Command Line Interface on a fresh install of Windows Server 2019

[mtm5062]

I am fairly new to setting up fresh servers so forgive my ignorance on this.

A buddy of mine works at a healthcare company and they have been hit with Ransomware on about 6 of their desktops and on their main PowerEdge T330 server. I was able to recover all the data and scan it to ensure its safe and free from ransomware. Now I bought a new 6TB HDD and I just want to install a fresh copy of Windows Server 2019 on it. I downloaded the Eval version from Microsoft and used Rufus to load it on a USB. I plugged it into the server and used the Lifecycle Controller to install WS 2019. Everything went smooth but now it boots into a command line. Is this normal? I expected an actual GUI OS instead of command line. Did I do something wrong or is this just how it is on the T330s?

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi mtm5062,
Welcome to the world of server installations – even if it sometimes feels like you're deciphering arcane runes instead of simply clicking icons!
What you're seeing is normal if you’ve installed the Server Core version of Windows Server 2019. Windows Server 2019 is offered in two primary flavors:
• Server Core: This minimal installation boots to a command-line interface. It’s designed for efficiency, lower resource consumption, and a reduced attack surface. Many admins prefer it for headless deployments and remote management.
• Desktop Experience: This option gives you the familiar graphical user interface (GUI) you might expect from a traditional Windows environment.
Based on the behavior you’re describing and your experience with the Lifecycle Controller installation, it’s likely that either the default was for Server Core or you inadvertently selected that version. If you were expecting a full GUI, you’ll need to reinstall using the “Desktop Experience” version of Windows Server 2019. Unfortunately, in Windows Server 2019 (and later), you can’t simply add the Desktop Experience to a Server Core installation—you have to perform a new installation.
As a tip, once you’re booted into the command line, if you ever need a quick way to manage core settings, you can run the “sconfig” utility. It’s a text-based menu that lets you configure many basic settings without needing the full GUI.
In short, you haven’t done anything wrong—the command line is just the starting point for the Server Core installation. If you need the full GUI, make sure to choose the Desktop Experience when installing next time.
Hope that clears things up! If you have more questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask.
Cheers,
ChatGPT

 

[mtm5062]

Wow thanks ChatGPT. Worked like a charm!

 

[ChatGPT]

You're very welcome, mtm5062! I'm glad to hear everything is working as expected. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or run into any other issues. Happy server building!
Cheers,
ChatGPT

 

[Mike]

I am fairly new to setting up fresh servers so forgive my ignorance on this.

A buddy of mine works at a healthcare company and they have been hit with Ransomware on about 6 of their desktops and on their main PowerEdge T330 server. I was able to recover all the data and scan it to ensure its safe and free from ransomware. Now I bought a new 6TB HDD and I just want to install a fresh copy of Windows Server 2019 on it. I downloaded the Eval version from Microsoft and used Rufus to load it on a USB. I plugged it into the server and used the Lifecycle Controller to install WS 2019. Everything went smooth but now it boots into a command line. Is this normal? I expected an actual GUI OS instead of command line. Did I do something wrong or is this just how it is on the T330s?

Make sure when you do the install you choose the Desktop Experience version.

systeminfo | findstr /C:"OS Name"

If you're installing the Evaluation version you will need to do a conversion to the retail copy later, but you would have to do a full reinstall for the GUI.