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Licensing Windows Server Above ESXI (VMware)

Mohamed Tolba 20 Reputation points
2024-12-27T19:34:09.5766667+00:00

Hello,

I am somewhat unclear about the licensing requirements for Windows Server when the hypervisor is not Hyper-V. Could you please clarify if the calculation for licensing remains the same when using ESXi hosts? Alternatively, do the licensing requirements apply only to individual virtual machines, with a minimum of 8 cores per VM, and is Software Assurance (SA) also necessary?

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. Marcin Policht 31,475 Reputation points MVP
    2024-12-27T21:01:46.9533333+00:00

    When licensing Windows Server on ESXi or any non-Hyper-V hypervisor, the licensing rules and calculations are based on Microsoft's Windows Server licensing terms, which are independent of the hypervisor being used.

    1. Windows Server licensing is based on the physical hardware, specifically the number of physical cores in the server. This applies regardless of the hypervisor technology.
    2. Minimum licensing requirements:
      • You must license a minimum of 8 cores per processor.
      • You must license a minimum of 16 cores per server.
    3. Each core license covers two physical cores. This means you need at least 8 two-core licenses to cover a single server with the minimum requirement of 16 cores.
    4. A Windows Server Standard license allows you to run up to two Windows Server virtual machines and one Hyper-V host per licensed physical server. For more VMs, you need to purchase additional licenses to cover each set of two additional VMs.
    5. Software Assurance (SA) is not mandatory for licensing but provides additional benefits:
      • Rights for hybrid use of on-premises and Azure environments.
      • Support for advanced virtualization scenarios like License Mobility.
      • Access to new versions and extended security updates.
    6. If you are licensing Windows Server for individual VMs, as opposed to covering the physical hardware, you must license each VM with a minimum of 8 cores per VM, even if the VM has fewer than 8 virtual cores assigned. This method is generally more expensive than licensing the physical cores of the host.
    7. On ESXi or any other non-Hyper-V hypervisor:
      • The licensing model does not change from the above rules.
      • You must ensure all physical cores of the ESXi host running the Windows Server VMs are licensed.
      • Licensing compliance requires that the physical cores be fully covered, even if only a fraction of the host's capacity is used for Windows Server VMs.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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