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Windows Server Licensing for Existing Server

Anonymous
2023-12-05T15:27:36+00:00

Hello,

I have an existing, fully licensed, legal server that is running on Windows 2019 licensing channels. We have recently installed Window Server 2022 VM's (2) and are trying to license the 2022 legally. What is the best way to do this? We do not have software assurance so an upgrade path does not seem viable from what I understand. Do I need to relicense the entire server as a 2022 box (all 44 cores + VMs), or does the fact that the existing box and existing infrastructure being all on 2019 (and staying on 2019), is that OK and all I need to do is buy licensing packs to cover my (2) 2022 vms?

Thanks

Windows Server Devices and deployment Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-11T01:59:03+00:00

    Sorry for my misunderstanding. If you have already licensed the physical server with Windows Server 2019 Datacenter and have a fully licensed core-based licensing system on 2019, you do not need to relicense the entire server for adding a single VM in Windows Server 2022. You can purchase a single license of Windows Server 2022 Standard 16 core which includes the licensing for up to 2 VMs. You will only need to license the additional cores required for the new VM.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-06T07:28:53+00:00

    Hello Sean Barowsky,

    could you please provide me the result of the following command on your Windows server 2019? I need to confirm your license channel of your 2019.

    Please run Slmgr /dlv as an administrator in the Command Prompt.

    Thanks,

    Lei

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-07T20:33:01+00:00

    See attached picture

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-08T06:27:31+00:00

    According to Key Management Services (KMS) activation planning for Windows Server | Microsoft Learn, your Server 2019 host can't activate Server 2022 client.

    Image

    You will need to purchase a Sever 2022 CSVLK from Volume Licensing Service Center (microsoft.com). Then install it on your Server 2019 host. Finally, you can use AVMA to activate your Window Server 2022 VM. Please visit Automatic Virtual Machine Activation in Windows Server | Microsoft Learn to get the activation steps.

    If you still have any questions about activation, can contact Support Center Contact Info. | Microsoft Learn for further assistant.

    Hope it helps.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-08T20:02:18+00:00

    Sorry, we must be having a miscommunication issue here. I am aware of how KMS and the licensing works, and what versions will authenticate against the 2019 kms key.

    I am asking about the licensing of the server itself, regarding the legal licensing of the server. We already have a 2019 Datacenter and have a fully licensed core-based licensing system on 2019.

    We have deployed a single VM in 2022. We want it licensed. Do we need to relicense the entire server (all 80 cores) and buy all the core packs, etc.... or can I just buy one single license of Windows Server 2022 Standard 16 core which included the (2) VM's? Do I now need to relicense the entire servers core packs because I added (1) single VM in Server 2022?

    Thanks

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