Features
* Centralized Backup - Allows backup up to 10 PCs,[6] using Single Instance Store technology to avoid multiple copies of the same file, even if that file exists on multiple PCs.[7]
* Health Monitoring - Can centrally track the health of all PCs on the network, including antivirus and firewall status.[7]
* File Sharing - Offers network shares for computers to store the files remotely, acting as a network-attached storage device. Separate categories are provided for common file types like Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos.[7] The files are indexed for fast searching.[8]
* Printer Sharing - Allows a centralized print server to handle print jobs for all users.[7]
* Shadow Copy - Takes advantage of Volume Shadow Copy Services to take point in time snapshots that allow older versions of files to be recovered.[9]
* Headless Operation - No monitor or keyboard is required to manage the device.[7] Remote administration is performed by using the Windows Home Server Console client software provided in the bundle. Also supports Remote Desktop[10] connections to the server while connected to the same LAN.[11]
* Remote Access Gateway - Allows remote access to any connected PC on the network over the Internet.[11]
* Media Streaming - Can stream media to a Xbox 360 or other devices supporting Windows Media Connect.[7]
* Data redundancy - Guards against a single drive failure by duplicating data across multiple drives.[7]
* Expandable Storage - Provides a unified single and easily expandable storage space, removing the need for drive letters.[7]
* Extensibility through Add-Ins - Add-Ins allow third-party developers to extend the features and functionality of the server. Add-Ins can be developed using the Windows Home Server SDK, to provide additional services to the client computers or work with the data already on the server. Add-Ins can also be ASP.NET applications, hosted in IIS 6 running on WHS.[8]
* Server Backup - Backs up files which are stored within shared folders on the server to an external hard drive.