Windows Server Essentials Experience allows users to access features such as Remote Web Access and PC backup without the typical limitations associated with Windows Server Essentials. This article will guide you through the process of installing and configuring Windows Server Essentials Experience on your Windows Server.
Guide to Installing, Configuring, and Utilizing Windows Server Essentials Experience
You might be familiar with Windows Server Essentials, an affordable variant of the Windows Server designed for small enterprises, providing functionalities like file sharing, remote access, and data backup. The Essentials Experience role is included in Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and later versions, delivering features without the common restrictions. This role encompasses user and group management, smooth integration with Microsoft Online Services, and system health monitoring. In Windows Server 2022, activation of the Essentials edition can be done using a product key for the Standard edition.
Steps to Install Windows Server Essentials Experience
To set up Windows Server Essentials Experience, you need to install this specific Windows Server Role and its related features through the Windows Server Manager. Follow these steps to proceed:
- Log into Windows Server as an administrator and open the Server Manager.
- Navigate to Manage > Add Roles and Features.
- When the Add Roles and Features wizard appears, click Next.
- Select the installation type as Role-based or feature-based, then proceed by clicking Next.
- Select the appropriate server and click Next.
- On the Server Roles tab, check the box for Windows Server Essentials Experience.
- A prompt will appear; click on Add Features.
- Proceed to the Features tab and again click Next.
- When the Windows Server Essentials tab appears, review the description and click Next.
- On the Confirmation tab, check Restart the destination server automatically if required, confirm by clicking Yes, and then click Install.
Be patient as the installation process can take a while. After it’s completed, close the Add Roles and Features wizard.
Configuring Windows Server Essentials
Once the server role and its features are installed, the next step is configuration. After installation, you will notice a yellow warning icon beside the Manage option; click it, then select Configure Windows Server Essentials.
- Clicking the hyperlink will bring up the Configure Windows Server Essentials wizard, which will check your system’s configuration.
- Click Next to continue; however, it’s advisable to review the Windows Server Essentials Deployment guide by accessing the provided hyperlink.
- Provide the company name and internal domain name, then click Next.
- Input the Administrator account credentials and set a password, then click Configure.
Following this, you will see the Result tab with a progress indicator. Bear in mind that this step will take time as the server is being created and configured for Windows Server Essentials. Once finished, your server will automatically reboot.
Using Windows Server Essentials
After the reboot, your system might briefly display black screens. Log into the administrator account using the password you set earlier. Once logged in, ensure you are connected to a trusted network; Windows Server Manager will open automatically. You’ll see a confirmation message stating that Configuration is Complete. To integrate with Microsoft 365, click the hyperlink for Register with Microsoft cloud services and follow the instructions on-screen.
You can access the Windows Server Essentials Dashboard by locating it in the Start Menu.
This guide aims to assist you in successfully configuring Windows Server Essentials.
What Are the Steps for Installing Windows Server?
If you intend to install Windows Server, ensure that your hardware meets the requirements for Windows Server 2022. If it does, download the Microsoft Server ISO from microsoft.com. Afterward, create a bootable USB drive, connect it to your machine, and begin the installation process. You can also opt to install Windows Server using VMware Workstation.
What is the Purpose of Windows Server Essentials?
Windows Server Essentials was specifically designed for small businesses with a maximum of 25 users and 50 devices. It offers vital server functionalities without the complexity and cost associated with larger server editions. Features include centralized data storage, remote access, user and group management, backup and restore options, cloud service integration, and simplified management capabilities.