Windows Server 2019 Standard runnig as VM of Windows Server Server 2019 Essentials

Question

I have a running Windows Server 2019 Essentials.

Now I need a second Windows Server 2019.

May I get a license of Windows Server 2019 Standard and install it as a VM of the running Windows Server 2019 Essentials?

Otherwise, my I get a license of Windows Server 2019 Standard plus Cals, upgrade in place the running Windows Server 2019 Essentials to Windows Server 2019 Standard and then reinstall the Windows Server 2019 Essentials as a VM of Windows Server 2019 Standard, reusing the license that I already own?

Answer 1

@Luciano Franchi
Hi,
I suggest you use the second method.
My understanding is you can use Essentials only to virtualize another copy of Essentials, but you are not allowed to run any other VM's under Essentials.
You can refer to the following information:
From a licensing perspective, Windows Server Essentials allows you to set up the Hyper-V role and virtualize your environment. The license allows you to set up another guest operating system that is running Windows Server Essentials.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-essentials/install/install-and-configure-windows-server-essentials-or-windows-server-essentials-experience#BKMK_VirtualWSE

So you'd better migrate from Essentials to Standard, purchase Windows Server 2019 Standard license and CALs.
Then use the DISM method to insert the Standard key
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-essentials/migrate/transition-from-windows-server-2012-essentials-to-windows-server-2012-standard

Hope above information can help you.

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Answer 2

You could run the essentials as a virtual machine on a standard server host but not the other way around.

The server licensing rights allow you to install an instance of Essentials on your physical server to run the Hyper-V role (with none of the other roles and features of the Essentials Experience installed), and a second instance of Essentials as a virtual machine (VM) on that same server with all the Essentials Experience roles and features.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-server-essentials-and/understanding-licensing-for-windows-server-2012-r2-essentials/ba-p/398658

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Answer 3

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

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Answer 4

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--