You need a reboot to add desktop icons in Windows Server 2008 R2. You can add your own icons for shortcuts on the desktop, but to get Computer and Network, you have to add the entire Desktop Experience feature. Whoever thought of adding desktop personalization to R2′s features and requiring a reboot should be punched in the throat.
Here’s how to get them back.
First, you’ll have to go into Server Manager and access the Features section. In Features, you will select to add a feature and then select the Desktop Experience feature. After a reboot right-click on the Desktop and select Personalize. From here, you can add the desktop icons you desire as usual.
