How to use existing windows server license on Azure VM ?

Question

Hello Everyone,

I have deployed windows server 2022 on Azure VM and selected Azure Hybrid Benefit as license mode.

Now, there is no clarity on what next steps should be. I have gone though documentation given on this page and this page as well.

1. I want to ask if anyone successfully deployed existing license of windows server standard edition to azure cloud? What are next steps in my case.?
2. Is there any way to use windows server license without active software assurance plan in azure cloud?
3. CAL are required if i use existing license on azure VM or azure will give unlimited users CAL for my windows license ?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi abhijit patil,

Thank you for reaching us again.

Edit:

Windows Server on Azure includes the cost of the license with the VM, but you can reduce this cost by using your own license via the Azure Hybrid Benefit.

You can see this in action in the Azure Pricing Calculator when comparing costs:

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/calculator

• License included: Windows Server license is included in the VM cost
• Azure Hybrid Benefit: Maximize your on-premises core licenses for Windows Server to get Windows virtual machines (VMs) on Azure at a reduced cost through Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server. You also can use Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server to deploy new VMs that run the Windows OS.

Do not try to apply your license to the VM itself as the license is already included with the VM in the case of Windows Server (instructions on Windows 11/multitenant and Windows client/test images). Changes in hardware (VM node changes) will likely exhaust your activation limit.

If you have any further queries, do let us know.

Answer 2

Hi abhijit patil,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Platform! Thank you for asking your question here.

Yes, it is possible to deploy an existing license of Windows Server Standard Edition to Azure Cloud. To do this, you can use the Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server, which allows you to bring your own license to Azure.

Navigate to Azure Portal>>Create VM>>Licensing>>One way to activate Azure Hybrid Benefit for a Windows Server VM is to check the box under Licensing during VM creation, as shown in the following screenshot.

It is not possible to use a Windows Server license without an active Software Assurance (SA) plan in Azure Cloud. Azure Hybrid Benefit requires an active SA plan or a subscription that includes Azure Hybrid Benefit.

If you have any further queries, do let us know.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and "Upvote it."

Answer 3

@Nikhil Duserla Yes, i have already completed the steps you mentioned in your comment. But what should i do after this? How to use windows server license key in azure? Should i directly go to windows server and use change product key option in windows VM? or is there any other compliance ?

Also, how to check if the license i am having is covered under SA or not?