With the release of Windows Server 2012 Standard Edition, the disk cleanup utility is no longer an option installed by default. Oddly enough all other disk utility functions are still listed in the core install. Disk defrag is available as is check disk. The strange part about it is that the disk cleanup utility is capable of leaning out large data files and provides additional resources. It is the most efficient tool for disk management, superior to disk defrag and check disk.
For some unknown reason, Microsoft has decided to have the option removed as part of the core installation of server 2012, as well as some other features. Yes, Microsoft claims their new servers have high performance levels and that it is a stream-line install, but it has to be when all additional options are removed! That being said, below is a summary of how to enable the disk cleanup utility in Windows Server 2012
1. Open the Rules & Feature Wizard within Windows Server 2012
2. Choose the Add role and Feature option from the wizard.
3. Select the type of installation that you have set up on Windows Server 2012
4. Continue to click Next until you have reached features.
5. Continue with the system installation. When you are done with the installation, make sure to restart your server.
6. Confirm that the Disk Cleanup Utility is set up on Windows Server 2012
However if you like a complete tutorial which includes screen captures of every step, please visit the Microsoft Technet Wiki website to learn more about setting up Disk Cleanup Utility in Windows Server 2012.
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