How to Install Debian 12/10 Server

Скриншот загрузочного меню установщика Debian при развёртывании минимального серверного дистрибутива

Debian is a reliable and secure Linux operating system, perfect for server environments. This guide will therefore walk you through installing a minimal Debian 12 or Debian 10 server, ensuring a lightweight and customizable setup for your needs.

System Requirements

To begin with, the minimum specifications are:

RAM: 512MB
Processor: 1GHz Pentium
Hard Drive: 10GB

Additionally, for better performance the following is recommended:

RAM: 2GB or more
Sufficient storage based on workload

Step 1: Download Debian 12/10 ISO

Firstly, visit the official Debian website to download the latest netinstall ISO image:
Debian Download Page

Then choose the appropriate version:

For 64-bit systems: debian-12.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso
Likewise, for 32-bit systems: debian-12.1.0-i386-netinst.iso

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Once the ISO image is downloaded, then create a bootable USB drive using one of these tools:

Windows: Use Rufus
Similarly, Linux/Mac: Use Etcher or dd command

Скриншот создания загрузочной USB-флешки с образом Debian 12 с помощью Rufus или Etcher

Step 3: Boot from USB & Start Installation

Initially, insert the bootable USB and restart your system.
Enter BIOS settings (press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during boot).
Then set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
Finally, save changes and restart.

When the Debian installation menu appears:

Then select “Install” and press Enter.

Скриншот меню установки Debian сразу после загрузки с USB-накопителя

Step 4: Configure Installation Settings

Select Language, Location & Keyboard Layout

Firstly, choose your preferred language.
Then select your country and time zone.
Finally, choose your keyboard layout.

Step 5: Configure Network & User Accounts

Set Up Hostname & Domain Name

Enter a hostname (e.g., debian-server).
Enter a domain name (optional, e.g., example.com).

Create Users & Set Passwords

Then set a root password.
Finally, create a new user with a strong password.

Step 6: Partition the Disk

Manual Partitioning (Recommended for Servers)

Firstly, select Manual Partitioning.
Then choose the disk to partition and create:
- Swap Partition (2-4GB)
- Root Partition (/) (minimum 10GB, use Ext4)
- Home Partition (/home) (optional for user data)
Finally, finish partitioning and write changes to disk.

Скриншот экрана ручной разметки дисков в установщике Debian — создание swap, корневого и домашнего разделов

Step 7: Install the Base System

Then the installer will begin copying system files.
Afterward, configure the package manager (skip CD-ROM scanning).
Subsequently, choose a Debian mirror for package updates.
Decide whether to participate in the package usage survey.
Finally, select Standard System Utilities for essential tools.

With the base system installed, the installer then moves on to bootloader setup.

Step 8: Install GRUB Bootloader & Complete Installation

Firstly, select “Yes” to install the GRUB bootloader.
Then choose the primary disk for bootloader installation.
Finally, once installation is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot.

Step 9: First Boot & Post-Installation Setup

Initially, log in with your new user account.
Then update system packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Finally, install essential tools:
sudo apt install wget curl vim net-tools -y

Conclusion

Your Debian 12/10 server is now successfully installed and ready for customization. Consequently, you can set up a web server, database server, or any application based on your requirements.

For further configuration, check:

Apache/Nginx Web Server Setup
MySQL/PostgreSQL Database Setup
Furthermore, Firewall & Security Hardening

Enjoy your Debian server! ?

Information reviewed and updated: August 28, 2026.

Published by: REVOLD BLOG – blog.revold.us
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Author: Roman Kravchina