

Install and configure Windows Server Essentials by using Windows PowerShellīefore you begin the installation, review the following documentation: You can automate deployment of Windows Server Essentials by using Windows PowerShell. You can deploy Windows Server Essentials as a virtual machine.

You can install Windows Server Essentials in an existing Active Directory environment.ĭeploy Windows Server Essentials in an existing Active Directory environment

You can install Windows Server Essentials to create a new Active Directory environment.ĭeploy Windows Server Essentials to set up a new Active Directory environment Windows Server 2016 with the Windows Server Essentials Experience role installed Windows Server Essentials (with the Windows Server Essentials Experience role enabled by default) Depending on your network environment, you have the following installation options available to you: This document provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring Windows Server Essentials. To download evaluation versions of the operating systems, visit the TechNet Evaluation Center:ĭownload Windows Server Essentials Installation options If an Active Directory domain does not exist, installing the role will create an Active Directory domain, and the server will become the domain controller at the root of the forest and domain, holding all the FSMO roles.Ĭan only be deployed into a single domain.Ī read-only domain controller cannot exist in your domain. Does not have to be a domain controller if it is installed in an environment with a pre-existing Active Directory domain. Cannot be installed in an environment with a pre-existing Active Directory domain (however, there is a grace period of 21 days for performing migrations). Must be the domain controller at the root of the forest and domain, and must hold all the FSMO roles. Windows Server Essentials Experience in Windows Server 2016 Windows Server Essentials Experience in Windows Server Essentials This server role is also available in Windows Server Essentials and is enabled by default.īefore you install Windows Server Essentials or the Essentials Experience role, note the following limitations. Windows Server Essentials Experience is a role in Windows Server 2016 that enables you to take advantage of all the features (such as Remote Web Access and PC backup) that are available to you in Windows Server Essentials without the locks and limits that are enforced in Windows Server Essentials. For organizations with up to 100 users and 200 devices, you can now use Windows Server 2012 R2 with the Windows Server Essentials Experience role installed.

Windows Server Essentials is an ideal first server for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. Applies To: Windows Server 2016 Essentials, Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials, Windows Server 2012 Essentials
