Windows Server 8 looks set to include a Metro style server management console, according to a leaked screenshot.

Microsoft is currently preparing to unveil Windows 8 client and Windows Server 8 at next week’s build conference. A leaked screenshot, distributed on Thursday, demonstrates a new Metro style user interface for Microsoft’s famous server management console. The screenshot, heavily watermarked, was posted at the MDL forums on Thursday. Microsoft is believed to be investing heavily in the Metro style throughout its latest products.

Little is known about Windows Server 8 but Microsoft is expected to unveil full details on day two of its BUILD conference next week. The software giant recently revealed that client versions of Windows 8 will include the server Hyper-V component, allowing them to natively create and use Virtual Machines. Windows Server 8 is expected to include over 100 new features, including a new version of Hyper-V. Microsoft demonstrated Hyper-V replicate in July which will support more than 16 virtual processors per machine. Hyper-V replicate will also provide asynchronous virtual machine replication. Microsoft’s focus on virtualization follows a strong emphasis industry wide on virtual servers over the past couple of years. Virtual servers are expected to overtake the physical server install base with 27.6 million virtual servers compared to 28.2 million physical ones.