Is there a device-based license for Windows 11 Enterprise?

Hello Josh Shetler,

Great question! Here's a clear breakdown for your questions:

1- Can Windows 11 Enterprise E3/E5 Be Used for Device-Based Scenarios?

No, indows 11 Enterprise E3 and E5 licenses are user-based, not device-based. These licenses are designed to be assigned to individual users and require the device to be:

• Running a qualifying version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10/11 Pro)
• Microsoft Entra joined or hybrid joined
• Used by a licensed user who signs in to activate the subscription

More details: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-enterprise-licenses?pivots=windows-11

2- Why This Doesn’t Work for Kiosks or Shared Devices

In scenarios like self-deploying Intune kiosks, there is no primary user signing in. Since E3/E5 licenses are not assignable to devices, they cannot activate Windows Enterprise features in these shared or unattended environments.

3- Alternative: Windows VDA (Virtual Desktop Access) or Device-Based Licensing

For non-user scenarios, Microsoft offers:

• Windows VDA per device license:

• Designed for shared devices or kiosks
• Supports remote desktop or virtualization scenarios
• Can be assigned to a device instead of a user

• OEM or Volume Licensing:

• You can purchase Windows 11 Enterprise pre-installed on devices via OEMs
• Or use Volume Licensing for device-based activation

For more information: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-licensing

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Best regards,

Hello @Josh Shetler

Thanks for contacting MS Q&A. I will be able to help you with resolving your issues.

You're correct — Windows 11 Enterprise E3 and E5 licenses through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program are user-based, not device-based. This means:

• The license is assigned to a user in Azure Active Directory (Entra ID).
• That user can use Windows 11 Enterprise on up to 5 devices where they are the primary user.

For Kiosks, Shared Devices, or Self-Deploying Intune Devices:

These scenarios don’t typically have a dedicated user, so a user-based license is not appropriate or compliant. Instead, you should consider:

Windows 11 Enterprise per Device License (formerly VL):

1. Available via Volume Licensing (VL) such as Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) or Microsoft Open Value.
2. Specifically designed for shared devices, kiosks, and devices without primary users.
3. These are device-based and allow one license per physical machine.

Where to Purchase Per-Device Windows 11 Enterprise Licensing

Windows 11 Enterprise per-device licenses are not available through CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) channels — they are only available through Microsoft Volume Licensing programs:

Microsoft Volume Licensing (VL) Programs

• Options include:
  • Enterprise Agreement (EA) – Best for large organizations (500+ users or devices).
  • Open Value or Open License – Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA) – For organizations with 250+ users/devices without the long-term commitment of EA.

To buy device-based licenses, you’ll need to work with a Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider (LSP). A few global resellers include:

• CDW
• SHI
• Insight
• SoftwareONE
• Zones
• Or local Microsoft partners in your region: Find a Partner

If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further queries, do let us know.

Documentations.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/kiosk/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/shared-pc/set-up-shared-or-guest-pc?tabs=intune

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-enterprise-licenses?pivots=windows-11

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/windows-enterprise-e3-overview

Siri