Virtualization and Windows Server License

Question

Hi, Would like to understand the licensing options for Windows Server 2016 / 2019 Datacenter edition. I have valid license of Server 2016 /2019, can I activate VMs with same key?
These VMs should be used by end-customers (I mean I own the physical hardware has activated Windows Server 2016 /2019 Datacenter edition host, can same key used to avtivate VMs. These VMs should be under control of customer).

Answer 1

Hi @~OSD~ ,

Yes you can, you can make use of the Automatic virtual machine activation (AVMA) for your scenario.
AVMA lets you install virtual machines on a properly activated Windows server without having to manage product keys for each individual virtual machine

You'll find more information here:

Automatic virtual machine activation
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/vm-activation-19

Below you'll find how to implement and use AVMA:

How to implement AVMA

1. On a Windows Server Datacenter virtualization server, install and configure the Microsoft Hyper-V Server role. For more information, see Install Hyper-V Server.

2. Create a virtual machine and install a supported server operating system on it.

3. Install the AVMA key in the virtual machine. From an elevated command prompt, run the following command:

slmgr /ipk <AVMA_key>  

The virtual machine will automatically activate the license against the virtualization server.

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(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote or accept as answer, thank you)

Best regards,
Leon

Answer 2

@~OSD~
Hi,
Normally you could use the same key you used on the host and you mean your host was activated with the OEM key.
Since your host are running Datacenter, automatic virtual machine activation (AVMA) would work.
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.

You could refer to the following link to know how to implement AVMA:
-On a Windows Server Datacenter virtualization server, install and configure the Microsoft Hyper-V Server role.
-Create a virtual machine and install a supported server operating system on it.
-Install the AVMA key in the virtual machine. From an elevated command prompt, run the following command:
slmgr /ipk <AVMA_key>

The following AVMA keys can be used for:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/vm-activation-19

Hope above information can help you.

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Answer 3

Thanks Leon and Jenny for the input.
That's correct we can get advantage of the AVMA but I still want to confirm if it's OK with MS terms and conditions as the VMs would be used by customers. Means the physical server was activated with key that belongs to me (or my company) but the VMs will be used by other users (you may think of end-customer).
Still AVMA is good option?