Server Manager Not Working in Windows 2019? Fix It in 6 Ways

On this page, you will learn 6 useful solutions to Server Manager not working on Windows 2019 and an easy-to-use tool for creating Server backup for protection.

Jonna

By Jonna Updated on December 5, 2023

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Server Manager on Windows Server 2019

Server Manager on Windows Server 2019 is a vital management tool. It provides a unified and centralized interface for configuring and managing server roles and features, like Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, File and Storage Services, Remote Desktop Services, etc. And administrators can use Server Manager to streamline tasks such as adding or removing roles, configuring server settings, and even managing other servers remotely.

Server Manager on Windows Server 2019

However, there might be times when Server Manager is not working on Windows 2019. This can be frustrating and hinder important tasks. Some common causes of this issue include corrupted or missing files, incompatible hardware, outdated drivers, incorrect permissions, and so on. In the following, we will explore some troubleshooting tips to fix this issue.

Tip: For how to install Server Manager in Windows Server 2019, it's noteworthy that Server Manager is available when you first install Windows Server 2019 and log in. This screen gives you a central hub to do all the configuration tasks you need on your server. So you don't need to reinstall this tool manually. To access Server Manager in Server 2019, you can simply search for "Server Manager" in the Windows start menu and open it.

How to Fix Server Manager not Working on Windows 2019 in 6 Ways

There are some common Server Manager not working errors, such as :

ServerManager.exe - This application could not be started.

This application can’t started because xxx.dll is missing from your computer.

Server Manager cannot run because of an error in a user settings file.

...

If you are also experiencing Server Manager has stopped working on Server 2019, check these solutions below to fix it now!

👉 Method 1. Reboot Your Windows Server
👉 Method 2. Check if Server Manager Service is Running
👉 Method 3. Run SFC and DISM Command
👉 Method 4. Delete user.config File
👉 Method 5. Rollback Graphics Driver
👉 Method 6. Roll-Back/Check Windows Update
👉 Safety Tip: Regularly Backup Windows Server 2019 for Disaster Recovery⚠️

Method 1. Reboot Your Windows Server

Restarting the computer is indeed a simple yet effective troubleshooting step for various issues, especially for certain apps not working. It helps in refreshing the system and resolving temporary glitches. Try to see if it can resolve Server Manager not Working on Server 2019. If the issue persists, move on to the next method.

Method 2. Check if Server Manager Service is Running

Sometimes, the reason for Server Manager not working on Windows 2019 is that the service is not running correctly. You can start it by following the steps below:

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type services.msc, and click OK to open Services.

Step 2. Locate the Server Manager service, right-click it, and select Start.

Step 3. You can also select the Properties option to set Server Manager startup type as Automatic.

Startup Type

Method 3. Run SFC and DISM Command

If you meet Server Manager not opening after removing net framework, there may be corrupted system files on your computer. You can use SFC and DISM commands to check and repair corrupted or missing system files.

Step 1. Click the Start button, input cmd in the Windows Search box, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. Enter sfc /scannow in the command prompt and hit Enter. This process may take some time, please wait for it to complete and check if any errors are identified.

SFC

Step 3. Then, type the following command: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth, and click Enter. Wait and rectify any errors during the repair process.

Dism Online Cleanup Image Restorehealth

Method 4. Delete user.config File

Deleting the user.config file will also help address any issues of the file being corrupted that causes Server Manager is not opening in Windows Server 2019. Here is what to do:

Step 1. Press the Windows key + E to Open File Explorer.

Step 2. Navigate to the file path below in your C drive or the drive housing the server installation identified as the root folder:

  • C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft_Corporation\ServerManager.exe_StrongName_m3xk0k0ucj0oj3ai2hibnhnv4xobnimj10.0.0.0user.config

User Config File

Step 3. Delete the user.config file.

Step 4. Restart Server Manager and it will recreate the file. Then, check if your problem is solved.

Method 5. Rollback Graphics Driver

If you have recently updated your graphics driver, the Server Manager not showing in Windows 2019 problem occurs. You can also try to roll back your drivers in Device Manager to revert your driver to the previously installed version to have a try.

Step 1. Right-click the Start button and opt for Device Manager.

Step 2. Go to the Display adapters section, right-click the graphics driver, and select Properties.

Step 3. In the next window, click the Driver tab and hit Roll back driver to click OK.

Roll Back Driver

Method 6. Roll-Back/Check Windows Update

Sometimes, Server 2019 Server Manager won't open may be interrupted by the just updated Windows or an outdated Windows update.

Case 1: Roll back Windows update

Step 1. Type update history in the search bar and click View Update history.

View Update History

Step 2. Navigate to Uninstall updates and see if the date of a recent update corresponds with when you remember the Settings app stopped working.

Step 3. Confirm if it does, locate the one you believe to be causing problems. Right-click it and click Uninstall.

Uninstall

Case 2: Update Windows

Simply click Start > type Update > Check for updates to check if there are any updates to install.

Check for Updates

Safety Tip: Regularly Backup Windows Server 2019 for Disaster Recovery⚠️

It is not quite difficult to fix Server Manager not working on Windows 2019 with the foregoing solutions. However, since safeguarding data security is important, backing up system is needed before executing some system-related operations. Also, it is highly recommended to backup system regularly for accidents. AOMEI Backupper Server is a full-featured backup and restore software that is designed for Server users.

You can use it to easily create restore point in Windows Server 2019, as well as backup files and folders, disks, and partitions as you like.

👉It offers multiple scheduled backup methods, such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers, and USB plug in.
👉It supports you to create backup to various locations, including local disk, external hard drive, NAS, network drive, cloud storage, and so on. For example, you can backup Windows Server 2019 to NAS easily.

Now download AOMEI Backupper and launch it. Here is a full guide to back up your server system with ease.

Download Free Trial Windows Server & PC
Secure Download

Step 1. Select System Backup under the Backup section.

System Backup

Step 2. All your system-related partition(s) will be selected automatically. You only need to click the destination bar and specify a backup location path.

Select Backup Destination

Step 3. Tap on the Schedule Backup button, enable it, and choose an auto backup mode as needed.

Schedule Settings General

Step 4. Finally, confirm your settings and click Start Backup.

Tips:

By default, it will perform Windows Server 2019 incremental backup in the auto backup mode. You can also switch to full backup or differential backup in Backup Scheme.

Additionally, it provides you with an Automatic Backup Cleanup function that is helpful when you need to remove old backup images automatically to free up space on your backup disk.

Conclusion

If you are looking for methods to solve Server Manager not working on Windows 2019, these methods on this page can help you get out of it. For further system security, AOMEI Backupper Server is a good helper that comes with various backup and restore features.

Besides, it offers many other powerful functions like Clone, for cloning C drive to SSD, and Sync, to transfer data from one Server to another. Get this tool and start your journey to easy PC protection now.

Jonna
Jonna · Editor
Jonna joined AOMEI in 2021 and has become a professional in the areas of computer backup and restoration, disk cloning, file synchronization, etc. She maintains a keen eye for the latest technology trends, ensuring that the information provided is always in step with industry developments.