Windows Server 2022 Essentials licensing

Nathan Long 21 Reputation points
2022-06-15T10:53:34.14+00:00

Hi, all!
Will i be within Microsoft Windows Server 2022 essential use rights, If i buy two essentials licenses, to launch two WS2022 essentials virtual machines on a single host running Esxi. The VMS are planned to run as seperate dcs in seperate networks for seperate users. Also, does licensing permit buying two essentials licenses for a single host?

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2022-06-15T13:41:16.693+00:00
    1. Yes, that pertains to installing an Essentials host with an Essentials virtual machine.
    2. Yes, I try contacting the vendor.
    3. About the retailer's question; I'd get in touch with the reseller's trained microsoft licensing specialist

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

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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2022-06-15T12:57:37.513+00:00

    It sounds Ok, but may be difficult to get hold of, looks to be an OEM-only product. Might check with Dell, HP, etc. about ROK options.
    Windows Server Essentials is available through our OEM Server Hardware partners.
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/pricing

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

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  2. Nathan Long 21 Reputation points
    2022-06-15T13:22:46.01+00:00

    Thank you for your reply @Dave Patrick . I Found the clause mentioning this in https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/terms/productoffering/WindowsServerStandardDatacenterEssentials/MCA#LicenseModel , under specialty servers it states ["Customer may use one Running Instance of server software in either a Physical OSE or Virtual OSE on a Licensed Server for each Server License it acquires."] I don't see any clause preventing me from buying multiple Windows Server Essentials licenses for a single server.
    Now the issue is how to acquire two or more Windows Server essential licenses.
    How would i go about acquiring the license correctly on an already bought server? Do i contact vendor (dell/hpe,etc...)?
    Also i see a ton of local retailers selling online "DELL Windows Server 2022 Essentials Edition", Dell Sku 634-BYLI, for about 350Euros each. Would this kind of license be no good?

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  3. Nathan Long 21 Reputation points
    2022-06-15T13:51:16.98+00:00

    Regarding your first answer, afaik it also pertains for a standalone VM (one virtual ose) running on non-windows hypervisor on licensed server. Thank you for your help! :)