Windows Server 2019 Core

---

Mike you are definitely creating a Windows monster here. I have VMWare Pro 15 I use, in addition to the virtual labs with premium membership, I created Windows server 2019 Standard server with desktop and created Windows Enterprise 10 as well, got all updates done, checking out your Powershell videos, and now I am diving into Windows Server 2019 Core. Looks like many powershell commands are going to be the way to administrate it. Question - are there any videos on Windows Server Core created? I am going to try to create a sandbox environment with Server gui as Forest and put core in there as well, try to use powershell commands to create AD network with it? Sound possible? Thanks - by the way you are awesome! Really getting into all Microsoft content.

@william-wantling ,

Thanks for the kudos, I'm glad you are enjoying the content!

There is an episode in 70-740 where Cherokee covers installing and managing server core using Windows Server 2016. This content will work for 2019 as well.

There are three main ways to manage server core:

1. PowerShell
2. Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)
3. Windows Admin Center

PowerShell can be used on a core install locally, or remotely using PSSessions. Core is really meant to be remotely administered. You will have to log in locally to do the initial configuration, I like to use sconfig. Set the name, IP, join the domain, firewall rules to allow remote administration, etc. Once the initial config is done, most administration will be done remotely.

PSSessions work fine, and you know I love my PowerShell. It's really good practice and good knowledge to have. You can definitely set up a domain using PowerShell. Everyone should try it at least once, lol.

RSAT installed on a Win10 box was the way to go for a while. This allowed you to use the GUI tools (AD Users and Computers, DNS, etc) when managing a core install. This is still a valid option, but there is a new preferred way.

Windows Admin Center. This is the new way to manage servers. It is a web based interface that allows you to manage all of your servers, on-premises, cloud, and Win10 machines from anywhere. It's really slick. It's a free download from MIcrosoft.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/windows-admin-center

I did a webinar on it here:
https://app.itpro.tv/course-library/evolved-server-managementwindows-admin-center/evolved-server-management/?tagcategory=course-library&tag=it-webinars

This is the route I would recommend. It is the way Microsoft recommends managing all of your servers, GUI or core, physical or VM, on-prem or cloud.

I think you'll really like Windows Admin Center (WAC), and you can even use PowerShell from within WAC. It's extensible, so they are always adding new features. According to Jeff Woolsey at MS Ignite last year, this will replace Server Manager and most of the MMCs.

Have fun with your lab setup, let me know how it goes!

Thanks Mike.