MICROSOFTWindows Server 2022

How to Install and Configure iSCSI Target on Windows Server 2022

In this article, we will discover how to install and configure iSCSI Target on Windows Server 2022. The Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) and iSCSI Target Server allow you to boot multiple systems from a single operating system image. It allows block-level access to storage appliances by carrying SCSI commands over a TCP/IP network. The iSCSI target is the storage on a remote location, which seems to be the host computer (iSCSI initiator) as a local drive.

I have created 2 virtual machines on my VMware workstation to disclose the deployment process. I have installed Windows Server 2022 on the virtual machines. Below is the configuration of the virtual machines.

NameRoleOperating SystemIP Address
WS2022-DCiSCSI initiatorWindows Server 2022192.168.241.100
SAN.xpertstec.localiSCSI Target Server192.168.241.102

To create an iSCSI server, we need to install the iSCSI server role.

Create and Configure iSCSI Target Server Role

To configure the iSCSI target server, we must install the File and iSCSI Services roles on our Windows Server. Open Server Manager and click on the Add Roles and Features link.

Server Manager

Click next

Add roles and features wizard

We need to install the iSCSI service on our virtual machine. Therefore, select role-based or feature-based installation, and then click on Next.

Role based or feature based

We need to install the iSCSI services on SAN.xpertstec.local. Click next.

Select destination server

Here, we need to install File and iSCSI Services. Expand the File and Storage Services option and then expand File and iSCSI Services.
Tick iSCSI Target Server

iSCSI target server features

Click on Add Features.

Add features that are required

After selecting the iSCSI target role, click next.

iSCSI target server features

Click next

Select server features

Click install

iSCSI target server confirmation

iSCSI installation is complete; click on Close.

iSCSI target server installation progress

The iSCSI target server role has been installed successfully.
Click on File and Storage Services.

Server Manager

Creating iSCSI Virtual Disks

The iSCSI target server has been created; let us create an iSCSI virtual disk.
Click on iSCSI, and then on the right side, select Start the new iSCSI virtual disk wizard

iSCSI virtual disks

In the new iSCSI disk wizard, click on the Select iSCSI virtual disk location; select the location of the virtual disk. If you have already installed the iSCSI Target Server role on multiple servers, you can select the server from the list. The record of servers with the iSCSI target role installed will remain automatically under the Servers box. Select the volume checkbox and select the custom path under the Type a custom path option. I will construct a virtual disk on the C drive of SAN.xpertstec.local. Click next

iSCSI virtual disk location

On the iSCSI virtual disk name screen, enter a unique name and click Next.

Specify iSCSI virtual disk name

On the iSCSI virtual disk size screen, we can specify the size of the virtual disk.
Enter the disk size, select Dynamically expanding, and then click next.

Specify iSCSI virtual disk size

iSCSI target screen, select the New iSCSI target checkbox, then click Next.

Assign iSCSI target

For the target name and access screen, type a name and click next.

Specify target name, iSCSI

Specify Access Servers

Click the Add button on the Specify Server Access screen to add the iSCSI initiators.

iSCSI virtual disks access servers

By default, the iSCSI initiator can’t connect to the target server. We need to install/enable iSCSI initiators. To connect to the iSCSI target server, click on the browse button.

Add initiator ID

Type the name of the system where you want to connect the iSCSI target, and then click OK.

Enter the object name

Click ok.

Select a methods to identify the initiator

Now that the initiator has successfully added to the list, click on next.

iSCSI virtual disks access servers

You can enable CHAP or reverse CHAP if required; click on Next.

iSCSI virtual disks enable authentication

Select Create to create an iSCSI virtual disk.

iSCSI virtual disks confirmation

The disk has been created successfully. Click close

iSCSI virtual disks successfully created

We can now see the list of iSCSI virtual disks in the server manager.

iSCSI virtual disks

Summary

In this blog, I have explained how to install and configure the iSCSI Target Server on Windows Server 2022. In my next blog, I will describe how to connect the iSCSI initiator and use it to connect to the iSCSI virtual disk.

Please visit Microsoft for more information.

Related: How to Connect iSCSI Target to Server 2022.

Jamil Parvez

Jamil Pervez works as a Network Administrator, based in Kuwait with a Primary focus on Microsoft technologies. Microsoft Certified MCSE, MCTP, MCITP, CCNP, CCIP, CCVP with 20 years of experience in administering Windows Servers, Exchange, VMWare, Veeam B&R, Veritas BackupExec.

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