Buy Windows Server 2016 – Standard & Datacenter available instantly

Windows Server 2016 is one of the most proven and widely deployed Windows Server versions of all time. In many companies, data centres and IT departments, Windows Server 2016 is still in everyday production use today – stable, proven and fully integrated into existing IT infrastructures. At Lizenzindustrie you get Windows Server 2016 as a verified licence – by email and well below the former list price. You will find all other versions in our Windows Server overview.

Who is Windows Server 2016 still the right choice for today?

Demand for Windows Server 2016 licences today comes almost exclusively from professional environments – and there are good reasons for that.

Many companies run IT infrastructures in which server software has to run reliably for years, and upgrading to a newer version is not possible in the short term for technical, financial or organisational reasons. Business applications, ERP systems and specialist industry software certified for Windows Server 2016 run reliably on this platform – an upgrade would require recertification and extensive testing.

In addition, there are IT departments that need Windows Server 2016 licences to expand existing infrastructures – for example for new servers that are to be joined to an existing Windows Server 2016 domain. In these cases, a Windows Server 2016 licence is the logical and compatible choice.

And finally, there are companies that deliberately rely on a well-tested, stable version and see no need to switch to a newer one – because Windows Server 2016 does everything they need day to day.

What did Windows Server 2016 introduce?

When it was released, Windows Server 2016 was a significant step forward and introduced features that have had a lasting impact on enterprise IT.

Nano Server – an extremely lean Windows Server installation for containers and cloud workloads – was introduced for the first time in Windows Server 2016. Docker container support for Windows became officially available with Windows Server 2016, laying the foundation for container-based application architectures on Windows servers. Shielded VMs protect virtual machines from access by administrators of the host server – an important feature for multi-tenant environments and service providers. Storage Spaces Direct also arrived with Windows Server 2016, making it possible to build highly available, software-defined storage solutions from standard hardware.

Windows Server 2016 editions at a glance

• Windows Server 2016 Standard
  The edition for physical servers with little or no virtualisation and for environments with up to two virtual machines per licence. Standard includes the full Windows Server 2016 feature set – Active Directory, Hyper-V, IIS, file server services and container support. For companies in existing Windows Server 2016 environments that need replacement or expansion licences, Standard is the right choice.
• Windows Server 2016 Datacenter
  The edition for highly virtualised data centre environments with an unlimited number of VMs on the licensed physical host. Datacenter adds Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded VMs and Software Defined Networking to Standard. For existing Datacenter infrastructures that need replacement or expansion licences.

Would you rather upgrade to a newer version?

If your IT infrastructure allows an upgrade and there are no compelling reasons to stay on Windows Server 2016, it is worth looking at more recent versions:

• Windows Server 2019 – Improved Hyper-V features, Windows Defender ATP and extended container support.
• Windows Server 2022 – Modern security architecture with Secured-core server and improved Azure hybrid integration; the proven alternative to the latest version.
• Windows Server 2025 – The latest generation with all current features and our recommendation for new installations.

Not sure which version is right for your infrastructure? Get in touch – we will help you free of charge.

System requirements for Windows Server 2016

• Processor: 64-bit processor with at least 1.4 GHz
• Memory: At least 512 MB RAM (2 GB recommended for Server with Desktop Experience)
• Storage: At least 32 GB of free space on the system drive
• Network: At least one Ethernet adapter with 1 Gbit/s throughput
• Firmware: UEFI and Secure Boot recommended

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

Whether you need a replacement licence for a failed host or want to expand an existing 2016 domain: choose Standard or Datacenter, add the licence to your basket and complete your purchase – the licence key is sent to you automatically by email. No physical shipping. Activation takes place directly via the official Microsoft servers.

• ✔ Delivery by email – licence key usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
• ✔ Verified licences – can be activated via the official Microsoft servers
• ✔ Low prices – well below the former list price
• ✔ Standard & Datacenter – both editions available
• ✔ Perpetual use – buy once, no subscription
• ✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
• ✔ Fast support – for licensing questions, our Support and Service team will help you quickly

Questions about the right edition or version? Contact us – we will advise you directly and free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about Windows Server 2016

When is Windows Server 2016 the right choice?

Whenever an existing environment is built on Windows Server 2016 – for example because specialist applications are tailored to this version or additional servers need to fit into the existing infrastructure. For new installations, we recommend Windows Server 2025 or the proven Windows Server 2022.

What is the difference between Windows Server 2016 Standard and Datacenter?

Windows Server 2016 Standard allows you to run up to two VMs per licence. Datacenter allows an unlimited number of VMs on the fully licensed physical host – plus Storage Spaces Direct and Shielded VMs. For highly virtualised environments, Datacenter is the more cost-effective choice.

Do I need CALs in addition to the Windows Server 2016 licence?

Yes. Every user or device that accesses Windows Server 2016 services also needs a Windows Server 2016 CAL or newer. Newer CAL versions may also be used for older server versions. For remote access via Remote Desktop, you will additionally need RDS CALs.

Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2022?

Yes. Microsoft supports in-place upgrades from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2022. For production environments, we recommend a thorough testing phase before upgrading.

How quickly will I receive my licence key?

Usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received – the key for your Windows Server 2016 edition is sent by email. Activation via Microsoft usually takes just a few minutes.