Exploring the Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience- A Comprehensive Guide

What is Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience?

The Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience is a feature that allows administrators to install a full desktop environment on a server. This feature provides users with a familiar Windows desktop interface, enabling them to run desktop applications, access files, and use other features that are typically found on a standard Windows client operating system. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience, its benefits, and how it can be utilized in different scenarios.

The Desktop Experience feature was first introduced in Windows Server 2012, and it has been continuously improved and updated in subsequent versions, including Windows Server 2016 and 2019. By enabling the Desktop Experience on a server, administrators can take advantage of the following benefits:

1. Compatibility with desktop applications: The Desktop Experience allows servers to run a wide range of desktop applications, which can be essential for organizations that rely on specific software for their operations. This feature ensures that servers can handle tasks that would typically require a desktop operating system.

2. Enhanced user experience: With the Desktop Experience, users can enjoy a familiar Windows desktop interface, which can improve productivity and reduce the learning curve when working with servers. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where users are accustomed to using desktop applications and need to access them on a server.

3. Centralized management: By installing the Desktop Experience, administrators can manage desktop applications and settings from a centralized location, simplifying the process of deploying and updating software across multiple servers.

4. Integration with server features: The Desktop Experience is designed to work seamlessly with other Windows Server 2019 features, such as Hyper-V, Failover Clustering, and Storage Spaces Direct. This allows administrators to leverage the full potential of their servers while still benefiting from the desktop environment.

To enable the Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience, follow these steps:

1. Open Server Manager on the server where you want to install the Desktop Experience.
2. Click on “Add roles and features” in the Actions pane.
3. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”
4. Choose the server from the server pool and click “Next.”
5. Select “Server Roles” and then click “Next.”
6. In the list of available roles, scroll down and select “Desktop Experience.”
7. Click “Next” to review the selection and then click “Install” to begin the installation process.

Once the installation is complete, the Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience will be available on the server, providing users with a full desktop environment. This can be a valuable addition to any organization’s server infrastructure, allowing for greater flexibility and productivity.