Hardware limits for Windows Server Essentials
Applies To: Windows Server 2022 Essentials, Windows Server 2019 Essentials, Windows Server 2016 Essentials, Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials, Windows Server 2012 Essentials
Use this article to learn about the hardware limits for Windows Server Essentials.
Limits
The table below summarizes the hardware limits for Windows Server Essentials.
| Limits | Windows Server 2022 Essentials or later | Windows Server 2019 Essentials and earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of 64-bit sockets | 1 sockets | 2 sockets |
| Maximum number of CPU cores | 10 cores | No limit |
| Maximum RAM | 128 GB | 64 GB |
| Can be used as virtualization guest | Yes; one instance of the physical operating system environment and one instance of a virtual operating system environment on the licensed server. | Yes; one instance of the physical operating system environment and one instance of a virtual operating system environment on the licensed server. |
For more information, see the Microsoft Software Licensing Terms. For Windows Server 2022 Essentials, the limits are contained within the Window Server 2022 Datacenter and Standard license terms.
Note
The licensing terms may vary based on the distribution channel, for example, a Commercial Licensing program, Retail, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and so on.
To learn more about certified and compatible hardware, see the Windows Server Catalog to verify the status of tested products.
Important
Dynamic disks are not supported on Windows Server Essentials.
Next steps
Now you understand the system requirements for Windows Server Essentials, here are some articles to help you get started: