Windows Server 2008

You can download evaluation copy of the Windows Server 2008 operating system for free from the Microsoft website.

This install does not require product activation or a product key. The installation package available at the Microsoft website is an evaluation copy. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation and evaluated for an initial 60 days.

You can reset the 60 day evaluation period up to three times. That way the original 60 day evaluation period can be extended by up to 180 days for a total possible evaluation time of 240 days. After this time, your computer will need to be upgraded to a fully-licensed version of Windows Server 2008.

What are the available editions?

Microsoft offers the following editions:

• Windows Server 2008 Standard (x86 and x64)
• Windows Server 2008 Enterprise (x86 and x64)
• Windows Server 2008 Datacenter (x86 and x64)
• Windows Web Server 2008 (x86 and x64)
• Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems

Microsoft also offers so-called Windows HPC Server 2008, but this edition is not available for download.

What are the system requirements?

You can find more details about Windows Server 2008 at the Windows Server 2008 - What is new? page.

Where can I download Windows Server 2008 for free?

Here is the website: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx