UEFI and Secure Boot.
- The same document notes that Windows Server 2025 is not available as a factory-installed OS: you obtain the image from Microsoft, and the drivers are provided online.
- Update BIOS, iDRAC, Lifecycle Controller, the PERC and the OS driver pack before you start.
- Create the RAID virtual disk for the OS, or plan to do it in the Lifecycle Controller wizard. See create a virtual disk in System Setup.
Step 1 — Prepare the BIOS (UEFI, Secure Boot, TPM)
Press F2 and open System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS. The R760 Installation and Service Manual shows where these are and their defaults; menu names are similar on other models:
- Boot Settings > Boot Mode — UEFI (the default).
- System Security > TPM Security — set to On. The R760 manual lists Off as the default, and when it is Off the TPM is not reported to the OS.
- System Security > Secure Boot — Enabled. The R760 manual lists Disabled as the default.
Dell KB 000195562 covers TPM support for Windows Server 2022 in detail, including minimum TPM 2.0 firmware versions and what to do if the OS does not detect the TPM.
Warning: Do not switch Boot Mode on a server that already has an OS installed in the other mode; Dell cautions that it may not boot. The TPM troubleshooting in Dell's KB involves clearing the TPM; the R760 manual describes Clear as wiping the TPM storage and endorsement hierarchies. Save the recovery keys of anything that relies on the TPM, such as disk encryption. Back up first.
Step 2 — Choose the install route
| Route | When to use | Storage driver |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle Controller OS Deployment | Dell calls it the preferred method. Works when your Windows version is in the LC list. | Preloaded from the LC driver pack |
| Boot the Windows media directly (iDRAC virtual media or USB) | When the OS is not in the LC list, or you prefer the plain installer | Load the PERC driver yourself if no disk appears |
Step 3 — Option A: deploy with Lifecycle Controller
- Restart and press F10 to start Lifecycle Controller.
- Click OS Deployment, then Deploy OS.
- Choose Configure RAID First to create the virtual disk now, or Go Directly to OS Deployment if it already exists.
- Select Boot Mode UEFI, set Secure Boot, and pick your Windows Server version from Available Operating Systems.
- Choose Manual Install, or Unattended Install with an
autounattend.xmlfile on USB or a network share. - Insert or map the Windows media (DVD or iDRAC virtual media) and follow the wizard.
The Lifecycle Controller User's Guide explains that the wizard extracts the drivers to a temporary OEMDRV location. They are deleted after 18 hours or after an AC power cycle, and during that period you cannot apply firmware updates (DUPs) through Lifecycle Controller. If your Windows version is not in the list, update the OS driver pack, because the list depends on the installed driver pack. More detail is in Lifecycle Controller OS deployment.
Step 4 — Option B: install from media and load the PERC driver
- Map the Windows ISO in the iDRAC Virtual Console, or prepare a bootable USB (Dell KB 000334285). See iDRAC9 virtual console and virtual media.
- Press F11 during POST and boot from Virtual CD/DVD or the USB drive.
- Go through the setup screens until Where do you want to install Windows?.
- If the virtual disk is not shown, click Load driver, insert the media holding the extracted PERC driver, browse to it, select your PERC controller from the list and click Next.
- Select the virtual disk and continue the installation.
Get the driver from the Dell support site for your Service Tag (Drivers & Downloads, SAS RAID category), extract it to a USB drive and keep it ready. Without it, setup may show no drive to install to.
Step 5 — After installation
- Install the latest Microsoft updates, as Dell's KB recommends.
- Install the remaining Dell drivers and firmware for your Service Tag from Drivers & Downloads, especially on the manual route where some devices may not be recognised.
- Check the TPM with the PowerShell command
Get-Tpm, as described in Dell's TPM KB. - Install the iDRAC Service Module (iSM). Dell's Windows support document states that OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) has reached end of life and is replaced by iDRAC with iSM, and that iSM 5.4.0.0 supports Windows Server 2025, 2022 and 2019.
Get-TpmFrequently asked questions
Why does Windows setup show no disks?
On the manual route the Windows media may not include the driver for your PERC. Use Load driver with the PERC driver from Dell support, or deploy through Lifecycle Controller, which preloads the drivers.
Why is my Windows Server version missing from the Lifecycle Controller list?
The list depends on the OS driver pack installed in Lifecycle Controller. Update the driver pack for your server, then start the wizard again.
Checklist
- Model and Windows Server version confirmed in Dell's support matrix.
- Firmware, Lifecycle Controller and OS driver pack updated.
- Boot Mode UEFI, TPM Security On and Secure Boot Enabled for Windows Server 2022 and later.
- OS virtual disk created on the PERC.
- Installed through Lifecycle Controller, or manually with the PERC driver ready.
- Windows updates, Dell drivers and iSM installed; TPM checked with Get-Tpm.
Skyline can supply, configure and maintain Dell, HPE and Huawei servers under an annual maintenance contract (AMC). Contact us.
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