How to Download Microsoft Project Honolulu for Windows Server 2019

Quick Insight

You download Project Honolulu by first joining the Windows Insider Program with a free Microsoft account. After you sign in, you scroll the Insider page and click the Technical Preview 1803 build. The browser then saves the HonoluluTechnicalPreview1803.msi file to your PC. This MSI package works on Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 for web-based admin tasks. So you get a lightweight install file that opens the browser console once you run the wizard.

Microsoft released the Server 2019 Preview version. Also, it released Project Honolulu Technical Preview in the Windows Insider Program.

Downloading Microsoft Project Honolulu

What is Microsoft Project Honolulu?

Microsoft’s Project Honolulu is a web-based Windows Server Management program. It lets you centrally manage all administrative tools on a server. With MS Honolulu, you can manage all your networked servers from a single browser location.

After you install Honolulu, you see the main screen. It shows hardware components and resource usage. When you connect to Honolulu, you see that it does not support Internet Explorer.

That’s why the Honolulu application supports Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers.

Microsoft’s Honolulu project supports HTML5. Therefore, you can manage your servers from a single browser over the Internet.

For more information about Project Honolulu, you can visit this resource from Microsoft.

How to Download Project Honolulu for Server 2019

To download Microsoft Honolulu, you must first register for the Windows Insider Program. You can sign up for the Insider program with your personal Microsoft account.

You can access and register for the Windows Insider Program from the Microsoft website.

Register for the Insider program first. Then, follow the steps below to download Microsoft Honolulu.

Step 1

In the Windows Insider Program interface, scroll down the scroll bar.

Windows Server Insider Preview

Step 2

To download Honolulu software, click on the Technical Preview 1803 version.

Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1803

Step 3

The Honolulu app for Server 2019 will begin downloading as follows. Finally, make sure that the name and extension of the program are HonoluluTechnicalPreview1803.msi.

HonoluluTechnicalPreview1803.msi

How to Install MS Honolulu in Windows Server 2019 ⇒ Video

You can watch the video below. It shows you how to set up and manage Honolulu step by step on Windows Server. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel to support us.

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Revolution in Server Management: 6 Critical Questions About Honolulu

What exactly does Project Honolulu do?

It’s a great tool for managing all your servers from a single browser. You no longer need to RDP into each server separately.
Monitor hardware components, view resource usage, and even track performance data in real-time. All on one screen.
Imagine you have 50 servers. You manage all of them from one place with Honolulu. Saving time is that simple.

Which browsers should I use for Project Honolulu?

Forget Internet Explorer right away. This application doesn’t support it. Microsoft makes this clear.
You should use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Both work smoothly thanks to HTML5 support. You can even connect from mobile devices.
Honestly, this is a modern web application. So if you have an up-to-date browser, you’re good. Don’t bother with older ones.

Do I need to join the Windows Insider Program to download it?

Yes, unfortunately, it’s required. Microsoft makes this tool available to Insiders first. Since it’s a preview version, early access is necessary.
You can sign up for free with your personal Microsoft account. It won’t take more than five minutes. After registration, you’ll immediately reach the download page.
Luckily, this only applies to the preview version. The full release will be available to everyone. For now, you need to take this small step.

What is the name of the Honolulu installation file, and what should I pay attention to?

The file name should be ‘HonoluluTechnicalPreview1803.msi’. Make sure the extension is .msi.
Before installation, ensure you’re running Windows Server 2019 Preview. This tool may not work on older servers.
After downloading, run the file as administrator. Don’t try to install with a standard user account. Otherwise, you’ll get permission errors.

Is Project Honolulu secure?

I always tell my clients: security is in your hands. Honolulu runs over HTTPS, which means encryption is in place.
However, if you expose your server to the internet, you risk unauthorized access. So always use strong passwords.
As an extra precaution, connect through a VPN. This way, you only use Honolulu on your internal network. Don’t open it directly to the internet. This simple rule will protect you.

Can Honolulu replace the classic Windows Server Management tools?

Not completely yet, but it’s getting there fast. Especially for simple management tasks, it’s perfect.
For complex Active Directory settings or DNS configurations, you still need traditional tools. However, Microsoft adds new features every day.
In my opinion, most sysadmins will switch to Honolulu in the near future. Managing from a browser is very practical. I’d say start getting used to it now.

Conclusion

In this article, we reviewed how to download Project Honolulu. Microsoft offers this free program for Server 2019 Technical Preview. In the next article, we will discuss how to install Honolulu on the server.

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