Can I install Windows Server 2022 GUI over Windows Server 2022 Core

R Melville | GRB 1 Reputation point
2022-11-02T10:41:30.887+00:00

Can you install the GUI version of windows server 2022 over the Core version and keep all your settings?
The server in question is mainly being used as a web server.

NOTE: I'm aware that you can nolonger switch between the two.

Thank you,
Ricky

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Set up, install, or upgrade
Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
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  1. Michael Durkan 12,241 Reputation points MVP
    2022-11-02T10:44:33.607+00:00

    Hi,

    No, either Server Core or Desktop Experience are determined at setup, GUI cannot be enabled after installation.

    The specific edition and its form are selected in the beginning of Windows Setup. In previous versions of Windows Server, either the product edition or mode could have been converted later on.

    This is not anymore the case with version 2019. Though converting between Datacenter to Standard is still supported, Server Core or Desktop Experience (GUI) cannot be converted anymore.

    Thanks

    Michael Durkan

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  2. Limitless Technology 44,771 Reputation points
    2022-11-03T08:34:19.99+00:00

    Hello

    Unfortunately this is not possible. Since the installation of GUI over Core in 2012 was somehow problematic, Microsoft deviced to remove this functionality on Windows Server Core 2016 and future releases. The only option would be a fresh install (not In-Place upgrade or others).

    This has been previously clarified in the next thread:
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/757606/how-to-switch-core-version-to-gui-mode-in-win-serv.html

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