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Buy a Windows Server licence

A Windows Server licence is not a single decision but a combination of edition, version and access licences. This page breaks down the building blocks and shows which configuration fits your infrastructure. If you want to pin down your exact requirements, reach out to us for free licensing advice.

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Buy a Windows Server licence: an overview of Standard, Datacenter, Essentials and RDS. How the core-based licensing model works and which edition fits your infrastructure.

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The three editions at a glance

Standard and Datacenter share the same core-based licensing model and differ mainly in the permitted number of virtual instances. Essentials is a standalone edition for small environments; it works without separate access licences.

EditionCharacteristicsSuitable for
Windows Server StandardTwo virtual instances per licence, core-basedSMBs with limited virtualisation
Windows Server DatacenterUnlimited virtual instances, core-basedVirtualisation-intensive environments, data centre
Windows Server EssentialsOne server, up to 25 users, no separate CALsSmall businesses with a single server

What a complete server licence includes

  • The server edition. Standard, Datacenter or Essentials, matched to your virtualisation requirements.
  • Core-based licensing. With Standard and Datacenter, licensing is based on physical processor cores, with a defined minimum purchase per server.
  • Client Access Licenses (CALs). With Standard and Datacenter, every accessing user or device needs a CAL. Essentials is exempt from this.
  • RDS CALs where needed. Anyone using Remote Desktop Services additionally needs RDS CALs, separate from the standard CALs.

Häufige Fragen

Which Windows Server edition do I need?

Standard for SMEs with modest virtualization, Datacenter for virtualization-intensive environments, Essentials for small companies with a single server and up to 25 users. The choice follows the virtualization requirement.

Is a server license alone enough?

For Standard and Datacenter, no. In addition to the server license, every accessing user or device needs a CAL. Only Essentials works without separate CALs.

How is Windows Server licensed?

Standard and Datacenter are licensed by physical processor core, with a minimum purchase per server. On top of that come the CALs for the accesses. We advise on the specific calculation free of charge.

Which versions are available?

Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025. For new purchases, the current version is usually the sensible choice; older versions are relevant when a specific environment requires them.
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