Windows Server 2022 Licenses - HYPER-V VMs

Question

Hi,

For a customer we have installed this type of environment:

2 Servers (Dell PowerEdge) with Windows Server 2022 (pre-installed)

On these servers we have activated Hyper-V role

On Hyper-V we have created 4 VM (Windows Server 2022)

Hyper-V on Host1 make a Replica on the Host2 for fail-over purposes

Everything works fine, but we are not sure about the licenses, we have acquired from DELL these licenses option x2 servers:

Windows Server 2022 Standard, 16 core, FI, No med, No CAL, Multi
Windows Server 2022 Standard, 16 Core, DF Recovery Image, Multi Lang (downgrade not included)

Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition, Add License, 16 Core, No Media/Key

We have found 2 serials attached on the Servers case (1 per server), as suggested by Dell's support Technician, we have replaced the OEM serial code (already found in the Host OS) with the one attached on the server for both servers, while in the VMs that are hosted in the Host1 we have used the same Serial code of the Host1 for the activation.

As said before everything works fine, but we are not sure if we are compliant with microsoft's rules.

Can you help Us to understand if we have made something wrong?

Best Regards

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to license.

Core Licensing: Each physical server must be licensed based on the number of physical cores. A minimum of 8 core licenses per physical processor and 16 core licenses per server is required.

Virtual Machines (VMs): Windows Server 2022 Standard allows you to run up to two virtual instances per licensed server. If you need more VMs, you need purchase additional licenses.

Ensure each server has at least 16 core licenses. It seems you have this covered with the licenses you acquired.

Since Windows Server 2022 Standard allows for 2 VMs per license, you need to ensure that each server is properly licensed for the number of VMs running on it. For 4 VMs, you would need two sets of 16 core licenses per server.

It is also recommended to check with your license provider, you can check the details in the license agreement for the license you purchased.

Have a nice day. 

Best Regards,

Molly

Answer 2

How do I install said Licenses on server to support 4 VM's I have read that if I don't have the licenses installed that only 2 servers will continue to run after 180 days ????