Windows Server Licensing For Virtual Machines
Remember that microsoft requires you to buy at least 8 core licenses for each processor.
Windows server licensing for virtual machines. Windows server 2019 windows server semi annual channel windows server 2016 windows server 2012 r2. As most everyone now knows microsoft changed their windows server licensing model with the release of the windows server 2016 family. You ll need to do something similar when you have a server with four processors. 3 additional licenses are also required for customers who wish to license more than the 2 virtual machines vms included for windows server 2019 standard.
06 feb 2018 by eric siron 2. Core windows server functionality. For every additional 2 vms added all of the cores in the server must be licensed again. Automatic virtual machine activation avma acts as a proof of purchase mechanism helping to ensure that windows products are used in accordance with the product use rights and microsoft software license terms.
So to license the server to run two virtual machines you will need to buy at least 32 core licenses 8 x 4 32. For the two previous server versions they used a fairly straightforward model that only considered physical cpu sockets. The license to run windows server in the azure environment is by default included in the per minute cost of your windows virtual machine. Windows server standard and datacenter editions continue to require windows server cals for every user or device accessing a server see the product terms for exceptions or windows server external connector licenses for servers accessed by external users.
In addition to the base windows server cal or external connector license some functionalities will continue to require the purchase of an. Licensing a windows server for three vms. Azure virtual machines gives you the flexibility of virtualization for a wide range of computing solutions with support for linux windows server sql server oracle ibm sap and more. Understanding windows server virtual machine licensing.