What is the difference between a full installation of Windows Server 2012 and a Server Core installation?

On this page:

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  • Overview
  • The installation interface
  • Benefits of a Server Core installation
  • Known issues for deploying a Server Core installation

Overview

The Server Core installation option is a Windows installation option available for Windows servers. This installation option debuted in Windows Server 2008 and is available for all recent Windows Server versions. A Server Core installation provides a minimal environment for running specific server roles, which reduces the maintenance and management requirements and the attack surface for those server roles. A server running a Server Core installation supports the following server roles:

  • Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
  • Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)
  • DHCP Server
  • DNS Server
  • File Services
  • Print Services
  • Streaming Media Services
  • Web Server (IIS)

To accomplish this, the Server Core installation option installs only the subset of the binary files that are required by the supported server roles. For example, the Explorer shell is not installed as part of a Server Core installation. Instead, the default user interface for a server running a Server Core installation is the command prompt.

The installation interface

Unlike a full Windows Server installation with a graphical user interface included, the Server Core installation option requires initial configuration at a command prompt. A Server Core installation does not include the traditional full graphical user interface. Once you have configured the server, you can manage it locally at a command prompt or remotely using a Terminal Server connection. You can also manage the server remotely using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) or command-line tools that support remote use.

Benefits of a Server Core installation

The Server Core installation option provides the following benefits:

  • Reduced maintenance: Because the Server Core installation option installs only what is required to have a manageable server for the AD DS, AD LDS, DHCP Server, DNS Server, File Services, Print Services, and Streaming Media Services roles, less maintenance is required than a full Windows Server installation with a graphical interface.
  • Reduced attack surface: Because Server Core installations are minimal, there are fewer applications running on the server, which decreases the attack surface.
  • Reduced management: Because fewer applications and services are installed on a server running the Server Core installation, there is less to manage.
  • Less disk space required: A Server Core installation requires only about 1 GB of disk space to install and approximately 2 GB for operations after the installation.

Known issues for deploying a Server Core installation

  • Server Core installations are only intended to run server roles and cannot be used to run applications such as a Microsoft Office suite or any other applications that depend on a graphical user interface.
  • There is no way to upgrade from a previous version of the Windows Server operating system to a Server Core installation. Only a clean installation is supported.

The information in this document was originally adapted from Server Core Installation Option Getting Started Guide.

This is document awsn in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2021-09-07 15:51:57.

  • What is the difference between a full installation of Windows Server 2012 and a Server Core installation?
  • Does Windows Server 2019 have a GUI?
  • What are the disadvantages of using Server Core?
  • How long is Server 2012 R2 supported?
  • What are the four editions of Windows Server 2012?
  • Is Windows Server 2019 core free?
  • Is Windows Server Core more secure?
  • What is the meaning of R2 in Windows Server 2012?
  • Is Windows Server 2019 the same as Windows 10?
  • When should I use Server Core?
  • What roles Cannot be installed on a core installation of server 2012?
  • How many cores are in a server?
  • What are the benefits of a Server Core installation?
  • Is Server 2012 R2 free?
  • What are the versions of Windows Server 2012 R2?
  • Is Server 2012 R2 still supported?
  • What are the two types of installation does Windows Server 2012 supports?
  • What are the different versions of Windows Server 2019?
  • Is Hyper-V dead?
  • What is the difference between Windows Server 2012 Standard and R2?
  • What is the difference between a full installation of Windows Server and a Server Core?
  • Is Windows Hyper-V Server 2019 free?
  • What is the future of Windows OS?
  • Does Hyper-V Server have a GUI?

In Windows Server 2012 you can choose between a Server Core and Server with a GUI (full) during the installation. The Full Server GUI has all the tools and options to configure and troubleshoot. Server core is a minimal Windows installation with less tools and options.

Does Windows Server 2019 have a GUI?

This version has both Server Core and full server (desktop experience). This has two releases each year. This type only comes with Core editions, no desktop experience. In fact, you’ll find the latest Server 2019 LTSC build (with GUI) here on TechNet evaluation center.

What are the disadvantages of using Server Core?

The most obvious disadvantage to using Server Core is the steep learning curve. Early versions of Server Core only allowed administrators to manage Windows through a Command Prompt window or through remote management tools. It is now possible to manage Server Core installations using Windows PowerShell.

How long is Server 2012 R2 supported?

Support Dates Listing Start Date Extended End Date Windows Server 2012 R2 Nov 25, 2013 Oct 10, 2023.

What are the four editions of Windows Server 2012?

Windows Server 2012 has four editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard and Datacenter.

Is Windows Server 2019 core free?

It is free and includes the same hypervisor technology in the Hyper-V role on Windows Server 2019. However, there is no user interface (UI) as in the Windows server version. Only a command line prompt. For remote management you can use Free Windows admin center (WAC) which is a separate download.

Is Windows Server Core more secure?

Windows Server Core Mode Security Benefits Having less code and tools on a system makes it harder to attack, and once compromised, it makes it less useful to the attacker. Security benefits of this switch include: Smaller attack surface. Windows server RSAT.

What is the meaning of R2 in Windows Server 2012?

Windows Server 2012 R2 is the second iteration of Windows Server 2012. Windows Server Work Folders, Web App Proxy and improvements to Active Directory Federation Services and other technologies to help companies give their employees consistent access to company resources on the device of their choice.

Is Windows Server 2019 the same as Windows 10?

Windows Server 2019 is the ninth version of the Windows Server operating system by Microsoft, as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It is the second version of the server operating system based on the Windows 10 platform, after Windows Server 2016.

When should I use Server Core?

When to choose Server Core For most users, Server Core is recommended. If you’re confident using Windows PowerShell, a GUI isn’t required for the majority of server roles. It also tends to be better suited to remotely managing a server.

What roles Cannot be installed on a core installation of server 2012?

Role Services not in Server Core Print and Document Services \ Distributed Scan Server (Print-Scan-Server) Print and Document Services \ Internet Printing (Print-Internet) Remote Desktop Services \ Remote Desktop Gateway (RDS-Gateway) Remote Desktop Services \ Remote Desktop Session Host (RDS-RD-Server).

How many cores are in a server?

One single physical processing unit. An Intel Xeon Scalable processor typically has between 8 and 32 cores, although both larger and smaller variants are available. The socket on the motherboard where one processor is installed.

What are the benefits of a Server Core installation?

Benefits to using Server Core are: Reduced attack surface & improved application security environment. Reduced maintenance & management requirements. Reduced disk space & memory usage.

Is Server 2012 R2 free?

Windows Server 2012 R2 offers four paid editions (ordered by price from low to high): Foundation (OEM only), Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter. Standard and Datacenter editions offer Hyper-V while Foundation and Essentials editions don’t. The completely free Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 also includes Hyper-V.

What are the versions of Windows Server 2012 R2?

Editions. According to the Windows Server 2012 R2 datasheet published on May 31, 2013, there are four editions of this operating system: Foundation, Essentials, Standard and Datacenter.

Is Server 2012 R2 still supported?

Windows Server 2012, and 2012 R2 End of Extended support is approaching per the Lifecycle Policy: Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Support will end on October 10, 2023. Customers are upgrading to the latest release of Windows Server and applying the latest innovation to modernize their IT environment.

What are the two types of installation does Windows Server 2012 supports?

There are only two editions in the Windows Server 2012 family of operating systems. Microsoft is opting to simplify the product line, and as a result, Windows Server 2012 will be available in Standard and Datacenter Editions.

What are the different versions of Windows Server 2019?

Windows Server 2019 has three editions: Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter. As their names imply, they are designed for organizations of different sizes, and with different virtualization and datacenter requirements.

Is Hyper-V dead?

Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2019 will continue to be supported under its lifecycle policy until January 2029, see this link for additional information. Those who believe they need Hyper-V can continue to use Hyper-V Server 2019 until 2029, which is the last version that is still free.

What is the difference between Windows Server 2012 Standard and R2?

When it comes to the user interface, there’s little difference between Windows Server 2012 R2 and its predecessor. The real changes are under the surface, with significant enhancements to Hyper-V, Storage Spaces and to Active Directory. Windows Server 2012 R2 is configured, like Server 2012, via Server Manager.

What is the difference between a full installation of Windows Server and a Server Core?

Unlike a full Windows Server installation with a graphical user interface included, the Server Core installation option requires initial configuration at a command prompt. A Server Core installation does not include the traditional full graphical user interface.

Is Windows Hyper-V Server 2019 free?

Hyper-V Server 2019 is suitable for those who don’t want to pay for hardware virtualization operating system. The Hyper-V has no restrictions and is free. Windows Hyper-V Server has the following benefits: Support of all popular OSs.

What is the future of Windows OS?

Microsoft recently announced Windows 11, its first operating system overhaul in more than six years. The free upgrade, available to users in late 2021, comes on the heels of Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index, which asserts that hybrid work is here to stay.

Does Hyper-V Server have a GUI?

Introduction. Hyper-V Server does not include much in the way of graphical tools, but third-party alternatives can be installed.

What is the difference between a full installation of Windows Server and a Server Core?

Unlike a full Windows Server installation with a graphical user interface included, the Server Core installation option requires initial configuration at a command prompt. A Server Core installation does not include the traditional full graphical user interface.

What is the difference between Server Core and full version?

The main difference between the Server with Desktop Experience installation option and Server Core is that Server Core does not include the following GUI shell packages: Microsoft-Windows-Server-Shell-Package. Microsoft-Windows-Server-Gui-Mgmt-Package.

What are the two types of installation does Windows Server 2012 supports?

Determining the Type of Server to Install One of the first decisions you have to make when installing Windows Server 2012 is whether you will be using a Server Core installation or a server with GUI installation.

Why it is preferred to use or install the full installation option that Server Core installation?

The “Server Core Installation” option reduces the space required on disk, the potential attack surface, and especially the servicing requirements, so we recommend that you choose the Server Core installation unless you have a particular need for the additional user interface elements and graphical management tools that ...