Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, Lifetime License

Windows Server 2019 Datacenter: for virtualisation infrastructure

The Datacenter edition of Windows Server 2019 is for servers hosting many virtual machines. With every core on the host licensed, you can run unlimited Windows Server virtual machines. The installation is in English.

What it adds over Standard

• Unlimited Windows Server virtual machines.
• Storage Spaces Direct for hyper-converged storage in a cluster.
• Storage Replica without limits, for disaster recovery to a second site.
• Software-Defined Networking and Shielded VMs, which in 2019 also support Linux.
• Cluster Sets for grouping several clusters into one.

Who it is for

Businesses and providers that already run Hyper-V on 2019 and are adding a new host, or applications certified for 2019. It pays off when you run more than roughly 10 Windows Server virtual machines on the same server.

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 2019 continue until January 2029. For new infrastructure meant to run for many years, consider Windows Server 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.