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How many Windows Server Licenses do I need?

Anonymous
2024-02-20T16:55:15+00:00

I have the following environment:

  • Server 1: 2 processors * 14 cores = 28 cores
  • Server 2: 2 processors * 14 cores = 28 cores
  • Total: 28 cores + 28 cores = 56 cores

Each Server is utilizing ESXi Hypervisor so there is no need for the Host server to have an OS. Each Server will house 5 virtual machines for a total of 10 between both servers with varying vCPUs.

My question is how many/what configuration of Windows Server Licenses will I need to ensure each VM can run Windows Server?

Windows Server Devices and deployment Licensing and activation

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-21T02:22:27+00:00

    Hi Ross Ferens,

    to license the virtual machines running on your environment, you will need to purchase Windows Server Datacenter licenses. Each Windows Server Datacenter license covers two physical processors and provides unlimited virtualization rights for all virtual machines running on the licensed server.

    In your case, you have two servers with a total of 56 cores, so you will need to purchase 28 Windows Server Datacenter licenses (one for each physical processor). This will allow you to run an unlimited number of virtual machines on each server, as long as they are running on the licensed hardware.

    Please note that you will also need to purchase Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device that will be accessing the virtual machines running on your servers.

    Hope it helps.

    Best regards,

    Lei

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-10-03T09:28:34+00:00

    Hi !
    You made a completly different answer for the exact same infrastructure here :

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windowserver/forum/all/about-windows-server-datacenter-licencing/e072c29c-c5ca-4292-a1d0-9a29abede8e8 It needs to be clarified...

    So : is the host supervisor (esx vs hyperv) changing anything in the datacenter licensing or can i put an unlimited number of windows VM whatever is my hypervisor as soon as i own a correct datacenter licence for each host/numbers of cores ? (you say yes here, and no on the other post)...

    Best Regards,
    Guillaume

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