Changes the server makes to a client computer

When you connect a computer to the server, the Windows Server 2012 Essentials software makes a number of changes to the computer so the computer and the server can work together.

Windows Server 2012 Essentials does the following:

• Installs the Connector software on the computer
  
  
• Installs Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 on the computer if it is not already installed
  
  
• Creates shortcuts on the computer’s desktop to the Dashboard and Launchpad
  
  
• Configures Windows Firewall ports on the computer to allow the following features to work:
  
  
  • Core Networking
    
    
  • Remote Desktop Services
    
    
• Makes the following changes to the computer to facilitate backups:
  
  
  • Creates scheduled tasks to run automatic backups
    
    
  • Installs services that manage backup operations with the server
    
    
  • Installs a virtual device driver that is used during file and folder restore processes
    
    
• Installs the Health Agent to detect issues and to create the corresponding alert notifications
  
  
• Creates scheduled tasks on the computer for recurring health assessments and to synchronize health alert definitions
  
  
• Adds services to the computer, which the computer uses to communicate with the server and with other Windows Server 2012 Essentials features
  
  
• Opens TCP port 3389 in client computers running Windows 7 or Windows 8 to allow Remote Desktop Services
  
  
• Deploys VPN on the client computer and provides a single click experience if the VPN functionality is enabled on Windows Server 2012 Essentials
  
  

For information about connecting your computer to the server, see Connect computers to the server.