How to install the Windows Server Essentials Dashboard

Windows Server Essentials Dashboard is an interesting tool that facilitates the management of an Active Directory Domain. Once a feature available uniquely on Windows Server SBS, you can now install it on every Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2.

The installation process involves the addition of a role. Quite an easy procedure.

Launch the Server Manager and click Add Roles and Features:

Click Next:

Role-based or feature based installation is fine:

Select the server and click Next:

Select Windows Server Essentials Experience:

Ignore the Features tab:

Click Next:

Click Next:

The system installs IIS if not present:

Confirm the installation:

Close and go back to the Server Manager:

An alert will appear after the completion of the role installation. Click Configure Windows Server Essentials:

Wait for it..

Click Next:

Specify an Enterprise Admin or a Domain Admin account:

Wait for it.. again..

Click Close:

You’re ready to enjoy your brand new Windows Server Essentials Dashboard: