Try It

Trial Software

Evaluate Windows Server 2008 free for 60 days (extendable to 240 days) or register for a guided evaluation experience and receive periodic e-mail with links to valuable technical resources.

Test Drives

Try out Windows Server 2008 in a virtual environment by following step-by-step guides that walk you through specific scenarios around running applications from anywhere, high availability, server management, and security and policy enforcement. 

Virtual Labs

In these TechNet Virtual Labs, you'll have the opportunity to test-drive new and improved features and functionality in the upcoming Windows Server 2008 release, including management, network protection,  and improvements to Terminal Services.

Virtual Hard Drive (VHD) Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and Server Core Evaluation

The Microsoft VHD format is the common virtualization file format for Virtual PC, Virtual Server 2005, and Hyper-V that provides a uniform product support system, and provides more seamless manageability, security, reliability, and cost-efficiency for customers.

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Core Server VHD files for both Hyper-V and Virtual Server 2005 are now available for download.