# Installing and troubleshooting Tableau Server on Windows

*Tableau Architect Study Guide · Deploy Tableau Server · Last updated November 13, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-architect/deploy-tableau-server/installing-and-troubleshooting-tableau-server-on-windows*

Install Tableau Server on Windows with the wizard or Setup command line, diagnose failed installs, upgrades and activations from the right log, configure a forward proxy and outbound access, and secure the Run As service account's rights, permissions and data access.

- Certification: Salesforce Tableau Architect
- Exam section: Deploy Tableau Server
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-architect

**Official exam objective:**

> 2.5 Install and verify Tableau Server on Windows: 2.5.1 Install Tableau Server on Windows by using CLI or the Installation Wizard; 2.5.2 Identify and resolve issues with installation on Windows; 2.5.3 Identify and resolve issues with operating system and networking configurations; 2.5.4 Identify and resolve issues with interfaces and interactions with external systems; 2.5.5 Identify and resolve proxy issues; 2.5.6 Identify appropriate operating system logs and Tableau logs for troubleshooting; 2.5.7 Verify system groups and file system permissions; 2.5.8 Use the Run As service account.

## What the exam expects

- Install Tableau Server on Windows with the Setup wizard or command line, choosing switches and properties and following the documented step order.
- Diagnose failed installs, upgrades and activations, and pick the log that answers the question.
- Verify operating-system, cluster and outbound network prerequisites for maps and licensing.
- Configure a Windows forward proxy for the Run As account, including WinHTTP for ATR.
- Verify system groups, folder and registry permissions, logon rights and the data exposure of the Run As service account.

Key terms: **TSM** (Tableau Services Manager, installed first, administers the server); **Run As service account** (the Windows identity Tableau Server uses to access resources, Network Service by default); **ATR** (authorization-to-run licensing service); **forward proxy** (mediates outbound internet traffic); **obliterate script** (`tableau-server-obliterate.cmd`, removes every trace of an installation).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| `ACCEPTEULA` | Required for unattended installs; omitted fails silently, 0 fails | [Install switches](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/silent_installer_flags.htm) |
| `INSTALLDIR` alone | Data directory follows it; C:\ProgramData path not created | [Install switches](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/silent_installer_flags.htm) |
| CPU | x86_64 with SSE4.2 and POPCNT; ARM not supported | [Before you install](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/requ.htm) |
| Obliterate script | 64-bit command prompt, then restart | [Troubleshoot install](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/trouble_install_upgrade.htm) |
| Licensing test | healthz URL returns OK | [Internet access](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/plan_network.htm) |
| Maps | Port 443 to mapsconfig.tableau.com, api.mapbox.com | [Internet access](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/plan_network.htm) |
| ATR behind a proxy | WinHTTP proxy must match LAN settings | [Proxies](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/proxy.htm) |
| Upgrade log | `app-upgrade.log` in C:\ProgramData\Tableau\Tableau Server\logs | [Log locations](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/logs_loc.htm) |
| Run As logon rights | Log on as a service, Allow log on locally, not denied | [Local Security Policy](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas_security.htm) |
| File allowlist | `native_api.allowed_paths`, trailing backslash | [Hardening checklist](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/security_harden.htm) |

## Check yourself

- Why should the Run As account be a dedicated account rather than an existing one?
- When you add a directory to `native_api.allowed_paths`, what happens to the folders beneath it?
- When users sign in with smart cards, what should you change on the Run As account?
- Which files in C:\ProgramData\Tableau\Tableau Server\temp can be deleted safely?

## Sources

- [Install and Configure Tableau Server](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/install_config_top.htm)
- [Install Switches and Properties for Tableau Server](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/silent_installer_flags.htm)
- [Configure Initial Node Settings](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/config_general.htm)
- [tabcmd Commands](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/tabcmd_cmd.htm)
- [Before you install...](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/requ.htm)
- [Distributed Requirements](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/distrib_requ.htm)
- [Troubleshoot Tableau Server Install and Upgrade](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/trouble_install_upgrade.htm)
- [Communicating with the Internet](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/plan_network.htm)
- [Configuring Proxies and Load Balancers for Tableau Server](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/proxy.htm)
- [Tableau Server Logs and Log File Locations](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/logs_loc.htm)
- [Run As Service Account](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas.htm)
- [Change the Run As Service Account](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas_acct.htm)
- [Verify the Local Security Policy](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas_security.htm)
- [Verify Folder Permissions](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas_confirm_read_ex.htm)
- [Verify Registry Permissions](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas_confirm_modify.htm)
- [Windows Accounts and Permissions](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/security_windows_accounts_perms.htm)
- [Data Access with the Run As Service Account](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/runas_access.htm)
- [Security Hardening Checklist](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/security_harden.htm)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 22 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Tableau Architect pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams