Windows Server 2012 Requirements and Installation : Deploying Minimal Server Interface

Windows Server 2012 also offers an interface that is between Server with a GUI and Server Core: the Minimal Server Interface. With an initial Server with a GUI install, you can convert to the Minimal Server Interface through Server Manager. Minimal Server Interface removes components of the Server Graphical Shell, including Internet Explorer 10, Windows Explorer, the desktop, and the Start screen. The Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Server Manager, and a subset of Control Panel are retained.

To convert Server with a GUI to a Minimal Server Interface, from Server Manager launch the Remove Roles and Features Wizard. Select from the features list Graphical Management Tools and Infrastructure (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Converting Server with a GUI to Minimal Server Interface

Click Next. Check the box next to “Restart the destination server automatically if required.” Click Remove. When prompted, allow automatic restarts. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Allowing automatic restarts

The result is an interface that is a Server Core UI with graphical components, such as Server Manager .