WindowsServer 2019 Installation no GUI (desktop-experience)

mjj 6 Reputation points
2020-10-27T00:47:49.65+00:00

Hi,

I installed the WindowsServer 2019 Standard by downloading the ISO formatted file from VLSC. I was expecting the pop-ups where I could put in the license keys, select between the core ver. and the desktop-expereicen ver., and more. But without these, it installed and now I only have the cmd windows.

so my questions are:

1) How can I reinstall this properly?

2) How do I install this in desktop-experience version?

I'd really appreciate any help on this.
Thanks

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
3,480 questions

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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-10-27T00:52:32.273+00:00

    Assuming you downloaded Server 2019 LTSC (the semi-annual channel are all core only) It's the same setup bits for either. You can make the Desktop Experience selection on this screen.

    35252-image.png

    I'm not sure how they're listed on volume center but on my Visual Studio subscription they look like this

    35281-image.png

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Teemo Tang 11,351 Reputation points
    2020-10-27T01:41:00.477+00:00

    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 It also can not be freely upgraded to a newer version of the server as is the case for Windows 10 clients.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.
    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.
    Microsoft doc explains:
    Why do Semi-Annual Channel releases offer only the Server Core installation option?
    https://learn.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

    In fact, you'll find the latest Server 2019 LTSC build (with GUI) here on TechNet evaluation center.
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2019

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  3. Manish 0 Reputation points
    2023-04-20T12:03:40.0433333+00:00

    Hi Everyone/Microsoft Team, If I have installed windows server 2019 core directly on window 10 and now this is showing command line on system then how can back window 10 and see GUI on system. So Please help me out to reach to solving this problem. Thanks

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