Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard

Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard – for older applications

Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard is a 64-bit server with Active Directory, file and print services, Hyper-V and Remote Desktop Services. The licence allows one physical and one virtual instance.

The most important features

• Active Directory with Recycle Bin for deleted objects
• Hyper-V with live migration
• Remote Desktop Services (with RDS CALs)
• BranchCache and DirectAccess
• PowerShell 2.0

Who is Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard for?

• older specialist applications
• Test and training environments
• isolated special systems

What Windows Server 2008 R2 is used for today

Windows Server 2008 R2 is mainly needed for older specialist applications that do not run on newer servers, as well as for test and training environments. It is best to run such servers isolated in the internal network. For new installations we recommend Windows Server 2025 Standard.

Editions compared

You will find more licences in the category Windows Server 2008 R2.

Don’t forget client access licences (CALs)

Every user or device that accesses the server needs a client access licence (CAL). For Remote Desktop sessions, RDS CALs are also required. You will find the right licences under Windows Server CAL and Remote Desktop Services CAL.

Typical scenarios

• Continuing to run industry software on new hardware
• Virtualising an old physical server
• Test and training environments
• Isolated special systems without internet access

Proof of licence and planning

Keep your invoice and licence documents safe – in a software audit they prove that your server is correctly licensed. Also document how many physical cores your servers have and which virtual machines run on them. If you are unsure which licences you need for your environment, we will be happy to advise you before you buy.

Virtualising older servers

If a proven application still runs on an old physical server, moving it to a virtual machine on current hardware is often worthwhile. The operating system and application remain unchanged, but the hardware becomes faster, more economical and more reliable. With the right licence, this step is properly covered. Back up the virtual machine regularly so that you can restore it quickly in an emergency.

System requirements

• Processor: 64-bit processor, 1.4 GHz or faster
• Memory: 512 MB, 2 GB or more recommended
• Hard disk: at least 32 GB
• Network: Ethernet adapter

Installation and activation

1. Download the installation file (ISO) via the link in our email.
2. Create a bootable USB stick or mount the ISO in the hypervisor or via the server’s remote management.
3. Choose the edition (with or without Desktop Experience) and install Windows Server.
4. Activate with the product key supplied and set up roles such as Active Directory, file server or Hyper-V.

Frequently asked questions

Are CALs included?

No. You will find client access licences under Windows Server 2008 CAL.

How is the server activated?

With the product key you receive by email after purchase. Our support team will help with any questions about activation.

Will I receive an invoice?

Yes, you receive a proper invoice with VAT shown for every order, with your company address on request.

May I run the server virtually?

Yes. The licence applies to the physical host; depending on the edition, you may run virtual Windows Server instances on it.

Do I need additional licences for Remote Desktop?

Yes. For Remote Desktop sessions you need RDS CALs in addition to the Windows Server CALs.

Does Windows Server 2008 R2 run in a virtual machine?

Yes, Windows Server 2008 R2 can be run as a guest under Hyper-V and other common hypervisors.

Delivery, invoice and support

• Delivery by e-mail: you will usually receive the product key, download link and installation guide within 5 to 30 minutes of payment (daily 09:00–21:00 CET). More under Shipping & payment.
• Invoice: every order comes with a proper invoice, with your company address on request.
• Origin of the licence: we source our licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe. We explain exactly how this works on the page Buying legal software.
• Support: if you have questions about installation or activation, we help by e-mail (Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00 CET), phone (Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 CET), live chat or remote support with TeamViewer.

Our goodwill promise

If the server version or edition you ordered is ever no longer available, we will supply the next higher version or edition with the same number of cores at no extra charge. You never pay more than the price at which you ordered.