How-To

Install Windows Home Server 2011 and Getting Started

By Brian Burgess

Updated June 3, 2021

I’m currently running Windows Home Server – version one which runs on Microsoft Server 2003 technology. WHS 2011 has been out for several months now, and I’ve decided to upgrade. Here’s how to do a clean install of WHS 2011.

I’m currently running Windows Home Server – version one, which runs on Microsoft Server 2003 technology. However, WHS 2011 has been out for several months now, and I’ve decided to upgrade. Here’s how to do a clean install of WHS 2011.

WHS 2011

Before you begin, there are a few things you need to know. First, unlike its 32-bit predecessor, WHS 2011 is 64-bit only and requires a minimum of a 160 GB hard drive and 1 GB of RAM. Of course, these are the minimum specs – so at least double everything. Plus, since you’re going to back up your PCs, store multimedia, photos, and all of your documents on it, you’ll want a good amount of storage.

Unless you have an MSDN or TechNet subscription, you’ll need to buy a physical copy of WHS 2011. It varies in price but is well under $100, which is a great thing! If you download the ISO from Microsoft, use Windows 7 Disc Image Burner to create the bootable install DVD.

Install Windows Home Server 2011

First, make sure the system is set to boot from the DVD drive first. You can do this in the BIOS or hit the appropriate key during startup to select a temporary boot device. Next, pop the install DVD you bought into your system’s drive.
The first screen you’ll need to interact with is selecting a New Install or Repair. Since this is a brand new system, I’m selecting New Installation.

Next, select the drive you’re installing WHS 2011 to. Check the box that you know the data on the drive will be wiped. Click Install.

Note: If you don’t see the local drive listed, you’ll need to load the drivers for the controller. Find the drivers and burn them to disc or put them on a USB drive. If you have to do this, remove the WHS 2011 install DVD and swap it with the driver disk. Then click the Load Drivers button and browse to the location of the drivers and install.

Continue Installation

Once the local disk is recognized, start the installation. Again, the process looks like installing Windows 7. The server will reboot a couple of times during the first stage of the install.

You’ll see a series of different screens while the server is installed. There is no user interaction required during this stage.

Begin Setup

When it gets to the following screen, you’ll need to enter some information. Verify your Country, Time and Keyboard Layout. Click Next.

Set the Time and Date for the server.

Agree to the Microsoft Software License Terms. Click the I Accept box at the bottom. Click Next.

Enter Product Key

Now type in the product key that came with WHS 20111. Then check Automatically activate when I’m Online. This gets the activation over with, so you don’t have to deal with it later and get nag screens. Click Next.

Name Server

Now you need to give your server a name…be clever; it’s your new server! The name needs to be under 15 characters, though. Enter in a strong password twice, then type in a password hint. Keep in mind that everyone can see your password hint, so don’t make it too obvious. Click Next.

That is all the information WHS 2011 needs from you. This next stage of the install takes the longest amount of time. After that, your server will be updated and configured to use. It will take a half-hour or more – depending on your system specs. After that, you can leave it alone and check on it periodically to make sure everything is working correctly.

After a half-hour, we have success! Windows Home Server 2011 has been installed and is ready to use. Click Close.

Connect First Client Computer to WHS 2011

Of course, leave the server running, then go to one of the client computers on your network. Open Internet Explorer and in the address bar type: http://yourservername/connect. Where yourservername = the name you gave your server. So in my example, it would be https://geek2011/connect

This lets you download the software that helps you connect your computer to WHS 2011.

You’ll download wlsetup-web.exe – launch the file and follow the wizard. The system will verify you have the necessary components, such as Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 or later. If you don’t, the installer will download and install it for you automatically.

After the necessary components have been installed, type in the password you created for WHS 2011.

Then continue to work through the wizard. It’s straightforward and text-based. You’re asked to enter a description of the client computer, whether or not to wake it up for backup, and if you want to join the MS Improvement Program.

The client connector software is installed. When it’s finished, you’ll get the following message. Check the box to Open the Dashboard to Administer Your Server and get started right away. Click Finish.

The Dashboard (formerly called WHS Console) launches. First, sign in with the password you gave your server. Next, click Options and check to remember the password and select add-ins to load.

After signing in, you’re presented with the Windows Home Server 2011 Dashboard. This is where you’ll do the majority of your admin activity with the server. Start with completing the tasks listed. Start with “Get Update for Other Microsoft Products” and work your way down the list.

A lot has changed since version one of WHS. In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing more articles on what to do next and cover the many groovy things you can do with WHS 2011.