Windows Server 2012 R2: Screenshots

Windows Server 2012 R2 looks very like its predecessor. It's only when you start to delve into the details that you find just how many changes there are.

When you're installing new roles and features, there's now an option to set up Windows Server as a VDI host — getting everything you need to deliver virtual desktops to your users.

You'll find new server roles among the many familiar options. Want to install Work Folders to give your BYOD users access to their files? Click to expand the File and Storage Services options.

As with Server 2012, you're not limited to just installing one role at a time. You can put together a batch of roles and features to quickly configure your server.

Work Folders is a new feature that lets you sync all the files in a folder to users' PCs. You can use it to simplify delivering key documents, or to make sure that users' files are with them wherever they might be.

Adding the Server Essentials Experience to Windows Server 2012 R2 means you can simplify small-business and BYOD networks, with automated backup and simplified device management.

Like Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 has options for booting straight to the desktop, and for controlling the user experience — including turning off the hot corners that launch the charms bar when you're using a mouse.

The real heart of Windows Server 2012 R2 is PowerShell, and PowerShell 4.0's new Desired State Configuration tools make it easier to deploy and manage servers — and to keep them running just the way you want.