Deploy Windows Server Essentials

Install Windows Server Essentials

Install Windows Server Essentials
Before you start your installation, find out about system requirements and known issues.

Install Update Rollup 1 for Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials (released November 2013)
This update rollup package includes performance and reliability improvements for Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2.

Install Update Rollup 3 for Windows Server 2012 Essentials (released October 2013)
This update rollup contains server-side fixes. After you apply this update rollup, the client-side package is installed automatically on all client computers.

Install Update Rollup 2 for Windows Server 2012 Essentials (released June 2013)
This installation provides resolutions for the following issues: Office 365 integration service crash; operation to change user access level or folder permissions fails; you cannot use the Enable-0365Integration cmdlet. Adds support for the Port Bonjour feature of Mac connector to Windows Server 2012 Essentials.

Install Update Rollup 1 for Windows Server 2012 Essentials (released February 2013)
This installation provides the following updates: Support is added for hosted email message mailbox integration in the Dashboard. AntiXSSLibrary.dll is updated to the latest version, which improves the reliability of the Remote Web Access (RWA) page. The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 package is updated to a new version. A direct download link is added to the Dashboard to improve the online backup integration experience.

Hosted Windows Server 2012 Essentials
This document includes information that is specific to hosters who intend to deploy Windows Server 2012 Essentials in their lab and offer it as a service to their customers.

Migrate to Windows Server Essentials

Migrate from Previous Versions to Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials

Migrate from Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials

Migrate from Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard

Migrate from Windows Small Business Server 2008

Migrate from Windows Small Business Server 2003

Migrate from Windows Server 2008 Foundation

Migrate Windows Server 2012 Essentials to New Hardware

Transition to Windows Server 2012 Standard

Transition from Windows Server 2012 Essentials to Windows Server 2012 Standard
Windows Server 2012 Essentials supports up to 25 users and 50 devices. When your business needs exceed this limit, you should consider upgrading to Windows Server 2012 Standard.