Windows 10 on VPS licensing

Question

Windows 10 on VPS licensing

Brian Alderson 6

Can I legally install Windows 10 Pro on a remote virtual private server (VM) hosted in a remote datacenter?

I will be using a genuine retail license key for the installation.

Thank you

essjae 461 Reputation points

2022-06-09T10:58:12.503+00:00

No, legally you can't use "just" a retail license for a remote client OS VM. A retail license can only be used when you have direct physical access to the VM host's console (ex: sitting at a laptop in front of you running the VM). You'll need SA or VDA rights also.
Windows client OSes are licensed differently from server licenses.

You can find a lot of info here, this was written by an MS employee as a guide: https://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/124053-licensing-windows-10-with-virtualization-technologies-how-to

Note, that most of the links mentioned are dead now as of Windows 11's release.

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essjae 461 Reputation points

2022-06-09T10:58:12.503+00:00

No, legally you can't use "just" a retail license for a remote client OS VM. A retail license can only be used when you have direct physical access to the VM host's console (ex: sitting at a laptop in front of you running the VM). You'll need SA or VDA rights also.
Windows client OSes are licensed differently from server licenses.

You can find a lot of info here, this was written by an MS employee as a guide: https://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/124053-licensing-windows-10-with-virtualization-technologies-how-to

Note, that most of the links mentioned are dead now as of Windows 11's release.

Answer 1

Reza-Ameri 17,336 Volunteer Moderator

As long as the server is legal and trusted, you may purchase a valid license and install on the VPS.
However, I advise you to check with the VPS provider and they might include the license in the remote server too.

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Windows 10 on VPS licensing

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