Setup ZeroTier on Windows Server
ZeroTier lets users build modern networks to connect to. With it, users can build peer-to-peer networks and more. Here’s how you can get ZeroTier working on your Windows Server system.
How to create a ZeroTier account
The ZeroTier application will not work without an account. To create an account, head over to the official website. Once you are on the website, find the “Sign up” button, and click on it with the mouse.
When you select the “Sign up” button, you’ll be given various options to sign up. These options include connecting a Google account, connecting a Microsoft account, connecting a GitHub account, or using an email address. Make your choice.
Once you’ve made your choice, enter the relevant information to create your ZeroTier account. You’ll then need to confirm your email address. However, this is only required if you haven’t created a ZeroTier account via Microsoft, Google, or GitHub.
How to set up ZeroTier on your Windows Server
Now that you’ve created a ZeroTier account, you must download the Windows client. The Windows client for ZeroTier works on both Windows Server systems (with the Desktop Experience enabled) and Windows workstations/desktops.
To download the latest version of ZeroTier, head to the “Download” page. Once you’ve made it to the “Download” page, find the Microsoft Windows logo, and select it. Then, scroll down and look for the MSI installer.
After downloading the ZeroTier MSI installer, open up the Windows Explorer app, and navigate to “Downloads.” Once in the “Downloads” directory, and run the ZeroTier MSI installer to install the ZeroTier client on your Windows Server.
How to set up ZeroTier on your other devices
You need to install ZeroTier on any other devices you wish to connect to your ZeroTier network. ZeroTier supports Mac OS, Windows (Desktop/Server,) Linux, Android, iOS, and BSD.
Linux
Here’s how you can get the ZeroTier application up and running on your Linux server or desktop setup. First, open up a terminal window. Once it is open, ensure you have the “curl” tool installed. If not, install it.
Ubuntu
sudo apt install curl
curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash
Debian
sudo apt-get install curl
curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash
Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S curl
curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash
Fedora
sudo dnf install curl
curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash
OpenSUSE
sudo zypper in curl
curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash
Mac OS
To set up ZeroTier on Mac OS, head over to the official ZeroTier website. Once there, find the “Download” button, and click on it with the mouse. After clicking on the “Download” button, find the Apple logo, and click on it to download and install the ZeroTier client on your system.
Windows
If you’re using a Windows desktop, simply follow the ZeroTier installation instructions outlined earlier in this guide. The server instructions for ZeroTier are identical for Windows Desktops and Workstations.
How to join your Windows Server to a ZeroTier network
To join a ZeroTier network, you first need to create a network. In Windows Server, find the Windows system tray, and click on the ZeroTier icon. Once you’ve selected the icon, right-click on it. Inside of the right-click menu, take note of your address. This is how you can identify your Windows Server on your ZeroTier network.
When you’ve identified your address through the ZeroTier app, open up a browser in Windows Server. In the browser tab, navigate to the dashboard and log into your account. In the ZeroTier dashboard, you should automatically have a network created and ready to use. Find this network in the UI, and copy the “Network ID” to your clipboard.
After copying the “Network ID” to your clipboard, right-click on the ZeroTier app in the Windows system tray, and select the “Join” button. Paste in the network ID to connect your Windows Server device to the ZeroTier network.
Joining other devices to the network
Now that your Windows Server is connected to the ZeroTier network, you’ll want to connect other devices to it as well. To connect, follow the instructions below that correspond with the OS you use.
Linux
After installing the ZeroTier client, use the zerotier-cli join command to join the network. Be sure that you have the network ID.
sudo zerotier-cli join NETWORK_ID
Mac OS
Ensure you have the ZeroTier application downloaded, and installed on your Mac. Launch it, and log in. Then, select “Networks,” and click the “Join” button. Enter in the network ID to log into your ZeroTier network.
Mobile
Download the ZeroTier app for Android or iOS. Then, click the “Add Network” button. Once you’ve selected the “Add Network” button, input the ZeroTier network ID to join.
What can you do with ZeroTier
ZeroTier is a powerful tool, and with it set up on your Windows Server, you can quickly deliver data you’re hosting to anyone without any hassle. For more information on what you can do with this incredible tool check the official documentation.
