{"title":"Windows Server 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eWindows Server 2025 is Microsoft's newest server release, with hotpatching, improved Active Directory and stronger security defaults. Choose Standard for physical or lightly virtualised servers and Datacenter for unlimited virtualisation. Looking for an earlier release? Browse all \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/collections\/windows-server\"\u003eWindows Server keys\u003c\/a\u003e. Every key is delivered instantly by email and backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime replacement warranty.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"windows-server-2025-standard","title":"Windows Server 2025 Standard","description":"\u003cul class=\"product-highlights\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLicence type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Retail product key, one server\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore coverage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16 cores included (8 per processor minimum)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVirtualisation rights:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 operating system environments or Hyper-V containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCALs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sold separately — user or device CALs required per client\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Key emailed after payment clears, no physical media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat is Windows Server 2025 Standard?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard is Microsoft's general-purpose server operating system for businesses running physical or lightly virtualised workloads. It became generally available in November 2024 and is licensed per physical core, with a 16-core minimum per server, and includes rights to run two operating system environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt suits file servers, domain controllers, print services, line-of-business applications, and small Hyper-V hosts. If you plan to run more than two virtual machines on one host, Datacenter is the cheaper licence per VM.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey features of Windows Server 2025 Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHotpatching support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply most security updates to a running server without a reboot. Requires the server to be connected to Azure Arc and enrolled in the hotpatching subscription.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive Directory improvements:\u003c\/strong\u003e New domain and forest functional levels, a 32K database page size on new domain controllers, and NUMA support that lets AD use CPUs beyond processor group 0.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSMB hardening:\u003c\/strong\u003e SMB over QUIC in Standard edition, mandatory signing by default, and rate limiting on authentication attempts to slow brute-force attacks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTLS 1.3 for LDAPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Directory traffic can use the current TLS version rather than falling back to older suites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage Spaces Direct and ReFS improvements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Faster provisioning and better performance on NVMe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHyper-V with GPU partitioning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Split a physical GPU across multiple virtual machines for AI and graphics workloads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDelegated Managed Service Accounts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Replaces older service accounts with credentials that rotate automatically.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow this licence activates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a retail product key. You install Windows Server 2025 Standard from Microsoft's own ISO, then enter the key during setup or afterwards under Settings, and it validates against Microsoft's activation servers over the internet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key binds to the installation, not to a Microsoft account. That matters when hardware changes: replacing a motherboard or migrating to different physical hardware is a new installation from the licensing point of view, and the key may need to be reactivated. If reactivation fails, contact our support team. Keep your key and order reference somewhere retrievable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf activation returns an error, the most common cause is an edition mismatch — a Standard key entered on a Datacenter installation will be rejected even though both are valid. Check the edition you installed before assuming the key is at fault.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eClient Access Licences\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe server licence covers the server. Every user or device that connects to it also needs a Client Access Licence, purchased separately. Choose user CALs when people connect from several devices each, and device CALs when several people share one machine, such as a shift-based workstation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemote Desktop Services needs its own CALs on top of the standard ones. If you are setting up an RDS host, you will need \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/device-cal-for-windows-server-2022-remote-desktop-services-rds\"\u003eRDS Device CALs\u003c\/a\u003e as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStandard vs Datacenter vs Essentials\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e \u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEssentials\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStandard\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDatacenter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLicensing model\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePer server\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePer core, 16 minimum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePer core, 16 minimum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVirtual machines included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnlimited\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCALs required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage Spaces Direct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftware-defined networking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBest for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnder 25 users, single server\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhysical or 1–2 VM workloads\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDense virtualisation, private cloud\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe break-even is roughly four to six virtual machines. Below that, stacking Standard licences is cheaper; above it, \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2025-datacenter\"\u003eWindows Server 2025 Datacenter\u003c\/a\u003e costs less per VM and unlocks Storage Spaces Direct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many cores does one licence cover?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne licence covers 16 physical cores, with a minimum of 8 cores per processor. A server with more than 16 cores needs additional core packs to reach its total physical core count. Core counts are based on physical cores, not logical threads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I run virtual machines with Standard edition?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Standard includes rights for two operating system environments, meaning two virtual machines plus the Hyper-V host itself if the host runs nothing else. Additional pairs of VMs require additional Standard licences on the same server.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need Client Access Licences as well?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The server licence permits the operating system to run; CALs permit clients to connect to it. Each user or device accessing the server needs one, and Remote Desktop Services requires separate RDS CALs on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I downgrade to Server 2022 or 2019?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDowngrade rights depend on the licence programme the key was issued under and are not automatic on every retail purchase. If you specifically need an older version, buy \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2022-standard\"\u003eWindows Server 2022 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2019-standard\"\u003eWindows Server 2019 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e directly rather than relying on downgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere do I download the installation media?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDownload the ISO from Microsoft's Evaluation Center or your volume licensing portal, then activate it with the key supplied here. We do not host installation files.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2025-datacenter\"\u003eWindows Server 2025 Datacenter\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2022-standard\"\u003eWindows Server 2022 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2019-standard\"\u003eWindows Server 2019 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/device-cal-for-windows-server-2022-remote-desktop-services-rds\"\u003eRDS Device CALs for Windows Server 2022\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-2019-server-rds-cal-50\"\u003eWindows Server 2019 RDS CAL 50-Pack\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/microsoft-sql-server-2025-standard\"\u003eSQL Server 2025 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOrder your Windows Server 2025 Standard licence key today and receive it by email, with activation support included if you need it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MS Software Swap","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45701156274311,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/9943\/7191\/files\/server-2022-standard-2.png?v=1787927901"},{"product_id":"microsoft-windows-server-2025-datacenter","title":"Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicrosoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter\u003c\/strong\u003e is the edition built for heavily virtualised hosts and private clouds. It gives you unlimited virtual machines on the licensed server, plus Storage Spaces Direct, software-defined networking and shielded VMs. Buy a genuine \u003cstrong\u003eWindows Server 2025 Datacenter license key\u003c\/strong\u003e and activate the newest Long-Term Servicing Channel release, supported by Microsoft into 2034.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Does Datacenter Add Over Standard?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnlimited virtual machines\u003c\/strong\u003e — run as many Windows Server VMs and Hyper-V containers as the host can handle. Standard covers only two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage Spaces Direct\u003c\/strong\u003e — build hyperconverged clusters from local disks, with no SAN required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoftware-defined networking\u003c\/strong\u003e — Network Controller, virtual networks and software load balancing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShielded VMs and Host Guardian Service\u003c\/strong\u003e — protect VMs from compromised or rogue host admins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnrestricted Storage Replica\u003c\/strong\u003e — Standard is limited to one partnership and a single volume of up to 2 TB.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's New in Windows Server 2025\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHotpatching\u003c\/strong\u003e through Azure Arc, so most security updates install without a reboot (a paid Azure Arc subscription).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive Directory upgrades\u003c\/strong\u003e — new functional levels, a 32K database page size and delegated Managed Service Accounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSMB security\u003c\/strong\u003e — signing required by default, SMB over QUIC and brute-force rate limiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGPU partitioning in Hyper-V\u003c\/strong\u003e — share one physical GPU across several VMs, including live migration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNVMe storage performance\u003c\/strong\u003e improvements across Storage Spaces Direct and ReFS.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDatacenter or Standard? The VM Break-Even\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWorkload\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest edition\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhysical server, or up to 2 VMs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2025-standard\"\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoughly 4–6 VMs or more on one host\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDatacenter (cheaper per VM)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHyperconverged cluster (Storage Spaces Direct)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDatacenter only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShielded VMs, SDN, private cloud\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDatacenter only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003eMicrosoft's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows-server\/get-started\/editions-comparison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eofficial editions comparison\u003c\/a\u003e lists every feature difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLicensing and Support Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLicensing model:\u003c\/strong\u003e per physical core, with a minimum of 16 cores per server and 8 per processor. Servers with more cores need additional core licences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLicence type:\u003c\/strong\u003e one-time purchase, no subscription.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupport:\u003c\/strong\u003e mainstream support until November 13, 2029 and security updates until November 14, 2034, according to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learn.microsoft.com\/en-us\/lifecycle\/products\/windows-server-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMicrosoft's lifecycle page\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Install and Activate\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownload the Windows Server 2025 ISO from the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/evalcenter\/evaluate-windows-server-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMicrosoft Evaluation Center\u003c\/a\u003e and install the \u003cstrong\u003eDesktop Experience\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eServer Core\u003c\/strong\u003e option.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvaluation installs must be converted before a retail key will activate. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run: \u003ccode\u003eDISM \/Online \/Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter \/ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX \/AcceptEula\u003c\/code\u003e, then restart when prompted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the server is already a full (non-evaluation) installation, enter the key under \u003cstrong\u003eSettings → System → Activation\u003c\/strong\u003e or run \u003ccode\u003eslmgr \/ipk\u003c\/code\u003e followed by \u003ccode\u003eslmgr \/ato\u003c\/code\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivation is online, so make sure the server is connected to the internet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e an evaluation edition that has already been promoted to a domain controller can't be converted with DISM. Convert first, then promote, or demote it before converting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDo You Need Client Access Licences?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The server licence lets you run Windows Server; every user or device that connects to it also needs a Windows Server CAL. If people will use Remote Desktop to run apps or desktops on the server, each user or device additionally needs an RDS CAL, such as our \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/device-cal-for-windows-server-2022-remote-desktop-services-rds\"\u003eRDS Device CALs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From MicrosoftSoftwareSwap?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30-day money-back guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — if the key does not work for you, request a refund within 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifetime replacement warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e — if an activated key ever stops working, we replace it free of charge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstant email delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e — key and activation instructions by email, usually within minutes, plus an invoice for your records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree 24\/7 support\u003c\/strong\u003e by email and Discord, including activation and edition conversion help.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWindows Server 2025 Datacenter FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes one licence really cover unlimited VMs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, on the physical server whose cores are fully licensed. If a VM moves to another host, that host must also be licensed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow many cores does the licence cover?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWindows Server is licensed per physical core, with a 16-core minimum per server. Count physical cores, not threads, and license every core in the server.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I use a Datacenter key on a Standard installation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, if you convert the edition with DISM first. Entering a Datacenter key directly on a Standard install returns an edition-mismatch error.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs Datacenter: Azure Edition the same product?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Azure Edition runs only on Azure or Azure Local and is licensed differently. This key is for regular Windows Server 2025 Datacenter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eNeed a database server too?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePair Datacenter with \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/microsoft-sql-server-2025-standard\"\u003eSQL Server 2025 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e for business databases running on your VMs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrder your \u003cstrong\u003eWindows Server 2025 Datacenter key\u003c\/strong\u003e today and build your virtualisation host on Microsoft's newest server platform.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Microsoft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45701156569223,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/9943\/7191\/files\/server-2022-standard-3.png?v=1787927909"},{"product_id":"windows-server-2025-standard-retail","title":"Windows Server 2025 Standard Retail Key","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard Retail Key\u003c\/strong\u003e licenses Microsoft's newest general-purpose server operating system for file servers, domain controllers, application servers and small Hyper-V hosts. It includes rights to run two virtual machines on the licensed server. It's a one-time purchase, delivered by email with step-by-step activation instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Windows Server 2025 Standard Is Best For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDomain controllers\u003c\/strong\u003e taking advantage of the new Active Directory functional levels and delegated Managed Service Accounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFile and print servers\u003c\/strong\u003e with SMB signing by default and SMB over QUIC for secure remote access without a VPN.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLine-of-business apps\u003c\/strong\u003e and small SQL Server workloads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall Hyper-V hosts\u003c\/strong\u003e running up to two Windows Server VMs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Facts at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItem\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEdition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVirtualisation rights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 VMs (OSEs) per fully licensed server\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLicensing basis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePer physical core, 16-core minimum per server\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDelivery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct key and instructions by email\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMainstream support until\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNovember 13, 2029\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecurity updates until\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNovember 14, 2034\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStandard vs Datacenter\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStandard covers two VMs. Planning four to six or more VMs on one host, or Storage Spaces Direct? \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2025-datacenter-retail-keys\"\u003eWindows Server 2025 Datacenter\u003c\/a\u003e is the better value. Our in-depth \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/windows-server-2025-standard\"\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers every new feature and the full edition comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Install and Activate\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownload the Windows Server 2025 ISO from the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/evalcenter\/evaluate-windows-server-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMicrosoft Evaluation Center\u003c\/a\u003e and install the \u003cstrong\u003eDesktop Experience\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eServer Core\u003c\/strong\u003e option.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvaluation installs must be converted before a retail key will activate. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run: \u003ccode\u003eDISM \/Online \/Set-Edition:ServerStandard \/ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX \/AcceptEula\u003c\/code\u003e, then restart when prompted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the server is already a full (non-evaluation) installation, enter the key under \u003cstrong\u003eSettings → System → Activation\u003c\/strong\u003e or run \u003ccode\u003eslmgr \/ipk\u003c\/code\u003e followed by \u003ccode\u003eslmgr \/ato\u003c\/code\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivation is online, so make sure the server is connected to the internet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e an evaluation edition that has already been promoted to a domain controller can't be converted with DISM. Convert first, then promote, or demote it before converting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDo You Need Client Access Licences?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The server licence lets you run Windows Server; every user or device that connects to it also needs a Windows Server CAL. If people will use Remote Desktop to run apps or desktops on the server, each user or device additionally needs an RDS CAL, such as our \u003ca href=\"\/pt\/products\/device-cal-for-windows-server-2022-remote-desktop-services-rds\"\u003eRDS Device CALs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From MicrosoftSoftwareSwap?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30-day money-back guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — if the key does not work for you, request a refund within 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifetime replacement warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e — if an activated key ever stops working, we replace it free of charge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstant email delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e — key and activation instructions by email, usually within minutes, plus an invoice for your records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree 24\/7 support\u003c\/strong\u003e by email and Discord, including activation and edition conversion help.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard Retail FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I run more than two VMs with Standard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, by licensing all the server's cores again with another Standard licence, which adds two more VMs. For many VMs, Datacenter is cheaper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I upgrade my Server 2022 in place?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Windows Server 2025 supports in-place upgrades from Windows Server 2012 R2 and later. Take a full backup first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes it work on Server Core?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The same key activates both Server Core and Desktop Experience installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat if my server has more than 16 cores?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery physical core must be licensed. Servers with more than 16 cores need additional core licences.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs hotpatching included?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWindows Server 2025 supports hotpatching, but it requires connecting the server to Azure Arc and a separate paid hotpatch subscription.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrder your \u003cstrong\u003eWindows Server 2025 Standard retail key\u003c\/strong\u003e today — delivered by email with full activation support.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Microsoft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45701174624391,"sku":"14121","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/9943\/7191\/files\/server-2022-standard-2_366cb8c7-4f17-43a0-984f-5f24e0604130.png?v=1787928336"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/9943\/7191\/collections\/server-2022-standard-3_c734ef8d-0c30-4abd-9f38-bf6e0ce33770.png?v=1791719100","url":"https:\/\/microsoftsoftwareswap.com\/pt\/collections\/windows-server-2025.oembed","provider":"MicrosoftSoftware Swap","version":"1.0","type":"link"}