The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Have you heard about Windows Server Manager and want to learn more about it? You’re in good hands as this guide teaches you all you need to know about this Windows Server tool.
What is Windows Server Manager?
Windows Server Manager is a Server management console. It is used to manage multiple Windows Servers from a single console.
The major selling point for this tool is that it eliminates the need to use RDP to manage remote servers. It also allows you to install, or remove server features on remote servers.
Recommended Free Tools
Moreover, you can create server groups – making it easy to manage identical servers. You can group servers by tasks they perform or by location.
Popular on Amazon
- 【Powerful Load-bearing】12U Network Rack Open Frame is constructed from durable cold rolled steel; Rack shelf supports enhance stability, wall-mounted capacity of 130lbs, the ground-mounted up to 260lbs
- 【Considerate Designs】Open-frame layout, including a top panel adding space, anti-slip shelf stops fixing devices and compatible racks for stack and expansion to meet requirements of home server rack
- 【Complete Accessories】A 12U open frame server rack, two ventilated shelves, four shelf stops, four velcro straps and a set of equipment mounting screws
- 【Versatile Application】Ideal for space-efficient multi-device setups in warehouses, retail, classrooms, offices and more; Excellent choices as AV Rack/IT Rack
- 【Effortless Setup】 Network Rack includes hardware, a comprehensive manual, mounting hole drilling template and an online assembly video to simplify setup
For example, you can add all Active Directory domain controllers in a server group.
According to Microsoft, from Windows Server 2012, Server Manager can manage up to 100 servers. In reality, though, the number of servers you can add to a single console depends on the remote server workloads.
What Can You Do in Server Manager?
You can perform the following tasks on a remote server added to the Server Manager console:
Add Remote Servers
One of the tasks you can perform is to add other servers – up to 100 – to the console. You can perform this task whether you are using the tool in Windows Server or Windows 10.
Before you add a remote server, you must prepare the server for Remote Management. To learn how to prepare a server for remote management, see the next section.
Also popular on Amazon
- ADJUSTABLE DEPTH: 4-Post 42U open frame server rack with 4 vertical rails and adjustable mounting depth 22" to 40" (56,0cm to 101,7cm); Compatible with various servers / switches / data / AV and other IT equipment; EIA/ECA-310-E Compliant
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Mobile network rack with easy-to-follow assembly instructions and online video; Compact flat-pack shipping to avoid damage and facilitate installation; Total product height of 80.3in (204 cm) with casters, 78in (198cm) without casters
- COLD ROLLED STEEL: Durable 4 Post 19in open frame rack designed for ventilation with 42U mounting height and 1320lb (600kg) weight capacity (stationary); 3 install options included: casters, levelling feet, or base-plate to secure rack to the floor
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: Rolling computer/data rack includes cage nuts and screws to mount equipment, easy to read Units (U) and depth adjustment markings, cable management hooks for organization, and required assembly tools
- THE IT PRO'S CHOICE: Designed and built for IT Professionals, this 42U rack is backed for 2-years, including free lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance
Once a remote server has been configured to allow remote management, to add a remote server:
- On the top right of Server Manager console, click Manage.
- Then, from the displayed options, select Add Servers.
- On Add Servers screen, enter the name of the server in the Name (CN) field, then click Find Now. Alternatively, to display all servers in the domain, leave the Name (CN) field empty and click Find Now.
- From the displayed servers, highlight the server (s) you wish to add. Then, click the add button.
- Finally, to add the selected server (s) to the current console, click OK.
- To view all servers in the console click All Servers.
Add/Remove Roles or Features
Another task you can perform on Server Manager is to add or remove server roles and features. For instance, you can install the DHCP role on a remote server.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo add or remove server roles or features, follow the steps below:
- Open Server Manager and click All Servers. Then, from the details pane, right-click the server you want to manage and click Add Roles and Features.
- Then, on the Select installation type screen, select Role-based or feature-based installation (default) – and click Next.
Restart Remote Server
Another task you can perform on Server Manager is to restart a remote server. This is a very useful tool for Sys Admins.
Follow the steps below to restart a remote server:
1. Click All Servers, then right-click the remote server you wish to restart and select Restart Server.
Also popular on Amazon
- Adjustable Depth: 23-40'' adjustable depth is used for servers and network equipment, ensuring enough space for AV equipment, components, and cabling, while allowing you to access ports and equipment from multiple sides.
- Strong Load Capacity: Ground-Mounted Load Capacity: 500 lbs, Wall-Mounted Load Capacity: 150 lbs. The av rack is made of carbon steel for better weldability performance and can help save space while meeting your need to place multiple devices.
- User-friendly Design: Ergonomic design makes the open frame av rack easier to use. The additional top panel is able to place other items with more available space. Roller design moves anywhere and anytime, is convenient, and is more energy-saving.
- Complete Accessories: We provide the accessories you need, including 2 x Pallets, 145 x M5*10 Cross Head Screws, 4 x Casters, 4 x M10*50 Expansion Screws,10 x M6*12 Cage Nuts, 1 x Grounding Wire, 1 x User Manual.
- Wide Application: The server rack wall mount maximizes the use of available space, suitable for retail venues, classrooms, offices, and other places where space is limited.
- You will receive a warning notification. To confirm the server restart, at the bottom right of the pop-up, click OK
Access Computer Management
Arguably, this is the most important feature of Server Manager. However, before you can open Computer Management for a remote server, you need to physically log in to the server and enable the appropriate Windows Firewall rules.
Specifically, you need to enable the following Inbound Firewall Rues:
- COM+ Network Access (DCOM-In)
- All Rules in the Remote Event Log Management Group – see the second screenshot below
See the screenshot below.
Once you have enabled the Firewall Rules in the remote server, back on the server manager console, click All Servers. Then, right-click the remote server you want to manage remotely and select Computer Management.
Server Manager Tabs and How to Use Them
So far, we have explored some actions you can perform on a remote server. This section takes a quick look at the 3 tabs on the top right of Server Manager and what you can do with them.
Manage Tab
As you can see from the screenshot above when you click the Manage tab, you can perform the following actions:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- [12U] SERVER RACK & NETWORK RACK – UNIVERSAL 19" RACK MOUNT: Fits standard 19" rack mount gear, including servers, switches, routers, patch panels and NAS units. A space-saving small server rack for a homelab rack, home office or network closet.
- AV, STUDIO & AUDIO RACK FOR PRO GEAR: Works as a studio rack or audio rack for mixers, interfaces, preamps and power conditioners. It also makes a solid amp rack for power amps, DJ setups and live sound, and an AV rack for video and home theater components.
- HEAVY-DUTY 550 LB LOAD CAPACITY: Supports up to 550 lbs, so your server rack equipment, amps and AV gear stay stable. Built for full racks of heavy equipment in studios, server rooms and stage setups.
- ROBUST 1.5MM STEEL FRAME: The 36 lb rack case frame is made of 1.5mm thick steel for durability, less vibration and long-term reliability. [Open-frame option gives easy access to cables and good airflow, a practical alternative to an enclosed server cabinet.]
- MOBILE WITH LOCKING CASTERS + FULL SETUP KIT: Comes with 3" industrial-grade casters already installed, two of which lock, so the rack rolls into place and stays put. Includes 34 rack screws (5mm & 6mm), a 1U blank panel and an assembly tool.
- Add Roles and Features
- Remove Roles and Features
- Add remote Servers to the current console
- Create Server Group and
- Configure Server Manager Properties
Tools Tab
The Tools tab is another important tab. It displays all roles and features you can manage. For instance, if DNS server role is installed on any of the servers, it will be displayed in the Tools menu.
View Tab
This tab offers you the option to determine the size of the items displayed in the console. To make the items smaller, select 75%. However, to make them look bigger, select any of the numbers above 100%.
Finally, you can also use the Zoom In and Zoom Out features.
How to Use Server Manager in Windows 10
As a Windows Server Administrator, it is recommended to administer servers from your PC. The good news is that Server Manager is installed as an optional feature on Windows 10 Pro by default.
To check that server manager is installed on your Windows 10 PC, search manage optional features. Then, from the search result, open Manage optional features System settings.
Also popular on Amazon
- Adjustable Depth: Depth adjustable from 23" to 40", this open frame server rack accommodates servers and network equipment while providing ample space for A/V gears and cable management. Enjoy easy access to ports and devices from multiple angles.
- High Weight Capacity: Supports up to 300 lbs on the floor (200 lbs when adjusted to maximum depth) and 200 lbs when wall-mounted (depth cannot be adjusted in wall-mounted mode). Made from carbon steel for superior welding performance and durability, this open frame rack is designed to save space while accommodating multiple devices.
- User-Friendly Design: Designed with your convenience in mind, this open frame server rack features an top shelf for extra storage and improved space utilization. The rolling casters let you move it effortlessly wherever you need it, making setup and movement a breeze.
- Widely Applicable: Maximize your space with this adaptable open frame server rack, designed to make the most of every inch. Ideal for retail spots, classrooms, offices, and any area where space is at a premium, it delivers practical solutions for your storage needs.
- Everything You Need: Our open-frame rack comes with fully equipped accessory kit for easy setup and secure installation: 2 x Trays, 4 x Casters, 1 x set of Screws, 16 x M6*12 Cage Nuts, 1 x Grounding Wire, 1 x Internal & External Hex Wrenches, and 1 x User Manual.
When the Optional features screen opens, under Installed features, search server manager. If it is installed, it will be displayed as an RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tool).
Finally, to open Server Manager on Windows 10, search for it and open it from the search results.
I hope you found this guide helpful and easy to understand. Let me know how you found it by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Finally, you may find other Server guides helpful. To read more Windows Server guides, visit our Windows Server How-To page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
i love server manager