Windows includes a number of features that are available to install but disabled by default. The process for enabling them on Windows Server is a bit different from enabling them on Windows 10/11, but the features are largely the same.
In this tutorial, we are going to install .Net 3.5, which DOES NOT require any additional licensing. You can follow the steps outlined below for other roles/features as needed by selecting them in Step 4.
- Start by opening the “Server Manager”.
- Select the “Manage” -> “Add roles and Features” button from the menu buttons on the top right.
- This will open a “Wizard” which has a number of options other than “Select Features”.
- You can click “Next” with all of the default options selected until you get to “Select Features”.
- Select the features you want to enable/disable from the “Features” list.
- Use the “Next” and “Confirm” buttons.
- You’ll get a list of the features you’ve selected to be changed and be provided an option to “Restart if Needed”.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Open the Server Manager, select Manage then Add roles and Features, click Next through the default options until you reach Select Features, choose your features from the list, then use Next and Confirm.
Some roles and features require additional licensing. If you install one that isn't covered by your current Windows edition, you'll need to purchase that license separately or remove the role or feature. The .Net 3.5 example in this guide does not require any additional licensing.
The confirmation step of the wizard offers a Restart the destination server automatically if required option, so a restart can happen if the feature you selected needs one.