Windows Server 2016 Essentials

Windows Server 2016 Essentials – the server for small businesses

Windows Server 2016 Essentials is intended for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. The big advantage: no additional client access licences (CALs) are required – which noticeably reduces costs for small teams.

The Essentials Dashboard combines user management, client backup and Remote Web Access in a simple interface – ideal for businesses without their own IT department.

The most important features

• Up to 25 users and 50 devices without additional CALs
• Active Directory for central sign-in and permissions
• File and print server with shares
• Licensed for up to 2 processors
• One physical or virtual instance

Who is Windows Server 2016 Essentials for?

• trade businesses and small offices
• medical practices and law firms with few workstations
• clubs and education providers
• start-ups with their own server

New in Windows Server 2016

• 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

Essentials or Standard?

Up to 25 users, Essentials is usually the cheaper choice because no CALs are needed. If the team grows beyond that, or if you need virtual machines and Remote Desktop servers, switch to Windows Server 2016 Standard.

Editions compared

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

Typical scenarios

• Central file storage for a small team
• Sign-in of all PCs via Active Directory
• Shared printers and scanners in the office
• Server for industry software in a practice or law firm

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.

Backups in a small office

Your own server is only as good as its backup. Use the built-in Windows Server Backup to set up a daily backup to an external hard drive or a NAS, and keep a second copy off site. Test regularly whether individual files can be restored. That way, customer data, invoices and documents are quickly available again even after a hardware failure.

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. 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

Do I need CALs?

No. Essentials is licensed for up to 25 users and 50 devices without additional client access licences.

Can I use Remote Desktop sessions?

Essentials is not intended as a terminal server. For Remote Desktop environments, choose Windows Server Standard with RDS CALs.

How many processors are supported?

The licence applies to up to 2 processors.

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.

What happens if we grow beyond 25 users?

Then you switch to Windows Server Standard and purchase the appropriate CALs.

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.