WINDOWS SERVER 2008 DESKTOP EXPERIENCE FEATURE.docx

7/30/2019 WINDOWS SERVER 2008 DESKTOP EXPERIENCE FEATURE.docx

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WINDOWS SERVER 2008 DESKTOP EXPERIENCE FEATURE

When you install the Desktop Experience feature, it includes most of applications and features that are

provided in the Windows Vista, such as :

Windows Calendar

Windows Defender

Windows Messenger

Windows Mail

Windows Media Player

Windows Photo Gallery

Sound Recorder

Disk Cleanup

Sync Center

Character Map

Scanners and Cameras

Video for Windows

Windows VISTA Aero Theme

Three dimensional screensavers

As you can see in the below images, the Windows Vista's utilities will be listed when you click on

the Start > All Programs in Windows Server 2008 once Desktop Experience feature is installed.


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Before

To install Windows Server 2008 Desktop Experience feature, follow these steps :

1. ClickStart > Server Manager


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2. From the left panel in Server Manager, click on Features


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3. In the Features Summary section, clickAdd features

4. From the available list of features, select the Desktop Experience check box, and then clickNext.


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5. On the Confirmation page, click on Install


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6. Installation of the selected feature will be initialized and started


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7. Once installation is completed, you need to restart the computer and then the feature gets enabled.

8. After you click on Close, you will be asked if you want o restart the machine now or later > click Yes to

restart now


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9. After you log on to Windows Server 2008, click on Start > All Programs, and you will be able to start

using Windows Defender, Windows Calendar, Windows Media Player, etc ..


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10. But where is the Windows Aero theme ? Well, its not enabled by default. First you will have to

enable the Theme service

11. Click on Start > AdministrativeTools > Services


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12.Right click on the Theme service > Properties

13.In the Startup type list, clickAutomatic > Apply, clickStart > OK.

14.Right click on the desktop and clickPersonalize


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15.Click on Windows Color and Appearance

16.In the Color scheme list, clickWindows Aero > OK


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With the Windows Aero enabled, you will have the Windows Vista visual appearance on your Windows

Server 2008.


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Before After

Summary

When you install the Desktop Experience feature on Windows Server 2008, it includes a variety of

applications and features that are provided in the Windows Vista operating system, such as Windows

Calendar, Windows Defender, Windows Mail, Media Player and much more, plus experiencing the

Windows Vista visual appearance. I usually do install this feature as I use Windows Server 2008 on my

laptop as a workstation, and I like the fancy look of Windows Vista, specially when I'm having

presentations.

Documents

WINDOWS SERVER 2008 DESKTOP EXPERIENCE FEATURE.docx