Windows Server 2012 also offers an interface that is between Server with a GUI
and Server Core: the Minimal Server Interface. With an initial Server with a GUI install, you can convert to the Minimal
Server Interface through Server Manager. Minimal Server Interface removes
components of the Server Graphical Shell, including Internet Explorer 10,
Windows Explorer, the desktop, and the Start screen. The Microsoft
Management Console (MMC), Server Manager, and a subset of Control Panel
are retained.
To convert Server with a GUI to a Minimal Server Interface, from
Server Manager launch the Remove Roles and Features Wizard. Select from the features
list Graphical Management Tools and Infrastructure (see Figure 1).
Click Next. Check the box next to “Restart the destination server
automatically if required.” Click Remove. When prompted, allow automatic
restarts. (See Figure 2.)
The result is an interface that is a Server Core UI with graphical
components, such as Server Manager .