Windows Server 2025 Essentials - Workgroup user limit

Question

Hi Everybody

I need to setup Windows Server 2025 Essentials on a File Server. I dont need Active Directory, only WorkGroup. Does Workgroup also have a 25-user login limit?

Answer 1

Yes, Windows Server 2025 Essentials, like previous Essentials editions, has a 25-user limit, regardless of whether it is joined to a domain or running in a Workgroup configuration.

The 25-user limit is enforced by the Essentials license, not Active Directory. This limit includes local user accounts accessing server services, such as:

• File and print sharing
• Remote access (e.g., RDP or Remote Web Access)
• Any services hosted by the server (e.g., file shares accessed over SMB)
• Workgroup mode doesn't bypass this limit.
• Essentials also does not support joining a domain as a Domain Controller for another domain, but you can use it in Workgroup or as a standalone DC.

If you have more than 25 users you'll need to move to Windows Server Standard or Datacenter. These editions support Workgroup or Domain mode and require Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device.

If your file server will serve more than 25 users concurrently or over time, Essentials is not suitable, and you should plan for Windows Server 2022/2025 Standard with proper CALs.

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hth

Marcin