Windows Server 2025 Licensing Guide

Windows Server 2025 is Microsoft’s newest server operating system, designed to help companies modernize their IT infrastructure. This version brings major improvements in performance, security, and hybrid cloud features. The Standard and Datacenter editions are still available, now with more enhancements for today’s IT needs. You can use Windows Server 2025on-premises, in a hybrid setup, or in the cloud, and it is built to support important business operations with greater reliability and efficiency.

Shop Windows Server Windows Server Calculator 

Windows Server Version Comparison

2025
2022
2019
Windows Server Version/Edition
Feature 2025 Standard 2025 Datacenter 2022 Standard 2022 Datacenter 2019 Standard 2019 Datacenter
Processing Power 16 core minimum 16 core minimum 16 core minimum 16 core minimum 16 core minimum 16 core minimum
CALs Per User/Device Per User/Device Per User/Device Per User/Device Per User/Device Per User/Device
VM Support 2 VMs (per fully licensed host) Unlimited 2 VMs (per fully licensed host) Unlimited 2 VMs (per fully licensed host) Unlimited
Core Functionality ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔✔
Hybrid integration ✔✔ ✔✔
OSEs/Hyper-V isolated containers 2Unlimited 2Unlimited 2Unlimited
Windows Server Containers UnlimitedUnlimited UnlimitedUnlimited ✔✔
Storage Migration Service ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔✔
Storage Replica ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔
Software-defined networking ✔ ✔
Software-defined storage ✔ ✔
Host Guardian Service ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔✔
Nano Server ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔✔
Shielded Virtual Machines ✔ ✔ ✔
Networking stack ✔ ✔ ✔
Hotpatching via Azure Arc ✔✔
SMB over QUIC ✔✔
Windows 11 Desktop Shell ✔✔
GPU partitioning (GPU-P) ✔✔
NVMe performance boost ✔✔
Storage Spaces Direct ✔
Advanced SDN ✔
Shielded VMs ✔

Windows Server 2025 Quick Summary   

Windows Server 2025 builds on previous releases with enhanced security, hybrid cloud capabilities, updated licensing, and expanded scalability.

  • Windows Server 2025 introduces major improvements in security, hybrid cloud integration, and virtualization performance.  
  • Pricing remains unchanged from Windows Server 2022: The Standard edition starts at approximately $1,176, and the Datacenter edition at approximately $6,771 per 16-core license pack (U.S. MSRP).  
  • The minimum hardware requirements include an 8-core CPU, a 16-core server, 2 GB of RAM (recommended), and 32 GB of storage.  
  • Standard vs. Datacenter: Standard supports 2 VMs and basic features; Datacenter offers unlimited VMs and advanced capabilities, such as Shielded VMs and Storage Spaces Direct.  
  • The upgrade path from 2022 to 2025 is supported via an in-place upgrade, with schema preparation required for domain controllers.  
  • 2025 vs. 2022: 2025 adds hotpatching, SMB over QUIC, Azure Arc metered licensing, and support for up to 4 PB RAM. 

Take the guesswork out of Windows server and SQL server licensing

Input your specs and receive a detailed overview of your licensing needs.

  • Advanced Security

    Built-in zero-trust security models and enhanced threat protection. For example, SMB over QUIC enables encrypted file access without a VPN, and Active Directory now supports stronger cryptography.

  • Hybrid Cloud Integration

    Better Azure integration with Azure Arc lets servers use cloud services more easily. For example, Azure Arc now supports a hotpatching feature that applies updates with fewer reboots, helping keep systems available.

  • Enhanced Virtualization

    Virtualization and container support are improved in Windows Server 2025. There are new optimizations for Hyper-V and containers, such as easier SR-IOV management (Accelerated Networking), which reduces VM network delays and allows for more.

  • AI-Driven Management

    New AI-powered management tools help automate tasks and improve performance. Windows Server 2025 uses machine learning for better resource tuning and predictive maintenance, which reduces the work needed to keep systems running.

System Requirements (Minimum Hardware) 

The minimum system requirements (hardware requirements) for installing Windows Server 2025 are similar to recent Windows Server releases. Ensure your server meets at least the following minimum requirements:  

 

  • CPU: 1.4 GHz 64-bit (x64) processor or faster; NX/DEP, CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, PrefetchW; SLAT (EPT/NPT) for virtualization. 
  • Memory: 512 MB minimum for Server Core (2 GB min for Desktop Experience GUI). Recommended: ≥2 GB (Core) or ≥4 GB (GUI). 
  • Storage: 32 GB or more for installation; plan higher for updates and workloads. 
  • Network: Gigabit (1 Gbps) Ethernet adapter (PCIe compliant). 
  • Firmware & security: UEFI with Secure Boot recommended; TPM 2.0 not required but recommended (BitLocker, secured-core). 

Windows Server 2022 vs 2025: Major Differences 

  • Security & Updates

    SMB over QUIC in all editions; LDAP encryption by default; Azure Arc-enabled hotpatching for fewer restarts.

  • Scalability

    Support for larger VM configurations (up to 240 TB RAM, 2,048 vCPUs) and improved storage performance.

  • Hybrid Flexibility

    Pay-as-you-go option via Azure Arc to scale VMs when needed, complementing perpetual licensing.

  • Admin Experience

    Refreshed interface, Wi-Fi support, and Winget CLI for streamlined package management.

Windows Server Access Licensing

In order to access your server environment, you will need CALs (Client Access Licenses). Determine the best way to gain access based on your business needs.

  • Standard CALs

    ✅ Grant local server access
    ✅ Available by user or device

    Shop Standard CALs

  • Remote Desktop CALs

    ✅ Grant remote server access
    ✅ Available by user or device

    Shop RDS CALs

Windows Server 2025 Licensing Explained 

Windows Server 2025 uses core-based licensing. Licenses are sold in 16-core packs, and Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required for each user or device accessing the server. CALs are version-specific (Windows Server 2022 CALs aren’t valid for accessing a 2025 server). 

CAL Types 

  • User CAL vs Device CAL: choose based on whether individuals or shared devices access the server. 
  • RDS CALs: required for Remote Desktop Services scenarios. 

Editions (Summary) 

  • Standard: ideal for light virtualization; licensing includes rights for 2 VMs plus 1 Hyper-V host. 
  • Datacenter: designed for highly virtualized or cloud-integrated environments; unlimited VMs plus advanced capabilities (e.g., Storage Spaces Direct, SDN, Shielded VMs). 

Hybrid scenarios can optionally enable metered “pay-as-you-go” capacity via Azure Arc alongside perpetual licensing. 

Windows Server 2025 Pricing (U.S. MSRP) 

Pricing remains unchanged compared to Windows Server 2022. Actual costs vary depending on the configuration (number of cores, CAL mix, and virtualization strategy).


For migrations to Azure, factor in Azure Hybrid Benefit and Reserved Instances to optimize compute costs; ESUs in Azure are free for 3 years after the end of support.

Windows Server Frequently Asked Questions   

Can I upgrade directly from Windows Server 2022 to 2025?

Yes, direct in-place upgrades are supported. For domain controllers, run ADPREP (forestprep/domainprep) from the 2025 media before upgrading to ensure a seamless upgrade process.

Do I need new CALs for Windows Server 2025?

Yes, CALs are version-specific; 2022 CALs don’t grant access to a 2025 server.

Is there a free upgrade from 2022 to 2025? 

No, new licenses are required for the 2025 edition (promotions may exist via partners).

Does Windows Server 2025 support hotpatching?

Yes, when connected to Azure Arc, it enables updates with minimal or no reboots.

Is TPM 2.0 mandatory?

Not required, but strongly recommended to enable features such as BitLocker and secured-core protections.

What’s the difference between Windows Server containers and Hyper-V containers? 

Windows Server containers are unlimited across editions; Hyper-V isolated containers offer stronger isolation and are limited in the Standard edition.

Can I obtain Extended Security Updates (ESUs) at no additional cost?

Yes, when running in Azure, ESUs are free for 3 years after the end of support (also available with Azure Stack HCI and Azure VMware Solution).

Have questions about Windows Server Licensing?

Schedule a call with our licensing experts.