Windows: Enable/Disabled Server Core in Windows Server 2012

Hey guys,

 

So I’m getting used to Windows Server 2012 Core and I found a nifty command for use after you install all your roles and features and you’d like ot just lock down the server, even if it’s a VM,  and make it use less resources plus make it more secure.

Here is the command:

1. powershell

Disable Windows Gui and Server Manager and enable Server Core

2. Uninstall-Windowsfeature server-gui-shell, server-gui-mgmt-infra -restart

Enable Windows Gui and Server Manager and disable Server Core

3. Install-Windowsfeature server-gui-shell, server-gui-mgmt-infra -restart

 

Alternatively, if you just want to remove Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer which includes the shell and taskbar as-well as the Control Panel; then type this:

  1. Uninstall-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Shell Remove

 

Hope this helps you guys. Note, you should install your roles and usual settings 1st like networking, DNS, AD, DHCP, join the domain, change the NetBios Name, etc . 🙂