The steps to setup and configure an SMTP Server or mail relay on Windows Server 2012 are very similar to those for Windows Server 2008 except for a few differences. Confusion has arisen due to GUI changes in Server 2012, which has led me to create this post to help anyone that requires explicit step-by-step instructions.
Installing the SMTP feature
- Click on the Server Manager icon in the bottom left-hand corner to load the Server Manager Dashboard:
Alternatively, click on the Powershell icon to its right and enter servermanager.exe at the prompt to load the Server Manager Dashboard:
PS C:\Users\Admin> servermanager.exe2. When the Server Manager Dashboard loads, click on Add roles and features in the center pane as highlighted below:
The Add Roles and Features Wizard will load, click Next to go past the initial Before You Begin Page:
3. In the Installation Type section, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next:
