title: Adding fonts in server core 2019ltsc container image
body: <p>We have an app (GrapeCity ActiveReports) that generates pdf reports running inside a container built on the following image: <code>microsoft/dotnet-framework:4.7.2-sdk</code></p>
  
  <p>This image is based on the 2019ltsc release, which is where the issue comes in. The pdf generating app is (attempting) to use the Arial font for these reports, but it is not being found in the Windows font directory.</p>
  
  <p>Per this Microsoft blog (under the Container Improvements section), the 2019ltsc release stripped out all fonts <em>except</em> Arial, and it apparently prevents installing additional fonts. 
  <a href="https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/05/29/announcing-windows-server-2019-insider-preview-build-17677/" rel="noreferrer">https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/05/29/announcing-windows-server-2019-insider-preview-build-17677/</a></p>
  
  <p>Launching the un-modified SDK image interactively and browsing to <code>C:\Windows\Fonts</code> only shows the <code>lucon.ttf</code> font present and nothing else. We have also attempted the install fonts method outlined in this doc from Microsoft with no change. The font itself installs fine but the generating program fails to use it. <a href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/app-service-web-tutorial-windows-containers-custom-fonts" rel="noreferrer">https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/app-service/app-service-web-tutorial-windows-containers-custom-fonts</a></p>
  
  <p>When run it returns the following exception:</p>
  
  <pre><code>System.InvalidOperationException: Cannot read the file for font: Arial
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>UPDATE: Recieved a reply from MS support, looks like there is probably no resolution at this time.</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>After a few days research, I haven’t got much progress about why the only font in mcr.microsoft.com.windows/servercore:ltsc2019 based image is lucon.ttf, and seems there’s no published method to add additional fonts to windows server core 2019 image. Based on the situation, I have sent emails to windows server 2019 product team to consult this issue. However, please understand, due to permission limit, I couldn’t guarantee I can get feedback from Product Team. I will keep researching and monitor on the product team, if I get any progress, I will get back to you as soon as possible.</p>
  </blockquote>