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How to calculate the required Windows Server Standard licenses for a physical server with multiple VMs?

Nguyễn Minh Nhựt 0 Reputation points
2025-07-23T01:31:37.33+00:00

Dear Microsoft Support,

We are planning to deploy 9 virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server, and we need clarification on the proper way to license Windows Server Standard.

Physical Host Information:

  • Number of CPUs: 2 physical CPUs
  • Cores per CPU: 32
  • Total physical cores: 64

Virtual Machines Plan:

| VM | Role | OS Version | Assigned Cores |

|----|-------------------|-----------------------------|------------|

| 1 | HTTP Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 4 |

| 2 | HTTP Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 4 |

| 3 | App Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 8 |

| 4 | App Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 8 |

| 5 | DB Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 16 |

| 6 | DB Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 16 |

| 7 | HTTP Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 4 |

| 8 | App Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 4 |

| 9 | DB Server | Windows Server 2016+ | 8 |

Questions:

  1. How many Windows Server Standard licenses do we need to be compliant, assuming all 9 VMs will be running simultaneously on a single physical host?
  2. We understand that:
    • 1 Standard license covers 16 cores and includes rights for 2 VMs
    • Additional VMs require re-licensing all cores per 2 additional VMs
    Is this correct for our 64-core physical host?
  3. Do we need to license 64 cores once and then repeat it multiple times based on VM count?
  4. Is there any difference in licensing for the SQL Server instances inside VMs?
  5. Can we use 2-core packs to top up or must we use 16-core licenses only?

We want to ensure we comply fully with Microsoft licensing terms. Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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  1. Adharsh Santhanam 6,510 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-07-23T08:29:04.9633333+00:00

    Hello Nguyễn Minh Nhựt, thanks for your questions. Here are the specific responses to those.

    1. You need to license 64 cores five times to cover 9 VMs, which is equivalent to 320 core licenses. This equates to 20 Standard (16-core) license packs in total for one host. This is because as per the licensing terms, you need to license all the physical cores on the VM which gives you access to 2 VMs. For any additional up-to-2 VMs, you license all the 64 cores again. So, in your case, since you want to put 9 VMs, you need to license to the closest 2 VM multiple which is 10, which means you have to license your physical server cores 5 times (320 cores).
    2. Your understanding is correct.
    3. Yes, your need to initially license the 64 cores of the host which will give you access to 2 VMs, followed by 4 more times to cover for the remaining 7 VMs
    4. Yes, Windows Server Standard licenses do not include SQL Server. SQL must be licensed separately. If those DB Server VMs run SQL Server, you need SQL Server licenses for them – either per-core (with a 4 core min per VM) or server+CAL (if using Standard edition and CALs). There is a difference in that SQL Enterprise (with SA) offers an unlimited virtualization licensing option on the host, whereas Windows Server Standard does not – but that pertains to SQL licensing only. The key point is each SQL VM needs coverage under SQL’s licensing terms, in addition to the Windows OS licensing.
    5. You can either use 2-core pack or 16-core pack. It doesn't matter as long as you have all the cores licensed.

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members.

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