5 Ways to Launch Server Manager in Windows Server 2012

October 8, 2016 updated by Admin Leave a reply »

Server Manager is a management console (MMC) in Windows Server 2012 that allows you to add server roles / features, manage and deploy server remotely. In this tutorial we’ll show you 5 ways to launch Server Manager in Windows Server 2012.

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Method 1: Launch Server Manager from Command Line

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box, or open the Command Prompt. Type ServerManager and press Enter.

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This should be the most common and quickest way to open Server Manager in Windows Server 2012 / 2008.

Method 2: Launch Server Manager from Taskbar

By default, the Server Manager shortcut is pinned to the taskbar. Just click the Server Manager icon and you can run Server Manager immediately.

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Method 3: Launch Server Manager from Start Screen

Click the Start button to open the Start Screen.

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As you can see in the picture above, the Metro interface gives you access to Server Manager.

Method 4: Launch Server Manager Using PowerShell

Open PowerShell in Windows Server 2012. Type ServerManager and press Enter.

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Method 5: Create a Desktop Shortcut to Launch Server Manager

Right-click on any empty space on your desktop. Select New -> Shortcut from the context menu.

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Type ServerManager in the shortcut location box and click Next.

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Give a name for the shortcut and click Finish.

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You should now see a new desktop shortcut on the desktop. Double-click it and you can launch Server Manager quickly.

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That’s it!