Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, Lifetime License

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter: unlimited virtual machines

The Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2016 introduced many technologies now considered standard in data centres. It allows unlimited Windows Server virtual machines on the licensed server and suits businesses with existing Hyper-V clusters on 2016.

What it includes

• Unlimited Windows Server virtual machines.
• Storage Spaces Direct: highly available storage using local drives.
• Storage Replica for syncing data between servers or sites.
• Shielded Virtual Machines and Host Guardian Service.
• Software-Defined Networking with Network Controller.

Who it is for

Businesses extending existing Windows Server 2016 Datacenter infrastructure that want the same version on every host, or applications supported only on it.

Per-core licensing

The Standard and Datacenter editions are licensed per physical processor core, with a minimum of 8 cores per processor and 16 cores per server. The base 16-core license covers most small and medium business servers. If your server has more physical cores, additional licenses are needed to cover them all. If you are unsure, ask us before you buy.

Support

Security updates for Windows Server 2016 end in January 2027. For new virtualisation hosts we recommend Windows Server 2022 or 2025 Datacenter.

Installation and activation

1. After payment you receive the product key by email.
2. Install the server from an official Microsoft ISO image, on physical hardware or a virtual machine.
3. Enter the key during setup or later in the activation settings.

If you have already installed the Evaluation edition, convert it to the full version without reinstalling, from an elevated command prompt:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

Under Microsoft terms, each user or device accessing the server also needs a Windows Server access license (CAL), in addition to RDS CALs where Remote Desktop Services are used.