Managing Server Roles & Features

Set Windows Server Roles and Features

Windows Server Manager provides a graphical interface for installing, configuring, and removing server roles and features on a Windows virtual machine. After connecting through Remote Desktop, administrators can use the built-in wizard to configure services such as Web Server (IIS), management tools, and role-specific components.

In this article

Overview

A Windows virtual machine provides the complete Windows graphical interface and can be managed remotely over Remote Desktop Protocol. The built-in Server Manager is used to configure operating-system roles, services, and optional features.

Server Roles Primary server functions such as Web Server (IIS), DNS Server, DHCP Server, Active Directory services, file services, and remote-access components.
Features Supporting components, management tools, frameworks, and role services that extend or support installed server roles.
Server Manager The standard Windows administration console used to add, monitor, configure, and remove roles and features.

Access Requirements

Connect to the required Windows virtual machine before starting the configuration. The desktop can normally be accessed using one of the following options:

  • The browser-based Guacamole HTML5 remote-access tool.
  • A local Remote Desktop client using the connection details provided after environment creation.
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Administrative permissions required

The Windows account used for the remote session must have sufficient administrator privileges to install or remove server roles and features.

Set Windows VM Roles

1

After connecting to the Windows desktop, open Server Manager. On the Dashboard, click Add roles and features.

Windows Server Manager dashboard
Click Add roles and features on the Server Manager Dashboard.
2

The Add Roles and Features Wizard opens. Review the introductory information and click Next.

On the Installation Type page, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.

Select installation type
Select Role-based or feature-based installation.
3

On the Server Selection page, choose the destination server. For a standalone Windows VM, select the current server from the server pool and click Next.

Select destination server
Select the destination Windows server from the server pool.
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Managing multiple servers

Server Manager can also manage multiple Windows servers within the same Active Directory domain after they are added through the Add Servers option.

4

On the Server Roles page, review the available roles and select the required checkboxes. Selecting a role displays its description in the right-hand panel.

For example, select Web Server (IIS) to configure the virtual machine as a web server.

Select server roles
Select the required server role, such as Web Server (IIS).

Add Features to Windows Server Roles

Some roles require or support additional features and management tools. The wizard displays these dependencies when a role is selected.

1

When the role-dependency window appears, review the required components. Keep Include management tools (if applicable) selected when the management console should also be installed.

Click Add Features.

Add required role features
Add the features and management tools required by the selected role.
2

Continue through the wizard and review the configuration pages associated with the selected role. Choose the required role services and optional components.

Select role services
Choose the role services required for the selected server role.
Common HTTP Features Features such as Default Document, Directory Browsing, HTTP Errors, and Static Content for IIS.
Health and Diagnostics Logging, tracing, request monitoring, and diagnostic services.
Management Tools Graphical consoles and command-line components used to administer the installed role.

Install Roles and Features

1

On the Confirmation page, review the selected roles, features, and role services.

Enable automatic restart only when the installation requires it and the server can safely restart. Click Install to begin.

Confirm installation selections
Review the selections and click Install.
2

The installation starts automatically. Keep the wizard open to monitor progress, or close it and allow the task to continue in the background.

Installation progress
Monitor the installation until the selected roles and features are installed successfully.

After the installation is complete, the newly installed role appears on the Server Manager Dashboard. Use the corresponding dashboard tile to monitor events, services, performance, and configuration.

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Expected result

The selected Windows server roles, features, and management tools are installed and available from Server Manager for further configuration.

Remove Roles and Features

Roles and features that are no longer required can be removed using a similar wizard.

1

Open Server Manager, click Manage, and select Remove Roles and Features.

Remove Roles and Features option
Choose Remove Roles and Features from the Manage menu.
2

Select the destination server, clear the roles or features that should be removed, review any dependent components, and confirm the removal.

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Check dependencies before removal

Removing a role or feature may also remove dependent services or disrupt applications that use them. Review the impact and create a backup or recovery point before making major server changes.

Related Documentation