Windows Server 2022 Datacenter

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – unlimited virtualisation

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is the edition for highly virtualised environments. If all cores of the host are licensed, you may run an unlimited number of virtual machines with Windows Server on it.

It also includes features that Standard does not offer, such as Storage Spaces Direct and full Storage Replica. The licence is available here with 16 or 24 cores.

The most important features

• Unlimited virtual machines with Windows Server per licensed host
• Storage Spaces Direct for hyperconverged storage solutions
• Storage Replica for mirroring data between servers
• Shielded VMs and Host Guardian Service
• Software-Defined Networking

Who is Windows Server 2022 Datacenter for?

• companies with many virtual servers
• data centres and hosting providers
• high-availability clusters
• IT service providers with customer environments

New in Windows Server 2022

• Secured-core server with hardware-based protection
• TLS 1.3 enabled by default
• SMB encryption with AES-256
• Improved containers and Hyper-V
• Windows Admin Center for browser-based management

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.

When is Datacenter worthwhile?

As a rule of thumb: if you want to run more than about eight to ten virtual Windows Servers on one host, Datacenter is cheaper than Standard licensed several times over. Datacenter also includes the storage and networking features for clusters.

Editions compared

You will find more licences in the category Windows Server 2022.

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

• Virtualisation host with many servers for different departments
• High-availability cluster with Storage Spaces Direct
• Hosting customer servers at IT service providers
• Test and development environments with many VMs

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. 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

How many virtual machines may I run?

Unlimited Windows Server VMs on the fully licensed host.

What do 16 and 24 cores mean?

The number of processor cores covered. All physical cores must be licensed, at least 16 per server.

Are CALs included?

No. Order client access licences separately.

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.

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.