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On October 15, 2016, Microsoft released Windows Server 2016 through its Volume Licensing program. Much to the chagrin of many IT administrators, Microsoft changed the licensing model to accommodate newer server architectures with more cores. But there’s also good news: The successor to Windows Server 2012 R2 offers numerous new features that greatly simplify the work of IT administrators and thus justify the purchase. Plus, you can buy the license secondhand from Software ReUse at a much lower price.
What versions of Windows Server 2016 are available?
Windows Server 2016 was released in the Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter editions.
What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter?
Both editions offer nearly the same set of features. Therefore, purchasing the more expensive Windows Server 2016 Datacenter license is not always necessary; the Standard Edition is often perfectly sufficient. The RAM limit for both is 24 TB, and the CPU limit is a maximum of 512 cores.
The biggest difference is support for what’s known as “VOSE” (Virtual Operating System Environment): While Windows Server Standard allows a maximum of 2 virtual machines, the number is unlimited in the Datacenter Edition. However, it is also possible to increase the number of virtual machines under certain licensing conditions; see also our article “Windows Server Core Licensing.”
These features are also exclusive to Server Datacenter 2016: Storage Spaces Direct, Storage Replica, Shielded Virtual Machines, and a new network stack.
Storage Replication was not available for the Standard Edition of Windows Server 2016. The Standard Edition of Windows Server 2019, on the other hand, can replicate a single volume to a single destination. The Datacenter Edition is capable of replicating any edition to any destination. If you want to use Software-Defined Networking (SDN) on your network, you can only do so with the Datacenter Edition; the Standard Edition does not support this feature.
However, the Standard Edition includes support for two Hyper-V containers. You can also run an unlimited number of traditional containers with the Standard Edition without any issues.
The most important Windows Server 2016 features in detail:
Data deduplication can be further expanded in Windows Server 2016 and is also available on virtual hard disks.
Windows Server 2016 can provide Docker-based containers. Windows Server, Core Server, and Nano Server can all be used as container hosts.
The new Nano Servers are significantly more streamlined than Core Servers, consume about 90% fewer resources, and do not include any local management tools. The servers are managed over the network or from the Hyper-V host when they are virtualized. However, active Software Assurance is required for this functionality.
With Storage Spaces Direct , Windows 2016 offers software-defined storage capabilities. This allows the local storage devices of cluster nodes to be combined into a single cluster. Data is also replicated across the local storage devices, ensuring that no data is lost if individual local storage devices fail.
The new Cluster Operating System Rolling Upgrade feature allows you to upgrade cluster nodes running Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2016, and it is also designed to prevent server service outages!
With PowerShell Direct, administrators can install server roles on VMs directly from PowerShell sessions on the Hyper-V host, or manage containers on multiple virtualized container hosts in PowerShell—even from Nano Servers.
Storage Replication allows you to replicate entire hard drives as well as Storage Spaces Direct systems between data centers. Replication is block-based and can also be delayed.
The new Shielded VMs allow VMs to be isolated from other VMs. This prevents virtualization administrators from gaining access to sensitive data on virtualized personal servers and stops compromised virtual servers from affecting other servers on the network.
Thanks to the partnership with Microsoft Azure, it is now possible, for example, to migrate a cluster’s witness server to Microsoft Azure. This makes it much easier and more reliable to create clusters that span multiple data centers.
Important Licensing Information:
How is Windows Server 2016/2019 licensed? A brief explanation of the new licensing model:
Unlike Server 2012 R2, where server licenses were based on CPUs, licensing has been based solely on CPU cores since Windows Server 2016. The minimum licensing requirement is 16 cores per server. Here you’ll find more information, including calculation examples, on core-based licensing for Windows Server 2016/2019.
How can I purchase Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter licenses?
Windows Server licenses were sold as volume licenses, system builder licenses, or OEM licenses. In principle, all of these license types are available secondhand from Software ReUse, though availability may vary. Volume licenses are always the easiest to manage, as they have a single product key and are less likely to be lost.
Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Rights and Down Edition Rights:
If you still need to install an older version of Windows Server, it is important to understand the downgrade rights:
| Version | Right to Downgrade |
| Volume License | Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier |
| FPP (Full Package Product) | Usually yes; see the individual license terms, |
| OEM | Usually yes, but see the OEM license terms |
Down Edition Rights for Windows Server 2016
Windows Server Datacenter can also be installed as Standard, Essentials, Web Server, or HPC Server 2012 R2.
Very important:
The Product Use Rights (now called “Product Terms”) of the licensed version—not the downgraded version—always apply! This is particularly relevant when considering the CPU-based licensing model for Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier versions. Therefore, the server must be licensed based on the number of cores exactly as if Windows Server 2016 were installed.
Also important:
Although you have the right to downgrade, Microsoft will not provide you with a product key.
How long will Microsoft provide support for Windows Server 2016?
| Version | Supporting |
| Windows Server 2016 Standard & Datacenter | Mainstream Support: January 11, 2022 Extended Support: January 12, 2027 |
Buy Windows Server 2016 and Save
A Comparison of Our Windows Server Licenses
The advantages of used software are obvious:
Take advantage of our offer and protect your budget – with used software licenses from Software ReUse!
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Legal Notices – Used Software
Used Windows Server 2016 Licenses with Documentation
Windows Server 2016 licenses, as offered by Software ReUse, are, in the legal sense, used software. After verifying the software and ensuring the licenses have been transferred in accordance with the law, we are permitted to sell the software. As the buyer, you have the same rights as you would with new software. This saves you up to 75% compared to the original price.
We purchase the licenses we offer from other companies that either no longer need them or are switching to different software. These are often so-called volume licenses. Under this licensing model, the software is licensed for use on multiple workstations or computers. As a buyer, you won’t have to make any compromises with used Windows Server 2016 licenses compared to new ones, and you’re entitled to regular security updates and support. If you’re interested, learn more about all the facts regarding used software.
Proof of exhaustion
With Software ReUse, along with the product key for the discontinued software, you will receive detailed documentation outlining the terms of use for the software. We provide you with all the information you need to prove exhaustion of rights, even in the event of an audit by the software manufacturer. This includes details about the previous owner and their declaration of cancellation.
We document how the software was originally placed on the market, what remuneration the rights holder received for it, to what extent a right of use was granted by the rights holder, and whether updates are included. Our software therefore not only meets the requirements of the European Court of Justice (Case C-128/11), but also complies with the conditions established by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH).
Shop conveniently online, or let us advise you in person
At Software ReUse, you can conveniently purchase your Windows Server 2016 key in our online store. We offer all standard payment methods, and you’ll receive your product key by mail once payment is received.
Do you need different licenses or would you like personalized advice for other reasons? No problem! Just give us a call or send us a message using the contact form.
We’ve also answered many of your questions in our FAQ section on the used software market.
Mag. Stefan Tauchhammer, MBA
, Managing Director of Software ReUse
Media Coverage of Software ReUse
