Windows Server Essentials

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Windows Server Essentials is an integrated server suite from Microsoft designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It is a part of the Windows Server family of operating systems and provides a range of features to help small businesses manage their IT infrastructure.

Features

Windows Server Essentials includes several key features aimed at simplifying the management of small business IT environments:

• **Dashboard**: A centralized management console that provides an overview of the server's status and allows administrators to perform common tasks.
• **Client Backup**: Automated backup of client computers to the server, ensuring data protection and recovery.
• **Remote Web Access**: Secure access to the server and connected devices from any location with an internet connection.
• **Health Monitoring**: Tools to monitor the health of the server and connected devices, providing alerts and notifications for potential issues.
• **Integration with Microsoft 365**: Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services, including email, collaboration, and productivity tools.
• **File and Print Services**: Centralized file storage and print services for easy sharing and management of resources.
• **Active Directory**: Integration with Active Directory for user and group management, as well as security policies.

Editions

Windows Server Essentials has been released in several editions, each offering different features and capabilities:

• **Windows Small Business Server (SBS)**: The predecessor to Windows Server Essentials, offering similar features for small businesses.
• **Windows Server 2012 Essentials**: The first version branded as Windows Server Essentials, introducing the modern dashboard and integration with cloud services.
• **Windows Server 2016 Essentials**: An updated version with improved performance, security, and additional features.
• **Windows Server 2019 Essentials**: The latest version, offering enhanced integration with Microsoft 365 and other cloud services.

System Requirements

The system requirements for Windows Server Essentials vary depending on the version, but generally include:

• **Processor**: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor or faster
• **RAM**: Minimum of 2 GB, recommended 4 GB or more
• **Hard Disk**: At least 160 GB of available disk space
• **Network**: Ethernet adapter capable of at least 1 Gbps

Related Pages

• Windows Server
• Microsoft 365
• Active Directory
• Microsoft
• File and Print Services

See Also

• Windows Small Business Server
• Windows Server 2012
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows Server 2019