Disable Metro in RDP Session: Windows Server 2012 R2

I have never used Windows Server 2012, but I am considering upgrading. Before I do, I must know if I can completely disable metro if I remotely log-into a Windows Server 2012 machine. Is it possible? If I RDP into a machine, I'd like the traditional start menu and desktop to be the first thing I see.

Solution 1:

Sure, you can disable "Metro" by using the Uninstall-WindowsFeature Powershell cmdlet and turning off the GUI.

But no you cannot leave the GUI turned on and have your old "traditional" Start Menu. You will log in directly to Desktop on Server 2012 and 2012R2, but the Start Button does not work like it used to and it never will unless you install some sort of 3rd party mod.

The Windows key still flips back and forth from Desktop to the "Start Screen" like it does in Win 8/8.1.

In 2012 R2, they brought a "Start Button" back to the task bar, but left-clicking it takes you to the Start Screen, and right-clicking it brings up a simplified menu that contains things like Control Panel, Event Viewer, almost everything you need except installed apps.

I prefer the button in 2012 R2 because right clicking it is more convenient than in 2012 where you had to mouse over the corner, wait for the preview tile to come up and right click that.