Microsoft software licensing guide

Microsoft Software Licensing Advisor

Compare Windows 11 Home and Pro, Office 2024, Windows Server and SQL Server licensing. Use this guide to check software editions, device compatibility, license transfer terms, server core counts and client access licenses (CALs) before you buy.

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How to choose a Microsoft software license

  1. Identify the product and edition. Match the applications and features to your personal or business needs.
  2. Check compatibility. Confirm your operating system, device requirements and deployment environment.
  3. Review the license terms. Check the permitted devices, transfer rights, licensing channel and purchase documentation.
  4. Count server requirements. For Windows Server or SQL Server, confirm the applicable cores, virtualization rights and access licenses.

For more buying questions, visit our Microsoft license FAQ or contact USTrustedTech.

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Windows 11 Home vs. Pro

Windows 11 Home is designed for everyday personal computing. Windows 11 Pro adds business-oriented capabilities such as BitLocker management, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V and domain join support on compatible devices.

Before purchasing, check Windows 11 hardware requirements, your current Windows edition, whether you need an upgrade or a full license, and the license transfer terms.

Explore Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home and the Windows 11 Home to Pro upgrade.

Browse Windows licenses

Microsoft Office 2024: which edition?

Office Home 2024 is intended for common productivity needs. Office Home & Business 2024 includes Outlook and is designed for home and small-business use. Other Office editions may have different licensing channels and deployment restrictions.

Check the included applications, Windows or Mac compatibility, number of permitted devices, and whether the offered license is appropriate for your organization.

Compare Office Home 2024 for one PC and Office Home & Business 2024.

Browse Office licenses

Windows Server licensing essentials

Windows Server Standard and Datacenter are generally licensed by physical cores, subject to Microsoft minimums. Standard virtualization rights are more limited than Datacenter rights; full virtualization entitlements depend on properly licensing the host.

Server CALs may be required for users or devices accessing server services. Remote Desktop Services generally requires additional RDS CALs. Check product-specific rights and current Microsoft terms before purchasing.

Browse Windows Server licenses

SQL Server: edition and licensing model

SQL Server Standard and Enterprise serve different workloads and feature needs. Licensing may depend on the edition, number of cores, access requirements and deployment model. A product key alone does not establish licensing compliance.

For virtualized or complex environments, confirm applicable Microsoft licensing terms and your deployment design before ordering.

Explore SQL Server products

Frequently asked questions

Is a perpetual license the same as a subscription?

No. A perpetual license generally provides ongoing rights to use a specific version under its license terms; it does not necessarily include future major upgrades or unlimited support.

Can I move my Microsoft license to another computer?

Transfer rights vary by license type and agreement. Retail, OEM and volume licenses can have different conditions. Check the applicable terms.

Does Windows Server Datacenter include unlimited virtual machines?

Datacenter can provide unlimited Windows Server virtual operating system environments on a fully licensed server, subject to the relevant Microsoft licensing conditions.

Do I need CALs for Windows Server?

Many Windows Server access scenarios require user or device CALs, and Remote Desktop Services may require additional RDS CALs. Exceptions and specific rights depend on your deployment.

Does buying a product key prove the license is genuine?

No. Activation and licensing compliance are separate issues. Buyers should verify license provenance, applicable terms and appropriate documentation.

Independent buying guide. This website is an informational resource from USTrustedTech and is not an official Microsoft website. Microsoft product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product availability, license terms and compatibility should be verified before purchase.

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