In November 2024, Microsoft finally released the 2025 version of its Windows Server. This new update provided a wide range of features and continues to roll out as we speak. Despite its popularity, however, there are still plenty of users making use of Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition instead.
Whenever Microsoft rolls out an update or new release, there are always teething problems to begin with. That’s to be expected. Naturally, people are hesitant to update right away because of various bugs and glitches. That’s why there are so many people still searching for a Windows Server 2022 key, instead of the latest version.
Windows servers are designed to provide a selection of features and business-oriented benefits. Just some of the key features it provides include:
- Data management
- Data storage
- Seguridad
- Web hosting
- Virtualization
- Server admin
- App support
- And more…
When talking about these essential operating systems, however, you can’t help but also discuss the Windows Server license that allows you to legally operate devices using these servers.
Wondering how different Windows Server licenses work, and what your options are? Don’t worry, all will soon become clear. Here’s a look at the different Windows Server License options explained.
What is a Windows Server License?
Before you even consider things like Windows Server 2022 price and the different plans and packages that are available, we first need to understand about licenses.
Before you can legally drive a car on the road, you need to first get a valid driver’s license. Failing to get one but still driving means you’re breaking the law. With a Windows Server, the same principle applies, though less extreme.
By obtaining a Windows Server license, you can legally run a Windows Server OS (operating system) across either a virtual or a physical server. It also means that you can make use of the various features and resources the server provides.
Basically, a Windows Server license grants you the right to legally operate devices running on these operating systems and make use of the tools and features they provide.
Windows Server Licensing Options
A Windows Server license is based upon what is known as a ‘server core-based model’. This basically means that the license model is decided by the number of v-cores in a virtual setting, or, physical processing cores, instead of the number of devices and/or users accessing it.
When it comes to Windows Server licensing, there are three primary editions of the server available. It’s down to you to determine which to license.
As Windows Server 2022 is still so highly sought after, we’ll use this as our primary example, rather than the Windows Server 2025 version, which is still in its infancy. These three editions consist of:
Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition
For those of you looking for a Windows Server 2022 key to activate and license this specific server, the following should prove useful. This is the standard version of the 2022 Windows Server.
For use in physical settings, as opposed to virtualized settings, this is the most popular licensing option. Here, per physical server, each license must cover at least 16 server cores. That may sound like a lot to some, but in a business sense, it’s not a great deal at all. This makes it the perfect option for startups or small-medium businesses that only have a few essential applications.
For those of you looking for a Windows Server 2022 key to activate and license this specific server, the following should prove useful.
Windows Server Datacenter Edition
Up next, we have a solution that is ideal for those of you looking to operate the servers in a primarily virtual environment.
For scenarios such as cloud setups and data centers requiring specific licensing models, Windows Server Datacenter Edition is ideal. Here, each individual license covers one host, yet allows for unlimited virtual devices and machines.
If your business has a strong online presence and operates predominantly in a virtual setting online, as opposed to physically in person, this is a very useful option to have.
Essentials Edition
And finally, last but certainly not least, we have the Windows Server Essentials Edition.
If you operate a small, physical business, with a max of 50 devices and 25 users, the Essentials Edition would be the best choice for you.
The Essentials Edition is a standard, no-frills, no bells and whistles option which provides all of the necessary tools and features needed by a business. You can benefit from features like data backup, file sharing, print sharing, etc., without getting too tech-oriented.
If your business doesn’t require virtualization, and perhaps only operates an individual dual-core processor server, the Essentials Edition would tick all boxes and cover all bases in an economic manner. Unlike the Datacenter and Standard Edition, this version does not require a CAL (Client Access License), though it still needs licensing through OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) only. A CAL, incidentally, is not the same as a Windows Server License, but we’ll look at that in more detail another day.
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