I'm interested to know if folks are still opting to install Windows Server without the desktop experience. If you're doing this, what specific roles do you assign to such servers, and what methods do you use for management? For example, are you utilizing Windows Admin Center or leveraging PowerShell scripts for quick role deployment?
4 Answers
I used to think for sure that not using a GUI was the way to go, but honestly? It causes way more headaches than it’s worth for standard installations. Most of my colleagues just can't manage without the GUI and the extra time spent on command-line tasks can mount up pretty quickly.
Totally agree! I value speed and efficiency in management, and the GUI definitely helps that.
We’ve been using Server Core for almost everything: domain controllers, DHCP, and DNS. It’s super efficient—saves resources and patches faster. Plus, I manage them with a mix of PowerShell, RSAT, and occasionally, Windows Admin Center, even if the latter feels slow.
Same here! I prefer using Powershell for most tasks anyway.
Yeah, WAC can be sluggish sometimes, but it's great for quick management tasks. Just wish they'd optimize it more!
Honestly, skipping the GUI feels like a weird bragging point among some sysadmins. I can't think of a time when my team was stuck and thought we'd be better off without it. The GUI simplifies a lot of tasks, especially for less experienced staff who might be lost without a visual interface. Most of the real work gets done faster with a GUI in my experience!
Totally agree! The GUI really helps with troubleshooting and managing tasks without needing to remember all those PowerShell commands.
Exactly! I get why some think it's cool to have a core install, but in the real world, it just complicates things.
I rely on it for file servers and license servers. Often, third-party vendors assume the GUI is installed. Without it, I'd probably run into support issues, even if it technically works. It’s still easier with a GUI, especially when it comes to non-Microsoft services.
For file servers, I’ve also found the GUI to be necessary for proper file indexing and searching options.
Exactly! It sounds good in theory, but in practical environments, it just leads to more issues.