Windows Server
Licensing Guide

Learn which licensing arrangement is best for you, and shop Windows Server operating systems and CALs with our team today!

Windows Server
Editions

Every business is different. Find out which edition is best for your environment.
The following comparison is based on the newest version of Windows Server, 2022.

Standard

Recommended for businesses that require minimal virtualization & scalability

Shop Standard
Best Practices Analyzer
Containers
Direct Access
Dynamic Memory
Software-defined Networking
Storage Spaces Direct
Network Controller
Host Guardian Hyper-V Support

Datacenter

Recommended for businesses that have highly virtualized environments

Shop Datacenter
Best Practices Analyzer
Containers
Direct Access
Dynamic Memory
Software-defined Networking
Storage Spaces Direct
Network Controller
Host Guardian Hyper-V Support

Need help choosing the right edition?

Schedule a call with one of our licensing experts.

Windows Server
Licensing Model

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and Standard utilize a core-based licensing model, meaning the number of core licenses needed depends on whether licensing is based on on-premise or cloud/hybrid environments.

Licensing is based on physical cores for on-premise environments. The number of core licenses required is equivalent to the number of physical cores on the server, with a minimum of 8 core licenses per physical processor and 16 core licenses per server.

Licensing for cloud/hybrid environments is based on virtual machines. The number of core licenses needed is equivalent to the number of virtual cores in the virtual machine, with a minimum of 8 core licenses per virtual machine. Subscription licenses or active Software Assurance are necessary for licensing by virtual machine on the cloud/hybrid environments.

Want a more detailed comparison?

View our Windows Server licensing comparison matrix and compare all the latest versions.

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

Know what you need?

Request a quote and we'll give you custom pricing in 30 minutes or less.

Try our
Licensing Calculator

We make it easy. Answer a few questions and we’ll recommend the best licenses for your environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2 core SKU is intended as an additional SKU for cloud or hybrid environment licenses, which must total to meet the minimum requirements.


Yes, according to licensing guidelines for on-premise environments, a minimum 16 core license must be purchased.


Retail Licensing uses AVMA licenses to spin up your unlimited virtual machines which would need to be done through Hyper-V so that they can communicate with the host machine in order to activate. with ESXi, each container is ultimately independent of each other and there would be no way to ultimately communicate with the "Host". This would be why ESXi customers who are deploying their instances on separate containers would require the Open Value variation as it provides MAK or Mass Activation Key(s) which do not require communication with each other to activate. It simply requires an internet connection to ping to the Microsoft Servers.

Get customized savings

Our personalized quote service can help you save big on the licensing you need. Simply fill out the form with your contact info and the products you're interested in. Our team will review your request and get back to you with a personalized quote that includes potential savings.

Don't wait, request a quote today and start saving on your licensing!

Request a quote

Fill out the form and a sales representative will get back to you in 30 minutes or less.