Windows Server ‘Core’

Windows Server Core is a stripped-down version of the Windows Server operating system. In terms of effectiveness, the server core can be run with minimal resources because it does not use graphical user interface (GUI). Instead, it is designed to be managed remotely using command-line, PowerShell, or remote tools.

This lightweight configuration reduces resource usage, enhances security by minimizing attack surfaces, and simplifies maintenance. Core is beneficial for resource-efficient, headless, and remotely managed server deployments.

Here are some benefits of using Windows Server Core:

• Reduced resource usage: Windows Server Core has a smaller footprint than the full Windows Server operating system, which means that it uses fewer resources like disk space, memory, and processing power. This can result in improved performance and reduced hardware requirements.
• Enhanced security: Because Windows Server Core does not include a GUI, there are fewer potential attack vectors, which can improve security.
• Reduced attack surface: Because Server Core installations are minimal, there are fewer applications running on the server, which decreases the attack surface.
• Improved reliability: Because there are fewer installed components and services, there are fewer potential points of failure, which can result in improved system reliability.
• Less disk space required: A Server Core installation requires only about 1 GB of disk space to install and approximately 2 GB for operations after the installation.
• Reduced management: Because fewer applications and services are installed on a server running the Server Core installation, there is less to manage.
• Windows Server Core supports a range of server roles, including file and print services, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, and Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), among others.

Windows Core Machine Command Prompt