Technical Reference: Microsoft Windows Server Per-Core Licensing
In 2016, Microsoft has changed the Windows Server licensing model from server licenses (Server 2008) to processor licenses (Server 2012) to core licenses (Server 2016). To make things a little easier, we’ve created a licensing calculator:
Microsoft Windows Server Per-Core Licensing Calculator
https://www.jacksontechnical.com/licensing/calculator.cfm
Datacenter edition still offers unlimited Hyper-V Virtual Machines (VMs), and Standard edition includes VMs with the base licensing of the host machine, with additional Core licenses needed for VMs over 2.
Some highlights of the changes:
- Each physical core in the server needs to be licensed. That means you can skip counting hyper-threaded virtual cores.
- Each physical processor needs to be licensed with a minimum of 8 cores. So 4 core and 6 core chips still need 8.
- Each physical server is required to be licensed with a minimum of 16 cores. This sets the minimum cost for Server Standard Edition.
- Core licenses are sold in 2-packs. So with the minimum 16 cores, you’ll buy 8 2-pack Core licenses. Need 24 cores, you’ll buy 12 2-pack bundles.
Here’s some articles with decent explanations and examples:
https://www.mirazon.com/windows-server-licensing-changes-in-2016-core-based-licenses/
https://www.mirazon.com/windows-server-2016-licensing-cores-versions-and-virtual-machines/
https://www.altaro.com/hyper-v-backup/webinars/demystifying-windows-server-2016-licensing.php
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First published on 10/15/2017
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Last modified on 10/15/2017
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