Windows Server

Windows Server licenses for businesses

This category offers licenses for the Microsoft server operating system, from 2012 R2 up to the latest Windows Server 2025, together with Remote Desktop Services access licenses (RDS CALs). Delivery is digital: your activation key arrives by email right after payment, ready to use on a physical server or a virtual machine.

Standard, Datacenter or Essentials?

• Standard: the most common choice for small and medium businesses. It covers the physical server and allows up to two Windows Server virtual machines under the same license.
• Datacenter: for heavily virtualised environments. It allows unlimited Windows Server virtual machines on the licensed server and adds advanced storage and networking features.
• Essentials: a simpler edition for very small businesses, limited to 25 users and 50 devices, with no separate user access licenses required.

What 16 and 24 cores mean

Since Windows Server 2016, the Standard and Datacenter editions are licensed per processor core. The 16-Core licenses cover a base server with up to 16 physical cores, which is also the minimum Microsoft requires. If your server has more cores, choose the 24-Core license or combine licenses so that every core is covered.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS CALs)

If your users connect to the server through Remote Desktop to work in shared applications, each connection needs an RDS CAL. There are two types:

• User CAL: per person. The same person can connect from a desktop, a laptop or a tablet with one license. Ideal when staff work from several devices.
• Device CAL: per device. Several users share the same computer, for example in shifts or at shared workstations.

We offer packs for 1, 5 and 50 users or devices. The RDS CAL version must match your server version or be newer.

Which version to choose

For a new installation we recommend Windows Server 2025 or 2022, which have the longest remaining support and security update window from Microsoft. Versions 2019, 2016 and 2012 R2 make sense when you need to match existing infrastructure or an application certified only for a specific version. The installation language of each license is stated in the title or on the product page.

Delivery and activation

1. Complete your order and receive the key by email.
2. Install the server from an official Microsoft ISO image.
3. Enter the key during setup or later in the activation settings. RDS CALs are activated through RD Licensing Manager.

If a license needs restocking, it is delivered automatically within 3 business days. For the workstations on your network, see our Windows 11 Pro licenses.

Frequently asked questions

Does the license work on VMware or Hyper-V?

Yes. Windows Server activates normally inside a virtual machine. The number of virtual machines allowed depends on the edition, as described above.

Do I need RDS CALs just to administer the server?

No. Administrators can connect for maintenance without RDS CALs. The licenses are needed when users work in applications on the server day to day.

Can I get an invoice for my company?

Yes. Enter your company details when you complete your order.