C Contabo

How to install Windows on VPS on Contabo

intermediate 12 min read Updated 2026-03-13
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

Step-by-Step Instructions

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]
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.sh
The script downloads Windows 10 image, integrates VirtIO drivers, partitions disk (~50GB NTFS), and reboots (~15 minutes; SSH disconnects).[1]
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:PORT
6

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 > Next
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]
Install VirtIO network/storage drivers and updates in Windows for stability.

Common Issues & 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 <code>update-grub</code> 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]

Exclusive Deal

Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Visit Contabo View Contabo Pricing