Hey everyone! I'm currently using Windows Server 2025 Datacenter on my hypervisor and I'm in the process of upgrading three virtual machines from Server 2016 Datacenter to 2025. I wanted to check if I can reuse the Datacenter license from my host server for those three VMs. Also, regarding Client Access Licenses (CALs), I've only purchased them for my domain controller. Are these CALs interchangeable with other servers in the domain, or do I need to buy separate CALs for each server? Honestly, licensing can be really confusing!
2 Answers
Yes, you can definitely use the 2025 licensing on your VMs! Just keep in mind that you will need CALs for each user or device accessing those servers.
You're correct; the Datacenter license allows for unlimited VMs. If you're using per-user licensing, you need one user CAL for every user who accesses any Windows servers, regardless of how many servers there are.
Just to clarify, that means if a user relies on any Windows services, they need their own CAL.