How to Upgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2019 Without Losing Data?

Do You Need to Upgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2019?

If you are using Windows Server 2016, you can upgrade to 2019 since it provides more services, including:

• Increased number of users and devices
• Virtualization enhancements
• Better protection for your data and system
• High scalability with superior performance
• Seamless integration with the cloud
• Simplified server management
• Increased efficiency and productivity
• Azure Stack HCI is supported with the Azure-like cloud environment available
• CPU and memory usage is monitored in real-time

What Should You Know Before Windows Server 2016 Upgrade to 2019?

Before you upgrade Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2019, you need to make sure you are qualified to finish this task. To do this task, there are some requirements.

1. Check System Requirements

The requirements of Windows Server 2019 are quite similar to Windows 10 because Windows Server 2016 was the first server OS to be built on the Windows 10 kernel.

• Processor – 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor; NX and DEP support; with secondary address translation (EPT or NPT) supported
• RAM – 512 MB
• Disk Space – at least 32 GB for a fresh installation; at least 60 GB of free disk space for an in-place upgrade
• Network – Gigabit (10/100/1000 based) Ethernet adapter and compliant with PCI Express Architecture Specification
• Optical Storage – DVD drive (when installing the operating system from DVD media)
• Video – Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution
• Input Devices – Keyboard and mouse
• Internet – Broadband access

You can compare these indicators to your qualifications and adjust the deviation for your device.

2. Prepare Your Server

In addition to checking system compatibility, make sure to:

• Create a full backup of the system and important data.
• Prepare the correct Windows Server 2019 ISO or installation media.
• Verify that your installed server roles, applications, and drivers are compatible with Windows Server 2019.
• Schedule a suitable maintenance window since the server will restart several times during the upgrade.
• Make sure you have a valid product key.

How to Upgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2019?

Part 1: Protect Your Data

The first step in a safe Windows Server upgrade from 2016 to 2019 is to back up data.

To make a full-fledged protection plan, you can create a system image so that you can quickly restore your system once something bad happens. Just in case, we advise you to save this image on an external hard drive.

For system backup, we recommend the server backup software, MiniTool ShadowMaker. It allows you to backup files & folders, partitions & disks, and your system.

Besides, many users would like to use automatic backup options with different backup schemes to save their time and disk space.

With high flexibility and compatibility, MiniTool ShadowMaker is available to install on most systems, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 all editions, and Windows Server 2008/2012/2016/2019/2022.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Launch the program and click Keep Trial to enter MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Step 2: In the Backup tab, you can see all the partitions related to the system have been selected in the SOURCE section by default so you don’t need to change that.

Step 3: Click the DESTINATION section where you can choose internal/external hard drives, USB drives, or shared folders as your destination.

Step 4: When you have checked all the needed options, you can click Back Up Now to start the backup task immediately.

How to Clone Windows Server to HDD/SSD? Here Is a Guide!

How to clone Windows Server to HDD/SSD? This post provides 2 tools for you – MiniTool ShadowMaker and MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Read More

Part 2: Upgrade Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2019

Follow these steps to begin an in-place upgrade.

Step 1: Make sure you have connected or installed the Windows Server 2019 installation media, and you need to log in to the server as an administrator.

Step 2: Locate the Windows Server 2019 setup media and run the setup.exe file.

Step 3: Check the option of Download updates, drivers, and optional features (recommended) and click Next.

Step 4: Now, your PC will start checking the device configuration and this process will take some moment. When the configuration is finished, click Next to go on.

Step 5: Enter your product key. According to its instructions on the screen, make sure you input the right codes and click Next.

If you don’t know where to find your product key, you can check your official Microsoft account where the key will be digitally stored if you have purchased the system from the Microsoft Store.

Of course, the product box and email receipt are also the key to finding your product key.

Step 6: Select the image of the edition you want to install.

Step 7: Click Accept to agree to applicable notices and license terms.

Step 8: In the Choose what to keep window, there are two options you can choose Keep personal files and apps or Nothing.

When you choose Nothing, all your data, apps, and settings will be erased, so think twice before you select this one. Then click Next.

Step 9: Click Install to start the upgrade process and your server will automatically restart after the installation finishes.

Bonus Tip: Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs Standard vs Datacenter

When choosing a Windows Server 2019 edition, you may see three options: Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter.

• Windows Server 2019 Essentials – This edition, with limited memory, offers easy-to-use and affordable server services for small businesses with up to 25 employees and 50 devices for use.
• Windows Server 2019 Standard – This edition has a relatively higher price compared to the Essential edition and better flexibility with more than 25 users being allowed. It also allows more than 1 server to separate server roles.
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter – This edition is the most complete edition with the new Datacenter-specific features, which is better suited for large-scale virtualization.

If you need more details about Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs Standard vs Datacenter, this article will be useful: Windows Server 2019 Essentials vs Standard vs Datacenter.

Bottom Line:

To upgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2019, you need to do some preparations and the most important is to make sure your data is secured. This full guide has made every single step clear and you can follow them one by one to finish the task.

Furthermore, don’t omit the step for backup because it can make a big difference once some operations slip up. MiniTool ShadowMaker can make the process easier and more functions and features can satisfy your demands.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

If you have any problem when using this software, you can contact our professional support team for help via [email protected].

Upgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2019 FAQ