How to convert sever core to sever desktop experience mode for 2022

Question

Accidentally selected the server core.

Now currently stuck at adminstrator:C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe page

Answer 1

Hi @TAN Jun Ji

unfortunately it’s not possible.

The option to switch from Core to desktop experience was removed starting with Windows 2016. The only way is to rebuild the server.

you have to rebuild the server from scratch and select desktop experience mode.

Please don’t forget to accept helpful answer

Answer 2

Hello As Thameur stated, we may need to perform a clean installation. Anyway, there should be desktop feature (Server-Gui-Shell) listed in cmd list if this is possible. We could try to run "dism /online /get-features" to verify this.

Answer 3

Your next step should be sconfig command.

Suppose the only problem you are having with Windows Server Core is management. In that case, I highly recommend installing Windows Admin Center, an excellent web-based management option for Windows Server that is accessible from any device. Windows Server Core is more reliable, lightweight, and secure than its GUI version and is generally more recommended for servers since it requires less patching.

https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/windows-server/windows-admin-center

https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/windows-admin-center-for-windows-server