Windows Server 2016/2019 Core Licensing Explained (with Examples)

Starting with Windows Server 2016, Microsoft has changed its licensing model. Licenses are now based on cores, not CPUs.

The following requirements apply:

• The minimum licensing requirement per physical server is 16 cores. So even if your server has fewer than 16 cores, you must purchase licenses for 16 cores. For example, if your server has 4 CPUs with 8 cores each, it must be licensed for a total of 32 cores.
• The minimum licensing requirement per physical CPU is 8 cores.
• All physical and active cores must be licensed.

Virtual machines?

With Windows Server Standard 2016 and 2019, you can install two virtual machines; with Datacenter, the number is unlimited.

By doubling the number of cores, you can license two additional virtual machines. For example, if you need four virtual machines instead of two and the server has 16 cores, you must purchase 32 cores. In this example, six virtual machines require 48 cores.

If you need multiple virtual machines, it definitely makes sense to consider purchasing a Datacenter license.

Windows Server 2016/2019 Example 1)

Requirement: A server with 2 physical CPUs, each with 6 cores, is to be licensed for 2 virtual machines.

Solution: 16 cores are required, even though the server only has 12 cores. This is because the minimum licensing requirement is 16 cores. Windows Server Standard Edition is sufficient in this case.

Windows Server 2016/2019 Example 2)

Requirement: A server with 4 physical CPUs, each with 4 cores, is to be licensed for 4 virtual machines.

Solution: Either purchase Windows Server Standard with 32 cores (= 16 cores times two, since doubling the number of cores allows you to license two additional virtual machines) or purchase Windows Server Datacenter with 16 cores.

Example 3)

Requirement: A server with 4 physical CPUs, each with 8 cores, is to be licensed for 10 virtual machines.

Solution: Either purchase 32 * 5 = 160 Windows Server Standard cores or 32 cores of Windows Server Datacenter.

As you can see, it’s definitely worth calculating whether you need to purchase Windows Server Standard or Datacenter. Datacenter offers more flexibility when it comes to virtual machines, but it’s significantly more expensive.

Do you have questions about Windows Server 2016/2019 licensing? If so, please feel free to call us at +43 1 997 27 87-10 or reach out to us via the Contact page.