How to remove Server 2019 (in server core mode) and re-instate Windows 11

Question

Hi, I have recently installed Windows Server 2019 (eval) version and have incorrectly set it up to server core mode. I did try to convert to GUI, however this did not work and I am now trying to uninstall Server 2019 and wanting to reinstall windows 11 so i can use the machine as a desktop. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Windows OS does not support "uninstall". There is also no support for "converting" from Server Core to Desktop Experience.

1. Backup Your Data (If Needed) Before proceeding, if you have any important data on your current server installation, make sure to back it up, as the installation of a new operating system will wipe everything on the disk.
2. Prepare Windows 11 Installation Media You need a bootable USB drive with Windows 11 to reinstall it. Here's how you can create one:
   • Download the Windows 11 installation media tool from Microsoft's website: Download Windows 11.
   • Run the media creation tool and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive.
   Note: You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space.
3. Set Your BIOS/UEFI to Boot from USB You’ll need to boot from the USB drive you just created to install Windows 11. Here's how to change the boot order:
   • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Usually, you do this by pressing a key like F2, F12, ESC, or DEL right after you power on the machine (the exact key varies by manufacturer).
   • Once in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the Boot or Boot Order section.
   • Set your USB drive as the primary boot device.
   • Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
4. Reinstall Windows 11 Now that the USB drive is set to boot, follow these steps to reinstall Windows 11:
   • Boot from the USB drive: Your system should boot from the USB stick, and you'll see the Windows Setup screen.
   • Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences and click Next.
   • Click on Install now.
   • You’ll be prompted to enter a Windows 11 product key. If you don’t have one, you can select I don't have a product key and proceed with the installation (you can enter the key later).
   • Select the installation type: Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This option will perform a clean installation and erase your current Windows Server 2019 installation.
   • Choose the partition where you want to install Windows 11. You may need to delete the existing partitions from the previous installation of Windows Server 2019 (make sure you’re selecting the correct one, as this will erase everything on it).
   • Click Next to start the installation.
   The system will restart several times during the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish setting up Windows 11.
5. Complete the Windows 11 Setup After the installation completes, Windows 11 will guide you through some initial setup steps:
   • Choose your region and keyboard layout.
   • Sign in with a Microsoft account (you can also set up a local account if you prefer).
   • Customize settings, like privacy settings, and choose if you want to enable or disable certain features.

If you have multiple partitions on your disk, make sure to choose the correct one to delete. If you're unsure, you can delete all partitions and let the installer set up the disk for you.

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hth

Marcin