Windows Server 2012 R2 only showing cmd.exe

Question

Does anyone know how to get Windows Server 2012 R2 to start properly? Once I went through the startup process, and after changing the administrator password, it brings me strait to cmd with no taskbar.

Answer 1

Hello
Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Please check the OS edition and version

Run the command winver via CMD and check if it is one Windows Core operating system.

Below are some steps and suggestions to troubleshoot and restore the GUI:

One. Try Launching Explorer Manually

At the command prompt, type: explorer.exe

Two. Verify That the Desktop Experience Feature Is Installed

1.In Windows Server 2012 R2, the full GUI environment (often enhanced by the Desktop Experience feature) isn’t installed by default if the server was set up for a minimal or core installation.  

2.Even when installed, if someone later removed Desktop Experience, you might lose some of the familiar features as well as the standard Explorer shell if it was part of that feature set.  

3.To reinstall, you can use Server Manager or PowerShell.

For example, using PowerShell: Install-WindowsFeature Desktop-Experience  

Three. Check the Shell Setting in the Registry  

1.Launch the Registry Editor from the command prompt by typing: regedit

2.In Regedit, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

3.Look for a value named Shell.

4.If the value is set to “cmd.exe” (or something other than “explorer.exe”), change it back to:    explorer.exe

5.After making changes, close Regedit and reboot.

Four. Consider Recent Changes

Since you mentioned that after changing the administrator password the issue began, whether any other changes were made during that time. Check/think any startup scripts or system modifications that might have been applied alongside the password change.

Five. After applying the above fixes, reboot your server and see if it starts into the familiar desktop environment. If problems persist, reviewing system logs (via Event Viewer, if accessible) can provide additional clues as to why explorer isn’t launching.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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