Windows Server Licenses: 2025, 2022 & 2019
Shop Microsoft Windows Server licenses, compare Standard and Datacenter editions, and find client access licenses for your deployment. Start with your server version, physical core count and virtualization needs, then check Windows Server CALs and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) requirements separately.
Quick links: Compare editions · Shop by version · CALs and RDS · Licensing FAQs
| Consideration | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| Typical deployment | Physical servers and smaller virtual environments | Hosts running many Windows Server virtual machines |
| Virtualization rights | Two operating system environments when the host is fully licensed; additional full licensing sets can add rights | Unlimited operating system environments on a fully licensed host |
| Physical-core minimums | License all physical cores, with at least 8 per processor and 16 per server | |
The Standard physical host may additionally run solely to host and manage its virtual environments. Licensing by individual virtual machine is a separate option restricted to eligible subscriptions or active Software Assurance. Check the applicable agreement before ordering.
For physical-core licensing, count every physical processor and its cores, apply the per-processor minimum, then the per-server minimum. A 16-core pack is not automatically sufficient for every server. For example, a host with two 12-core processors requires 24 core licenses before considering additional Standard virtualization rights.
A core license covers the server software. User or Device CALs generally cover access, subject to Microsoft's exceptions and agreement terms. Remote Desktop Services access generally requires an additional RDS CAL; it does not replace the base Windows Server CAL.
RDS CAL versions must support the session host: newer CALs can cover older hosts, while older CALs cannot cover newer hosts. The Remote Desktop license server must also support the CAL version you install.
Do not assume it does. Check whether the product includes base CALs, RDS CALs, or only server core licensing. Confirm bundle contents before purchasing.
Choose according to your virtual machine count, required features and total licensing cost. Compare Standard and Datacenter against your actual deployment rather than choosing by the edition name alone.
SQL Server is a separate product with its own licensing. If your workload needs a database, review SQL Server 2022 Standard separately.
Confirm the version, edition, licensing channel, core quantity, CAL type and count, transfer terms, delivery details and purchase documentation. Activation alone does not establish licensing compliance.
Use our Microsoft Software Licensing Advisor and license FAQ, or contact USTrustedTech with your processor count, cores per processor, planned Windows Server VMs and number of users or devices.
Licensing references: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 licensing guidance and Microsoft RDS CAL compatibility. Your applicable Microsoft terms govern use rights.
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