Windows Server: Original Licenses for IT Infrastructures and Businesses

Complete guide to Windows Server: versions, editions and comparison

Buy Original Windows Server with Perpetual License

Windows Server is the Microsoft operating system for servers, the heart of millions of IT infrastructures worldwide. From centralized user management via Active Directory, to network file sharing, from IIS web services to virtualization with Hyper-V, Windows Server is the most reliable and widespread platform for managing corporate IT environments. On Licensel.com you'll find original Windows Server licenses in versions 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016, in Standard, Datacenter and Essentials editions, with fast product key delivery via email.

Every license is authentic, never used and activatable directly through Microsoft servers. We do not sell modified, trial or incomplete versions: only original keys with guaranteed activation and free after-sales support via Live Chat and email.

Available Windows Server Products

Windows Server Standard → The Versatile Choice for SMEs and IT Professionals

Windows Server Standard is the most popular edition in the catalog, designed for small and medium-sized environments that need complete server functionality without the high costs of the Datacenter edition. It includes:

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) → centralized management of users, computers and security policies
• DNS and DHCP Server → fundamental network services for any corporate infrastructure
• File and Storage Services → file sharing and storage management with DFS, FSRM and Storage Replica
• Hyper-V → native virtualization to run up to 2 virtual machines per license
• Internet Information Services (IIS) → web server for hosting corporate applications and websites
• Windows Server Backup → integrated backup and recovery solution
• Failover Clustering → high availability for critical applications

Available in versions 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016. The 2022 version introduces Azure Arc support, TLS 1.3 security improvements by default and advanced networking features.

Windows Server Datacenter → For High-Density Virtualization Environments

Windows Server Datacenter is the premium version, designed for enterprise environments with high virtualization demands. The main difference from Standard: while Standard authorizes only 2 virtual machines per license, Datacenter authorizes an unlimited number of virtual machines on the same physical host.

Ideal for:

• Private data centers and hybrid clouds
• Hosting providers and cloud service resellers
• Large organizations with dozens or hundreds of VMs per physical host
• Environments with Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) for hyperconverged infrastructure
• Shielded Virtual Machines for advanced VM security

Available in versions 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016.

Windows Server Essentials → Complete Solution for Small Businesses

Windows Server Essentials is the entry-level version, specifically designed for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices. It offers a simplified experience with an intuitive management dashboard that allows even non-technical staff to manage basic server functions.

Main features:

• Centralized dashboard for user, device and backup management
• Integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure
• File server with secure document and folder sharing
• Automatic backup of client computers
• Remote web access via Remote Web Access
• Active Directory integration (in DC mode)

Does not include the Hyper-V role for virtualization and does not support more than 25 simultaneous users. For larger environments, we recommend Windows Server Standard. Available in versions 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) → Remote Access for Multiple Users

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licenses allow multiple users to simultaneously access a Windows Server via Remote Desktop, each with their own isolated session. They are essential in scenarios where multiple employees need to work on centralized applications installed on the server (accounting, ERP, CRM, etc.) accessing from client PCs, thin clients or mobile devices.

RDS licenses are CAL (Client Access License): each user or device connecting to the server via Remote Desktop needs an RDS CAL. On Licensel you'll find:

• Server RDS 2025 (50 CAL) → pack of 50 user/device licenses for Server 2025
• Server RDS 2022 (50 CAL) → pack of 50 licenses for Server 2022
• Server RDS 2019 (50 CAL) → pack of 50 licenses for Server 2019
• Bundle RDS 2022 + Standard 2022 → complete combination of server license and RDS CALs, the most cost-effective solution for those implementing a server with Remote Desktop from scratch

Comparison Between Windows Server Versions

For new installations, we always recommend Windows Server 2025 (or 2022) to maximize the support lifecycle and benefit from the latest security and performance features.

Which Version to Choose for Your Scenario

Choosing the right version and edition depends on your specific scenario:

• Small business (1-25 users) → Windows Server Essentials 2019: simplified dashboard, integrated backup, no additional CALs needed
• SME with file server and Active Directory → Windows Server Standard 2025 or 2022: complete features, long-term support, up to 2 VMs
• Enterprise with heavy virtualization → Windows Server Datacenter 2019: unlimited VMs, Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded VMs
• Office with multi-user remote access → Bundle RDS 2022 + Standard 2022: server + 50 Remote Desktop CALs in a single purchase
• Legacy environment to maintain → Windows Server 2016 Standard: stable, established, extended support until 2027

Licensel: Microsoft Certified Partner

Licensel is a Microsoft Certified Partner, which means we operate as authorized resellers of Microsoft software licenses. This certification guarantees our customers that every product purchased is authentic, sourced from official Microsoft channels, and that our team holds certified technical expertise to provide qualified assistance with activation and product use. Choosing a Microsoft Certified Partner means relying on a recognized and guaranteed reseller.

Why Buy Windows Server from Licensel

• Original and certified licenses → every product key is authentic and guarantees official Microsoft activation.
• Competitive prices → significant savings compared to traditional channels.
• Fast delivery → receive your product key via email within minutes.
• Complete catalog → Standard, Datacenter, Essentials and RDS in versions 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016.
• Always free support → our team is available via Live Chat and email for activation and configuration support.

How to Buy and Activate Windows Server

Select the Windows Server version and edition → add to cart → complete payment with card, Google Pay, Klarna, Amazon Pay and more → receive the product key via email within minutes → install Windows Server from Microsoft ISO media → enter the product key during or after installation → activate online. Perpetual license: no renewal, no expiration.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Server

What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter?

The features are identical. The difference lies in virtualization rights: Standard authorizes the execution of 2 virtual machines per physical server license, while Datacenter authorizes an unlimited number of VMs on the same physical host. If you run more than 2 VMs on a single physical server, Datacenter is more cost-effective. For 1-2 VMs, Standard is the right choice.

Do I need additional CALs besides the server license?

Yes. The Windows Server license (Standard, Datacenter or Essentials) covers the right to run the operating system on the physical server, but not the right of access by users. For each user or device accessing the server (via file sharing, Active Directory, Remote Desktop, etc.) a Client Access License (CAL) is required. The RDS CAL licenses we sell specifically cover Remote Desktop access. For file sharing and AD, Windows Server CALs are needed, which you can request through our team.

How many users can connect simultaneously via RDS?

The number of simultaneous connections via Remote Desktop Services is determined by the number of RDS CALs purchased. With the 50 CAL pack, up to 50 users or devices can connect simultaneously to the server. For higher needs, contact our team via Live Chat for custom solutions with additional CAL packs.

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

Yes, it is possible to perform an in-place upgrade from Windows Server 2016 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2022. The direct upgrade from 2016 to 2022 skips a version and may not be supported: it is recommended to first upgrade to 2019 and then to 2022, or opt for a clean new installation. In both cases, a new license for the target version must be purchased.

Does Windows Server 2022 support ARM processors?

No. Windows Server 2022 (and previous versions) is available exclusively for x86-64 architecture (64-bit Intel/AMD). There is no ARM version of Windows Server for physical servers. However, Microsoft Azure offers Windows Server instances on ARM infrastructure (Ampere) in the cloud.

Can Windows Server Essentials be used as a Domain Controller?

Yes. Windows Server Essentials can be configured as a Domain Controller, but with limitations: it supports a maximum of 25 users and 50 devices in the domain, cannot be used as a second DC in an existing domain (it must be the primary DC), and does not support Server Core mode. For environments with more than 25 users or that need multiple Domain Controllers, Windows Server Standard or Datacenter is required.

What is the difference between RDS 2019, 2022 and 2025?

RDS licenses are backward compatible with corresponding and subsequent server versions. RDS 2019 works with Server 2019, RDS 2022 with Server 2022, and RDS 2025 with Server 2025. Newer versions offer improvements in performance and security of remote sessions. Choose the RDS version corresponding to your Windows Server version.

What do I receive after purchase?

You receive via email the product key, detailed activation instructions and the link to the official Microsoft download. Delivery takes place within minutes of purchase. Our team is available via Live Chat and email for free activation support.