The Active Directory Domain Services role enables the server to be configured as a domain controller to centrally manage, authenticate, and authorize users, groups, and computers on the network.[1]
The Application Server role supports hosting and managing high-performance distributed business applications through the .NET Framework, web services, and application communications services.[2]
The DHCP Server role allows the server to provide IP addresses and other settings to network clients.[3]
The DNS Server role allows the server to provide host name to IP address resolution for Internet names, as well as hosting name resolution for local domains.[4]
The File Services role supports file sharing, DFS, NFS, and SMB.[5]
The Hyper-V role supports hosting and managing virtual machines, including both Windows and non-Windows guests.[6]
The Network Policy and Access Services role supports RADIUS authentication, routing, and remote access through VPNs.[7]
The Print Services role supports printer sharing.[8]
The Terminal Services role supports access to remote desktop services, remote applications, and may function as a gateway to remote clients.[9]
The Web Server role allows the server to host HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP sites.[10]
The Windows Deployment Services role supports network-based installation of Windows and other operating systems through PXE boot.[11]
The Group Policy Management feature allows administration of Group Policy objects through the Group Policy Management Console.[12]
The .NET Framework 3.5.1 feature installs support for .NET 2.0 and .NET 3.0 applications through the .NET Framework.[13]
The Remote Assistance feature supports requesting and offering GUI-based remote assistance.[14]
The Remote Server Administration Tools feature supports remote administration of Windows servers from another server.[15]
The Telnet Client feature installs a Telnet client, useful for both connecting to Telnet servers (including routers and switches), and testing text-based network services such as HTTP and SMTP.[16]
The Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment feature installs a GUI for developing, testing, and running PowerShell scripts.[17]
The Windows Server Backup feature installs a Microsoft Management Console snap-in, comnand-line tools, and PowerShell cmdlets to support backup and recovery of Windows servers.[18]
