This category contains Windows Server operating system licences and the licensing products that go with them, for businesses that run their own file, application, print or virtualisation servers. Microsoft accounts for almost the whole range, covering server editions and related licences, with one Acronis product alongside.
How to choose a Windows Server licence
Edition. Standard suits physical servers or setups with only a few virtual machines. Datacenter is meant for hosts running many virtual machines, because it covers an unlimited number of them. Essentials is a simplified edition for very small businesses with a handful of users.
Version. Check the version in the product name and compare it with the applications you need to run and the hardware you own. A newer version stays in Microsoft support for longer, which matters if the server will stay in service for many years.
Core licences. Current Windows Server editions are licensed per physical processor core, not per processor. Each server needs a minimum of 16 core licences, and you must license every physical core in the machine. Count the cores in your server before you order.
Client access licences. A server licence on its own does not allow people or devices to connect. Each user or device generally needs a client access licence (CAL). Choose user CALs when staff use several devices, and device CALs when many people share a few machines, such as on a shop floor.
Remote desktop access. If staff will open desktop sessions on the server, they need Remote Desktop Services CALs in addition to the standard CALs. Decide this before buying, as it can change the total licence count considerably.
Brands we carry
- Microsoft: the developer of Windows Server and the source of nearly every product in this category, including the server editions and the CALs needed to use them.
- Acronis: known for backup and cyber protection software, which is often installed alongside a server to protect its data. One Acronis product is in this range.
Windows Server FAQ
What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter?
The main difference is virtualisation rights. Standard covers a limited number of virtual machines per licensed server, while Datacenter covers an unlimited number. Datacenter also includes some extra features aimed at large environments, so it makes sense mainly for heavily virtualised hosts.
Do I need CALs for Windows Server?
Yes, in most cases. Every user or device that connects to a Windows Server needs a client access licence, and the server licence does not include them. Remote Desktop Services needs its own separate CALs on top.
How many core licences do I need for Windows Server?
You need one licence for every physical core in the server, with a minimum of 16 core licences per server. This means a small server with fewer cores still needs the 16-core minimum. A server with more cores needs a licence for each of them.
Is Windows Server the same as Windows 11 Pro?
No. Windows Server is built to provide services to other computers, such as user accounts through Active Directory, file sharing, Hyper-V virtualisation and remote desktop hosting. Windows 11 Pro is a desktop operating system for individual users and does not include these server roles.
