Enable Telnet Client on Windows

I recently was presented a discussion regarding the lack of Telnet client on Windows Server 2008/R2 and 2012/R2 and a peer fighting to get a 3rd party application installed on a Server.  I very quickly responded that the Telnet client is still included with Windows as a feature and only needs to be enabled.

Installing the Telnet Client

The Telnet Client is not enabled(installed) by default on Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1, or Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2012 / 2012 R2. The procedures to install Telnet Client vary based on the operating system you are using.

Install Telnet Client by using a command line

1. Open a command prompt window. Click Start, type cmd in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. Type the following command:

   pkgmgr /iu:“TelnetClient”

3. If the User Account Control dialog box appears, confirm that the action it displays is what you want, and then click Continue.
4. When the command prompt appears again, the installation is complete.

To install Telnet Client on Windows Server

1. Start Server Manager. Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Manage.
2. If the User Account Control dialog box appears, confirm that the action it displays is what you want, and then click Continue.
3. In the Features Summary section, click Add features.
4. In the Add Features Wizard, select Telnet Client, and then click Next.
5. On the Confirm Installation Options page, click Install.
6. When installation finishes, on the Installation Results page, click Close.

Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2

Windows Server 2008 / 2008 R2