--- title: Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core Reviews meta\_title: 'Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 4.6 review\_count: 5 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-07-17' parent\_category: name: Marketplace Apps url: https://www.g2.com/categories/marketplace-apps --- # Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core Reviews & Product Details Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core is a streamlined, minimal installation option of the Windows Server 2016 operating system, designed to provide essential server functionalities without the overhead of a graphical user interface (GUI. This approach reduces the system's footprint, enhances security by minimizing the attack surface, and improves performance and resource efficiency. Server Core is particularly suited for environments where remote management is preferred, and a GUI is unnecessary. Key Features and Functionality: - Minimal Installation: Excludes the traditional desktop interface and GUI components, resulting in a smaller disk footprint and reduced resource consumption. - Role Support: Supports various server roles, including Active Directory Domain Services, DNS Server, DHCP Server, File Server, and Hyper-V, among others. - Remote Management: Designed for remote administration using command-line tools like Windows PowerShell, as well as remote management tools such as Windows Admin Center. - Enhanced Security: By eliminating unnecessary components, Server Core reduces potential vulnerabilities, thereby decreasing the attack surface. - Improved Performance: The absence of a GUI and other non-essential services leads to faster boot times and more efficient use of system resources. Primary Value and User Solutions: Windows Server 2016 Core addresses the needs of IT professionals and organizations seeking a secure, efficient, and manageable server environment. By offering a minimal installation option, it provides: - Reduced Maintenance: Fewer components mean fewer updates and patches, leading to decreased maintenance efforts and downtime. - Resource Optimization: Lower resource usage allows for better performance, especially in virtualized environments where resource allocation is critical. - Enhanced Security Posture: A smaller attack surface minimizes the risk of security breaches, making it ideal for roles that require heightened security measures. In summary, Windows Server 2016 Core offers a robust and efficient solution for organizations aiming to deploy essential server roles with minimal overhead, focusing on performance, security, and ease of management. * * * Seller [Amazon Web Services (AWS)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/amazon-web-services-aws-3e93cc28-2e9b-4961-b258-c6ce0feec7dd) Discussions [Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core Community](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2016-core/discuss) Show More ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![WordPress.org](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "WordPress.org") WordPress.org 4.4/5(9,544) ](https://www.g2.com/products/wordpress-org/reviews) [ ![TeamViewer](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "TeamViewer") TeamViewer 4.5/5(4,152) ](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) [ ![Okta](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Okta") Okta 4.5/5(1,366) ](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2016-core/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 5 real user reviews. [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) ![Tharun B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Tharun B.") TB Tharun B. Freelancer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 12/6/2024 "2016 CORE" 4/5 What do you like best about Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core? very easy to use, one of the best servers windows has, its smooth for frequency users... and better than microsoft windows standard... Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core? in todays life , 2016 core is very old , so thats the only dislike Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core solving and how is that benefiting you? MWS 2016 core is easy to use and it takes less place ,less attacks less errors on this server, less attacking the surfaces , it solves this kind of problems Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ## Questions about Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Core ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2016-core/discussions/new) GU Guest User • Last activity about 4 years ago What are the features of Windows Server? 1 Upvote 1 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-features-of-windows-server) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2016-core/discuss) ##### Pricing Pricing details for this product isn’t currently available. Visit the vendor’s website to learn more. [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-windows-server-2016-core/pricing) ## Work at Amazon Web Services (AWS)? 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