Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard & Datacenter
Windows Server 2025 is Microsoft's current server operating system. According to Microsoft, Standard is intended for physical or minimally virtualised environments, Datacenter for highly virtualised data centres and cloud environments. Both editions are licensed per core and require Windows Server CALs for every accessing user or device.
According to Microsoft, all physical cores must be licensed, with a minimum of 8 core licences per processor and 16 per server. Standard grants rights to two operating system environments, Datacenter to any number. Features such as Storage Spaces Direct and Network Controller are reserved for Datacenter. We work with you to determine the licence requirements for your servers and virtualisation.
We are happy to advise you on the right licensing and prepare an individual quotation.
Key facts according to Microsoft
- Per-core licensing, all physical cores
- Minimum of 8 core licences per processor and 16 per server
- Windows Server CAL required for every accessing user or device
- Standard: two virtual machines plus one Hyper-V host per licence
- Datacenter: unlimited virtual machines plus one Hyper-V host per licence
- Mainstream support until 14 Nov 2029, extended support until 15 Nov 2034
Areas of use
- Domain controllers, file and print servers
- Virtualisation with Hyper-V
- Remote Desktop Services
Models and key specifications
| Feature | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing model | per core, CAL required | per core, CAL required |
| Operating system environments (OSE) | 2 | unlimited |
| Hyper-V containers | up to 2 | unlimited |
| Storage Replica | 1 partnership, 1 volume up to 2 TB | unlimited |
| Storage Spaces Direct | no | yes |
| Network Controller | no | yes |
| Host Guardian Hyper-V Support | no | yes |
According to Microsoft, the list price refers to 16 core licences. According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2025 Essentials is intended for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices and is available from OEMs only.
Source of information: Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2025 ·Microsoft: Windows Server 2025 pricing ·Microsoft Licensing: Windows Server 2025 ·Microsoft Learn: Comparison of Windows Server editions
Enquiry
Request a licence quote
Tell us the product, quantity and intended use. We advise you on the appropriate licensing and prepare an individual quote.
We are happy to advise you on project and volume enquiries.
- Non-binding request
- Individual quote based on your requirements
- Consulting, implementation and operation from a single source