Windows Server 2012 R2 build 9431

6.3.9431.winmain_bluemp.130615-1214
Build of Windows Server 2012 R2
Screenshot
Release nameMilestone Preview
OS familyWindows NT
Version number6.3
Build number9431
Architecturex86, x64, ARMv7
Build labwinmain_bluemp
Compiled on2013-06-15
Expiration date
Timebomb2014-01-15 (+214 days)
About dialog
Server9431Winver.PNG
Datacenter: TCB.png TCBGallery.png
Essentials: TCB.png TCBGallery.png
Hyper-V: TCB.png

Windows Server 2012 R2 build 9431 is the official Preview build of Windows Server 2012 R2, also known as the Milestone Preview. This build was released on 25 June 2013[1] through MSDN and was later made publicly available through the Microsoft TechNet Evaluation Center. It was also additionally released in the form of a set of Repair Content Packages, which are used by DISM /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair an existing Windows installation, making it one of the few remaining server builds to be released with a 32-bit counterpart after support for the x86 architecture was dropped with the release of Windows Server 2008 R2.

Editions and keys[edit | edit source]

Edition / SKU Name Key
Standard (Core) QGNVK-7K3YK-QV24P-4XRMD-3M9X7
Datacenter (Core) JGXYY-7NMTC-MHKY3-QCC9B-VQRG7
Essentials N4F2V-VRDD2-7VQ6J-JJYHK-WTT88
Hyper-V Server No key required
AVMA XVNRV-9HTX4-TH2JD-HVJQD-QRQWG

New features and changes[edit | edit source]

Start[edit | edit source]

Start button[edit | edit source]

  • This is the first build to re-implement the visible Start button, which had been absent since Windows Server 2012 build 8220.
  • An option has been added to replace Command Prompt with PowerShell in the ⊞Win+X menu.
  • Shutdown options have been added to the ⊞Win+X menu.

Start screen[edit | edit source]

  • Pinned apps and groups can be moved without needing to go into "Customize" mode.
  • Resize options for pinned apps have been condensed into a context menu.

Apps list[edit | edit source]

  • The apps list can now be sorted into categories.
  • An option to list desktop apps first has been added.
  • Tiles for desktop applications now use the icon's dominant color.
  • The appearance of the search box has been updated.

Search[edit | edit source]

  • The Search charm is now functional again.
  • ⊞Win+S can now be used to open the search charm.
  • Filtering options have been re-added, and can be enabled from a drop-down.

Internet Explorer[edit | edit source]

  • Internet Explorer 11 now recognizes itself as a preview build.
  • The option to disable tabs has been removed.

Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]

  • The boot logo has been temporarily changed to a minimalist betta fish.
  • This build adds several navigation-related options, such as being able to disable active corners.
  • In Control Panel, "Taskbar Properties" has been renamed to "Taskbar and Navigation Properties".
  • The "Show Desktop" button has been made smaller.
  • File Explorer now opens to This PC instead of Libraries.
  • The network icon on the login screen has been removed.

Bugs and quirks[edit | edit source]

In Server Core SKUs upon logging in, Windows tries to launch LicensingUI.exe, but as the app is non-existent, it will throw out an error instead.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Setup[edit | edit source]

Interface[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]