Here is how to take your .vbox configuration from a blank slate to a fully functional server. 1. Gather Your Installation Media

Before opening VirtualBox, you need the "brain" of the operation—the ISO image.

Windows Server 2022 is the current standard, but 2019 and the upcoming 2025 are also popular for labs. 2. Create the Virtual Machine Container Launch VirtualBox and click New to start the wizard: Name: Give it a clear name like Windows_Server_2022_Lab .

Setting Up Your First Windows Server Homelab with VirtualBox