Windows Server without a GUI, or Server Core, was introduced in Windows Server 2008. The main goal for this feature is to have a server with a minimal attack surface, better performance, minimal updates, and reboots. But, you still may think: "If Server Core is a better option than Server with a GUI, why do so few use it?"
There are two main reasons:
On Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, Server Core is an installation option. Even on Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, during installation, the wizard will prompt you to choose between the GUI or without the GUI:
The problem with installing Server Core in the previous versions of Windows Server is that you cannot just enable the Graphical Interface. If you installed an option and wanted to change it later, you would have to reinstall the server.
The other reason is that not all administrators...