Forum Discussion

Copper Contributor

Jan 17, 2020

Windows Server virtualized on Linux (licencing)

Hello, We plan virtualizing Windows Server 2019 via Proxmox solution (Already used to virtualize Windows 2008) Not sure about licencing: should I just buy a licence for the 32 CPU cores for e...

Dave Patrick

MVP

Jan 17, 2020

Only the host is licensed. The licensing is the same regardless of the host hypervisor being used.

https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/C/E/7CED6910-C7B2-4196-8C55-208EE0B427E2/Windows_Server_2019_licensing_datasheet_EN_US.pdf

gnumdk

Copper Contributor

Jan 18, 2020

Dave PatrickSo I need to buy a Microsoft Server Licence for my Linux server? Is that a joke?

HotCakeX
MVP
Jan 18, 2020
gnumdk
Spoiler
gnumdk wrote:
So I need to buy a Microsoft Server Licence for my Linux server? Is that a joke?
I think it would be more cost efficient for you to host your VM on Microsoft Azure.
they do exactly that.
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/virtual-machines/
Dave Patrick
MVP
Jan 18, 2020
Correct, its no joke. In order to install and run Windows Server 2019 a valid product key and activation are required.
- gnumdk
  Copper Contributor
  Jan 18, 2020
  Ok for the Windows Server but my licence manager at work told me I need licences for the Linux server too:
  - I need to pay licence for the virtual platform (even if it's a Linux one)
  - I need to pay licence for the Windows server
  Is he right?
  - Dave Patrick
    MVP
    Jan 18, 2020
    If you plan to install and run Windows Server 2019 a valid product key and activation are required.
    
    As to Linux, I'd contact the product vendor or consult the product's end user license agreement for details and or requirements.