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Windows Server Keys
Keys for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016, in Standard, Datacenter and Essentials editions, plus Remote Desktop (RDS) CALs. Standard suits physical servers and small virtual setups, Datacenter suits heavily virtualised environments, and Essentials is for small businesses. Every key is delivered instantly by email with activation steps, and our support team helps on live chat and email.
Which Windows Server edition?
| Standard | Datacenter | Essentials | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Physical servers and small virtual setups | Virtualization hosts and clusters | Small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices |
| Server size | Up to 16 cores per key | Up to 16 cores per key | Small servers: up to 2 processors (2022 Essentials: 1 processor, 10 cores) |
| Hyper-V virtual machines | 2 per license | Unlimited | – |
| Client access licenses (CALs) | Required | Required | Not needed |
| Storage Spaces Direct, software-defined networking | No | Yes | No |
How server licensing works
- Cores: each Standard or Datacenter key covers one server with up to 16 physical cores. A server with more cores needs additional licenses.
- Virtual machines: Standard lets you run two Hyper-V virtual machines on the licensed server. Datacenter allows unlimited virtual machines.
- CALs: Standard and Datacenter need a client access license for each user or device that connects to the server. Remote Desktop users also need RDS CALs: we have them for Server 2022, Server 2019 and Server 2016.
Windows Server versions and support dates
| Version | Security updates until |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 | 14 November 2034 |
| Windows Server 2022 | 14 October 2031 |
| Windows Server 2019 | 9 January 2029 |
| Windows Server 2016 | 12 January 2027 |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | Ended 10 October 2023 |
For a new server, choose 2025 or 2022. Older versions are for software that needs them.
How to install and activate Windows Server
- Download the evaluation ISO of your version from the Microsoft Evaluation Center and install the edition you bought.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEulawith your key (useServerDatacenterfor Datacenter). - Restart when asked. The server converts to the full version and activates online, without reinstalling.
Each product page has the exact steps for that version.
About our Windows Server keys
- Retail keys, activated online with Microsoft.
- Genuine licenses, bought as surplus from companies that purchase Microsoft products in large batches.
- Delivered instantly by email and under My Account → Keys, with installation steps.
If a key doesn't work
Contact us within 15 days of your order, on live chat or at support@cheapkeys.io. We'll help you activate it or replace the key, and if no working solution is possible, you get a refund under our refund policy.
Windows Server keys: FAQ
Standard or Datacenter?
Standard if the server runs directly on hardware or hosts up to two virtual machines. Datacenter if you need more virtual machines, Storage Spaces Direct or software-defined networking.
How many cores does one key cover?
Up to 16 physical cores on one server. A server with more cores needs additional licenses.
Can I activate an evaluation installation?
Yes. Convert it with the DISM command above. There's no need to reinstall.
Are CALs included with a server key?
No. CALs are sold separately.
Which version should I buy for a new server?
Windows Server 2025 gets security updates until November 2034 and Server 2022 until October 2031. Older versions are for software that requires them.
Popular server keys
Server 2025 Standard · Server 2025 Datacenter · Server 2022 Standard · Server 2022 Datacenter · Server 2019 Standard