Intermediate
How to install Windows on a Contabo VPS
Quick Answer
Boot into Contabo's Rescue System on a new Ubuntu VPS, run an automated GitHub script to prepare Windows installer with VirtIO drivers, then use VNC console to complete graphical installation. After reboot, connect via RDP with generated credentials. Total time: 45-90 minutes for intermediate users.
Prerequisites
- New Contabo VPS (Ubuntu recommended)
- VNC Viewer app on local machine
- Microsoft RDP client
- SSH access
- 32GB+ disk space
1
Purchase and access new VPS
Log in to my.contabo.com, navigate to Your Services, select your new Ubuntu VPS, and click Manage. Ensure it's a fresh VPS with sufficient disk space (32GB+ recommended).[1]
2
Activate Rescue System
In the VPS Manage page, click Rescue System, select Debian 10 - Live from the dropdown, and confirm activation. The VPS will reboot into rescue mode; note the temporary root password emailed or shown in dashboard.[1]
Tip
Use SSD VPS for better performance.
3
SSH into Rescue System
Connect via SSH:
ssh root@your-vps-ip using the provided password. Root access is enabled by default in rescue mode.[1]4
Install dependencies and run script
apt update && apt install git -y
git clone https://github.com/ombadr/Windows-Server-Contabo-VPS.git
cd Windows-Server-Contabo-VPS
chmod +x windows-install.sh
./windows-install.shTip
Script uses /dev/sda; edit if needed for custom partitioning.
5
Access VNC console
Return to VPS Manage page, hover over Manage, click VNC Information for IP and port. Open VNC Viewer and connect to
IP:PORT6
Boot Windows installer via VNC
On VNC screen, press Enter to start installer. When prompted for storage drivers, click Browse > select
virtio_drivers > navigate to amd64\w10 > OK > NextTip
VirtIO drivers fix 'no drivers found' error.
7
Complete Windows installation
Select Custom: Install Windows Only (advanced). Choose Drive 0 Partition 1 (pre-partitioned by script) and click Next to install. Follow on-screen prompts; installation takes 15-30 minutes.[1]
8
Reboot and connect via RDP
After install and reboot, note credentials (generated by script, shown in VNC/logs). Disable rescue mode, then use RDP client to connect:
your-vps-ip:3389 with credentials. RDP port 3389 is open post-install.[1]Tip
Install VirtIO network/storage drivers and updates in Windows for stability.
Troubleshooting
"No drivers found" during partitioning
Load VirtIO SCSI/storage drivers via Browse > virtio_drivers > amd64\w10 in Windows installer.[1]
VNC disconnects or GRUB boot failure
Re-activate rescue mode, reconnect VNC quickly, or reconfigure GRUB with
update-grub after chroot.[2]SSH disconnects prematurely
Normal during script reboot; wait and access via VNC instead.[1]
Disk not detected post-install
Ensure VirtIO drivers installed in Windows; reboot and check Device Manager.[3]
Insufficient space for installer
Use VPS with 32GB+ disk; script needs ~5GB temp space.[2]
Ready to get started with Contabo?
Put this tutorial into practice. Visit Contabo and follow the steps above.
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