Windows server 2019 install not showing GUI options

Question

I've downloaded the latest ISO (December 2019) for Windows Server 2019. When I go to install on a new server the list of install options only includes the core non-GUI install options.

How do I install Windows Server 2019 with a GUI (desktop experience) option. All the website I view indicate that there should be four options in the dialog below, where I only see two.

score 10 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 18 '19 at 18:11

These days Windows server comes not only in different editions but also in different types:

Long-Term Servicing Channel - This is usually the initial release of a server, and it gets monthly security updates, but no new features. It also can not be freely upgraded to a newer version of the server as is the case for Windows 10 clients.

The current version is Windows Server 2019 - 1809

This version has both Server Core and full server (desktop experience).

Semi-Annual Channel

This has two releases each year, in 2019 it had versions 1903 and 1909

This type only comes with Core editions, no desktop experience. If you want a desktop you have to use the last Long-Term Servicing Channel version.

It seems you downloaded 1909 which is the latest Semi-Annual Channel and has no Desktop option.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/servicing-channels-19#why-do-semi-annual-channel-releases-offer-only-the-server-core-installation-option — Greg Askew, Dec 18 '19 at 18:18
This was correct. When I downloaded just Windows Server, rather than the December update it included the desktop experience options. — Matthew van Boheemen, Dec 19 '19 at 02:27

shodanshok · Answer 2 · 2019-12-18T10:31:13.067

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On some Windows 2019 editions, the GUI is installed by default. You can simply select "Windows server standard".

edited Dec 18 '19 at 10:31

answered Dec 18 '19 at 07:16

shodanshok

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Must be depending on the image. Just yesterday I installed a 2019 server where I had to choose between GUI and non-GUI. – Gerald Schneider Dec 18 '19 at 07:54
@GeraldSchneider yes, it sounds possible – shodanshok Dec 18 '19 at 10:03
How do I find the image with that option? Both of the options I have are for the Core version without the GUI. Does it maybe just not exist in the ISO I downloaded and I should try another? – Matthew van Boheemen Dec 18 '19 at 16:50
Can you share the name of the ISO you downloaded? – shodanshok Dec 18 '19 at 18:00

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Feb 05 '21 at 03:00

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You can look for a command to install the GUI feature, from inside your core command prompt. Search for Powershell command Add-WindowsFeature server-gui-shell, server-gui-infra (or something like that). It's always possible to come and go with the GUI using the powershell to Add or remove the features. Good luck.

answered Feb 05 '21 at 03:00

ASPaiva

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This worked for Windows Server 2012 (R2) but no longer works for 2016 and 2019. If you installed Core, you are stuck with Core. – Peter Hahndorf Feb 05 '21 at 15:47

Windows server 2019 install not showing GUI options

3 Answers3