NIC teaming, or NIC bonding, is a method used to aggregate multiple network interface cards (NICs) into a single logical interface. This technique provides improved network performance, load balancing, and redundancy. Configuring NIC teaming through the graphical interface in Windows Servers offers an intuitive way to set up and manage the network team. In this article, we will explore the steps to configure NIC teaming in different Windows Server versions using the graphical interface.

Prerequisites: Before proceeding with NIC teaming configuration, ensure that you have the following:

  • Multiple physical NICs installed and connected to the network.
  • Administrative access to the Windows Server.

NIC Teaming Configuration Steps: Follow these steps to configure NIC teaming in Windows Servers using the graphical interface:

  1. Windows Server 2019 and 2022:
    • Launch the Server Manager by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Server Manager.”
    • In the Server Manager window, click on “Local Server” in the left-hand pane.
    • Under the “Properties” section, locate the “NIC Teaming” section and click on the link to open the NIC Teaming settings.
    • In the NIC Teaming window, click on “Tasks” and select “New Team.”
    • In the “New Team” wizard, provide a name for the team and select the NICs you want to include in the team.
    • Choose the teaming mode and load balancing mode based on your requirements.
    • Configure additional settings like standby adapter and teaming notifications, if necessary.
    • Click “OK” to create the NIC team.
  2. Windows Server 2016:
    • Open Server Manager by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Server Manager.”
    • In the Server Manager window, click on “Local Server” in the left-hand pane.
    • Under the “Properties” section, locate the “NIC Teaming” section and click on the link to open the NIC Teaming settings.
    • In the NIC Teaming window, click on “Tasks” and select “New Team.”
    • Follow the steps in the “New Team” wizard to provide a name for the team, select the NICs, choose teaming and load balancing modes, and configure additional settings.
    • Click “OK” to create the NIC team.
  3. Windows Server 2012 R2:
    • Launch Server Manager by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Server Manager.”
    • In the Server Manager window, click on “Local Server” in the left-hand pane.
    • Under the “Properties” section, locate the “NIC Teaming” section and click on the link to open the NIC Teaming settings.
    • In the NIC Teaming window, click on “Tasks” and select “New Team.”
    • Provide a name for the team, select the NICs, choose the teaming mode and load balancing mode, and configure additional settings.
    • Click “OK” to create the NIC team.