Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Add-on

Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Add-on – additional cores for your server

With the Datacenter Add-on you extend an existing licence of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter by additional processor cores. You choose between 2, 4 and 16 cores here. This lets you license servers with more cores than the base licence covers.

The add-on is an extension and requires a base licence, for example Windows Server 2016 Datacenter.

What you need the add-on for

• Fully licensing servers with more than 16 cores
• Upgrading when a processor with more cores is installed
• Unlimited VMs even on hosts with many cores
• Flexible packages for exactly the missing number of cores
• Same edition as your base licence

Who is Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Add-on for?

• companies with powerful servers
• IT service providers expanding servers
• data centres with multiprocessor systems
• administrators who must prove correct licensing

How core licensing works

Since Windows Server 2016, licensing has been based on processor cores. All physical cores of a server must be covered, with at least 8 cores per processor and at least 16 cores per server. A licence with 16 cores therefore covers a typical server with one or two processors and up to 16 cores in total. If the server has more cores, cover the missing ones with an add-on licence or choose the 24-core variant.

Example: how to calculate your requirement

A server with two processors of 12 cores each has 24 physical cores. With a base licence for 16 cores, 8 cores are still missing – you cover these with two add-ons of 4 cores each or four add-ons of 2 cores each. With Datacenter you may then run an unlimited number of virtual machines on the host.

Add-on or base licence?

You will find more licences in the category Windows Server 2016.

What Windows Server 2016 offers

• Windows containers and Docker support
• Nano Server as a particularly lean installation option
• Shielded virtual machines (Datacenter)
• Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica (Datacenter)
• Hyper-V with nested virtualisation

Typical scenarios

• New server with two processors and more than 16 cores
• Upgrading a server with more powerful processors
• Extending a Standard environment with additional virtual machines
• Correct licensing before a software audit

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.

System requirements

• Processor: 64-bit processor, 1.4 GHz or faster
• Memory: 512 MB (Server Core), 2 GB for Desktop Experience
• Hard disk: at least 32 GB
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet adapter
• Other features: TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot for certain security features

Installation and activation

1. Document the add-on licence together with your base licence (keep the proof of licence).
2. If required, use the key supplied to activate additional instances.
3. Compare the licensed number of cores of your server with the number of physical cores.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the add-on without a base licence?

No. The add-on extends an existing licence of the same version and edition.

How many cores do I need?

Count all physical cores of your server. If the number exceeds the base licence, cover the difference with add-ons.

Are CALs included?

No. Order client access licences separately under Windows Server 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.

Do I need additional licences for Remote Desktop?

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

Delivery, invoice and support

• Delivery by e-mail: you will usually receive the licence key or proof of licence and explanations of core licensing 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.