You can install Oracle Solaris 11.4 on a Windows server with Intel Xeon hardware (x86_64 architecture) using a bootable ISO or virtual environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide for a physical or virtual installation:

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

1. Download the Solaris 11.4 ISO from Oracle’s official site.
2. Create bootable media:
   • Burn to DVD, or
   • Create a bootable USB using a tool like Rufus.
3. Ensure your Xeon server meets the Solaris hardware requirements:
   • 64-bit Intel/AMD CPU
   • Minimum 1 GB RAM (4 GB recommended for servers)
   • 10–20 GB free disk space (more for production)

Step 2: Boot from Installation Media

1. Insert the DVD or USB.
2. Reboot the server.
3. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings and select boot from USB/DVD.
4. The Solaris installer will load.

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

• Interactive GUI installation – Recommended for direct physical installation.
• Text-based installation – Useful for headless servers or remote console.
• Automated JumpStart (network installation) – For multiple systems.

Step 4: Configure Language and Keyboard

• Select the preferred language and keyboard layout.

Step 5: Configure Disk and File System

1. Choose target disk for installation.
2. Partitioning options:
   • Automatic layout: Installer creates ZFS root and standard directories (/, /var, /home) automatically.
   • Custom layout: Manually define partitions or ZFS pools.

Tip: Solaris 11.4 defaults to ZFS, which supports snapshots and easy rollback.

Step 6: Configure Network

• Assign hostname, IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
• Optionally, use DHCP for automatic assignment.

Step 7: Set Security and Users

• Set root password.
• Create administrator or regular user account.
• Enable SSH if remote management is needed.

Step 8: Select Software Packages

• Choose Default System Packages or Custom Packages:
  • Base OS
  • Developer tools
  • Virtualization and container support

Step 9: Install Solaris

• Review your configuration and click Install.
• The installer will:
  • Partition the disk
  • Create ZFS pools
  • Install the base OS
  • Configure network and users

Step 10: Post-Installation

1. Reboot the system.
2. Log in as root or admin user.
3. Verify installation:

uname -a       # Shows Solaris version and architecture
pkg info       # Lists installed packages

4. Apply system updates:

pkg update     # Updates all installed packages

Step 11: Optional Configurations

• Install Zones/Containers for virtualization.
• Configure NFS, Web, or DB services as required.
• Set up monitoring and backups.

Summary Table

✅ In short: Boot your Xeon server from Solaris 11.4 media → configure disk, network, and users → install OS → reboot and update → optionally set up virtualization and services.