Windows Server – Enterprise-Grade OS for Business Infrastructure

Get genuine Windows Server licenses for running your business network, applications, and services. From file sharing and Active Directory to virtualization and SQL Server hosting – Windows Server provides the foundation for reliable, secure IT infrastructure. Standard and Datacenter editions available for Server 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022.

Windows Server Versions Available

Windows Server 2022 – Latest release with advanced security, hybrid cloud integration, and improved performance Windows Server 2019 – Proven stability, broad hardware support, hybrid Azure features Windows Server 2016 – Mature platform for environments requiring specific compatibility Windows Server 2012 R2 – Legacy support for older applications (extended support ends October 2023)

All licenses are genuine Microsoft keys delivered instantly via email. Standard and Datacenter editions available for each version.

Standard vs Datacenter – Which Do You Need?

Windows Server Standard includes:

• Up to 2 virtual machines (VMs) per license
• File and print services, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP
• Remote Desktop Services (with separate RDS CALs)
• Storage Spaces, Storage Replica (limited)
• Hyper-V virtualization

Windows Server Datacenter adds:

• Unlimited virtual machines on the licensed server
• Shielded Virtual Machines for enhanced security
• Storage Spaces Direct for software-defined storage
• Network Controller for software-defined networking
• Storage Replica (unlimited)

Quick decision: Standard for physical deployments or minimal virtualization (1-2 VMs). Datacenter for heavy virtualization (3+ VMs) or software-defined datacenter infrastructure.

Common Windows Server Use Cases

File & Print Services: Centralized document storage, shared printers, access control Active Directory: User authentication, group policies, centralized device management Application Hosting: Line-of-business apps, databases (SQL Server), web services (IIS) Virtualization: Running multiple server workloads on a single physical machine Remote Desktop Services: Terminal server for remote workers and thin clients Backup & Storage: Centralized backup, file versioning, disaster recovery

Understanding CAL Requirements

Every user or device accessing Windows Server needs a CAL (Client Access License) in addition to the server license itself.

Example: You buy Windows Server 2022 Standard + 25 User CALs = 1 server + 25 employees can access it

CALs are sold separately. See our Server & Client Licenses category for User CALs, Device CALs, and RDS CALs.

Windows Server 2022 vs 2019 vs 2016

Choose Windows Server 2022 for:

• New deployments starting in 2024-2025
• Latest security features (Secured-core, SMB compression)
• Best Azure hybrid integration
• Support until 2031 (Mainstream: 2026, Extended: 2031)

Choose Windows Server 2019 for:

• Broad hardware compatibility
• Applications certified specifically for 2019
• Support until 2029 (Mainstream: 2024, Extended: 2029)

Choose Windows Server 2016 for:

• Legacy application requirements
• Support until 2027 (Mainstream ended 2022, Extended: 2027)

Avoid Server 2012 R2 unless absolutely required – extended support ends October 2023, and Extended Security Updates cost extra.

System Requirements (Server 2022)

Minimum specs:

• Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit, compatible with x64 instruction set
• RAM: 512 MB (2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience)
• Storage: 32 GB minimum
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet adapter

Recommended for production:

• Processor: 3.1 GHz or faster, multi-core
• RAM: 16 GB or more (depends on workload)
• Storage: 100+ GB SSD for OS, separate storage for data
• RAID controller for redundancy

Common Questions

Do I need Windows Server or will Windows 11 Pro work? Windows 11 Pro supports up to 20 concurrent connections. If you need more users, centralized management, Active Directory, or server-specific features like Storage Spaces – you need Windows Server.

How many cores do I need to license? Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 use core-based licensing. Minimum 16 cores per server (8 cores per processor). Count your physical cores and license accordingly.

Can I run Windows Server in a VM? Yes. You still need to license it based on the physical host's cores. Standard edition includes rights for 2 VMs; Datacenter allows unlimited VMs on that host.

What's the difference between Retail and OEM Server licenses? OEM ties to the first server hardware. Retail can transfer to replacement hardware. Both are permanent licenses.

Do CALs expire? No. CALs are permanent, but must match or exceed your Server version. Example: 2019 CALs work on Server 2019 and 2022, but 2016 CALs don't work on Server 2019.

Can I downgrade to an older version? Yes. Windows Server licenses include downgrade rights. Buy Server 2022, run Server 2019 if needed for compatibility.

All Windows Server licenses are genuine Microsoft keys with activation guarantee. Need help calculating core count, choosing between Standard and Datacenter, or determining how many CALs you need? Contact us for licensing guidance.