Server Core for Windows Server 2008 R2

Purpose

Server Core is a minimal server installation option for the Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system. Server Core provides a low-maintenance server environment with limited functionality.

Where applicable

Server Core is an installation option that is capable of some well-known server roles.

The minimal nature of Server Core creates limitations:

  • There is no Windows shell and very limited GUI functionality (the Server Core interface is a command prompt).
  • There is limited managed code support in Server Core.
  • There is limited MSI support (unattended mode only).

Developer audience

Server Core is designed for use by network and file service infrastructure developers, server management tool and utility developers, and IT Planners.

Run-time requirements

Server Core requires Windows Server 2008 or later. This documentation describes Server Core as implemented on Windows Server 2008 R2.

In this section

Topic Description

About Server Core

General information about Server Core.

Using Server Core

Information about using Server Core.

Server Core Reference

Reference documentation for Server Core.

 

Server Core Blog

About Windows Server Installation Options

Server Core for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012

Server Core for Windows Server 2008