Server Core for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012
Server Core is a minimal server installation option for Windows Server that provides a low-maintenance server environment with limited functionality. Starting with Windows Server 2012, it is possible to transition between Full Server and Server Core without reinstalling the operating system.
Server Core is designed for use by network and file service infrastructure developers, server management tool and utility developers, and IT planners.
Server Core requires Windows Server 2008 or later. This documentation describes Server Core as implemented on Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012. For other implementations, see Server Core for Windows Server 2008 R2 or Server Core for Windows Server 2008.