How to Install Veeam Backup & Replication on Windows Server 2025

In this guide, you will learn how to install the free Community Edition of Veeam Backup & Replication on Windows Server 2025. We will cover the installation process, creating a simple file share backup job, and restoring a deleted file.

Part 1: Downloading and Mounting the ISO

Begin by obtaining the software from the official source.

1. Download Community Edition

Navigate to veeam.com and locate the free "Community Edition" download. You will need to fill out a standard form to access the download link. The file is an ISO image approximately 13 GB in size.

2. Mount and Launch

Once downloaded, right-click the ISO file and select Mount.

Open the mounted drive and run Setup.exe as an Administrator.

Part 2: Installation Process

The installer simplifies the deployment of database engines and dependencies.

1. Run the Installer

On the splash screen, select the top option: Install Veeam Backup & Replication.

2. Configuration Steps

License Agreement: Click "I Accept".
License File: You do not need to sign in; ensure "Update license automatically" is checked.
System Check: The installer will verify prerequisites. Since we are using the Community Edition, standard defaults work fine.
Database: The installer will automatically set up PostgreSQL (Step 1 of 7) as the database engine.

Click Install. The process involves 7 steps and takes roughly 10 minutes, requiring no manual input during the installation phase.

Part 3: Setting Up a Test Backup

Before configuring Veeam, we will create a local SMB share to act as our backup source.

1. Create a Share

Create a folder named backup on your C: drive and add a dummy text file inside it.

C:\backup\testfile.txt

2. Configure Sharing

Right-click the folder and go to Properties > Sharing > Share. Add "Everyone" with Read permissions to simulate a standard file share.

Part 4: Configuring the Backup Job

Launch the Veeam Backup & Replication Console and click Connect to log in to the localhost.

1. Add to Inventory

Navigate to the Inventory tab.

Right-click and select Add File Share.
Select SMB Share.
For the path, use the localhost address: \\localhost\backup.
Click Next and Finish to add the source.

2. Create the Job

Right-click your newly added share and select Add to Backup Job.

Name: Give the job a name (e.g., "File Backup Job 1").
Files: You can specify individual files or back up the entire share. Select your test text file.
Storage: Default retention is 28 days.
Schedule: Set it to run daily (e.g., at 10:00 AM).

Once created, right-click the job and select Start to run the backup manually for the first time.

Part 5: Restoring a File

To verify the backup, delete the text file from your C:\backup folder.

1. Launch Restore Wizard

In the Veeam Console, verify you are in the Home view under "Jobs".

Click Restore in the top ribbon and select File Share.
Choose Restore individual files.
Select your backup job and proceed.

2. Recover the File

A "Backup Browser" window will open, showing your backed-up files.

Locate the deleted text file.
Right-click the file and select Restore > Overwrite.

The file will be restored to its original location instantly.

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