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Johny830's avatar
Johny830
Copper Contributor
May 29, 2023

Windows server license

Hi,

 

I will be buying a server soon (with Windows Server 2022 Standard). I would like to use the machine as a virtualization host. On one virtual machine, I would like to have an active directory (this means that I will also need Windows Server 2022 Standard). on the second virtual machine will also probably be Windows Server 2022 Standard. Does this mean I will need three licenses?

 

Regards,

  • Some general info

    Each host needs to be licensed.
    A minimum of 8 core licenses is required for each physical processor and a minimum of 16 core licenses is required for each server.
    Core licenses are sold in packs of two.
    Standard Edition provides rights for up to 2 Operating System Environments or Windows Servers containers with Hyper-V isolation when all physical cores in the server are licensed. For each additional 1 or 2 VMs, all the physical cores in the server must be licensed again.
    DataCenter Edition provides rights for unlimited Operating System Environments or Windows Servers containers with Hyper-V isolation when all physical cores in the server are licensed.

     

    credit to: Dave Patrick 

     

    Question on Number of CPU and Core for MS Licensing - Microsoft Q&A

     

    in your case if your server is 16 core and licensed with Standard, then you can have 2 VMs without buying any additional licenses because standard edition will give up to 2 VMs within the license of your physical 16 core.

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