Use sconfig to manage Windows Server quickly

sconfig is a simple numbered menu built into Windows Server. It covers the settings you change most: computer name, updates, Remote Desktop, network, date and time, and restart. It needs no mouse, which makes it ideal inside the browser console, where clicking through windows can be slow.

Before you start

• A Windows VPS running Windows Server 2019, 2022 or 2025. sconfig works on both Server Core and the Desktop Experience.
• An administrator account.
• A way in: Remote Desktop to 203.0.113.10:3389, or the browser console from your VPS provider's control panel.

Start sconfig

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator and type:

sconfig

On Server Core, sconfig usually starts automatically after login.

The menu shows a numbered list and a prompt such as Enter number to select an option. Type the number and press Enter. Most options then ask follow-up questions. Press Enter without typing anything to go back to the main menu.

The exact numbers vary slightly between Windows Server versions, so always read the menu on your screen. The sections below use the option names, which stay the same.

Computer name

Choose Computer name, type the new name and confirm. Windows asks to restart, because a new name only applies after a reboot.

Use a short name with letters, numbers and hyphens, 15 characters or fewer. Read Rename your Windows server computer name before renaming a server that runs SQL Server or uses certificates.

Add local administrator

Add local administrator adds an existing user to the local Administrators group. It is a quick way to set up a backup admin account. Create the user first with net user or PowerShell, then use this option to grant admin rights.

Update settings and install updates

• Update setting: choose Automatic, Download only or Manual. On a server that runs a trading platform or other always-on app, Download only or Manual lets you choose when updates install and restart.
• Install updates: scans for updates, lists them and lets you install all, only recommended ones, or a single update.

The scan can take several minutes. Let it finish before choosing what to install. For more control, see Windows Update and server maintenance.

Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop shows whether it is enabled and lets you enable or disable it. When enabling, sconfig asks whether to allow only clients that use Network Level Authentication (more secure) or any client.

This option does not change the port. servers listen on 3389, and that stays the same when you toggle Remote Desktop here.

Network settings

Network settings lists your network adapters. Pick one by its index number to:

• set the IP address to DHCP or static,
• set the DNS servers,
• clear DNS server settings.

Date and time

Date and time opens the familiar Date and Time window, even on Server Core. Use it to set the time zone. The clock itself syncs from the internet automatically.

Other options

• Remote management: turns WinRM remote management on or off and controls ping replies.
• Telemetry setting: chooses how much diagnostic data Windows sends to Microsoft.
• Windows activation: shows activation status and lets you enter a product key.
• Log off user, Restart server and Shut down server: do what they say.
• Exit to command line: leaves the menu. On recent versions this drops you into PowerShell.

Why it helps in the browser console

The browser console shows the server's screen even when Remote Desktop is broken. It is slower than RDP and copy-paste may not work. sconfig fits that well:

• No mouse needed, so a slow connection is fine.
• Short numeric input avoids keyboard layout problems with special characters.
• You can enable Remote Desktop, check network settings and restart in under a minute.

Check it works

After a change, return to the main menu. The current values appear next to many options, for example the computer name or Remote Desktop status. For Remote Desktop, connect from your computer to 203.0.113.10:3389 to confirm.

Troubleshooting

• "sconfig is not recognized": you are on Windows 10 or 11, not Windows Server. Use Settings and PowerShell instead.
• "Access is denied": the window is not running as Administrator. Close it and reopen it with Run as administrator.
• The update scan hangs: leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. If it is still stuck, restart and try again, then see Fix Windows Update stuck.
• Menu closed and you are at a prompt: type sconfig again to return.

Next steps

• Learn the graphical alternative: Server Manager tour for Windows Server beginners.
• Know when to reach for the console: When to use the browser console.