Azure Infrastructure: Installing Server Manager on a Windows Virtual machine

Most windows virtual machines when deployed come with server manager already installed, however, when deploying the new Windows 11 Pro O.S virtual machines I noticed there were extra steps that were needed to install the server manager utility.

Step 1: Locate RSAT

In the windows 11 pro, RSAT is needed to install server manager.
To install RSAT, go to the search bar > Optional features.

Searching for the module — Optional features (enlarged image)

Step 2: Install Server Manager

In optional features > click View Features > search for Manager, select the RSAT: Server Manager > click on next and select download/install.

Searching for the module — RSAT search (enlarged image)

Step 3: Validate installation

After installation is complete, you can validate the installation by searching Server manager on the windows search bar and it should appear like the screenshot below:

Searching for the module — Session manager validation (enlarged image)

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Updated on August 12, 2025