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Buy Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Standard with core-based licensing for your business server infrastructure. Choose from 16, 32, 64 or 96-core options to support secure server management, centralized storage, network services and Hyper-V virtualization.
Core licenses determine processor-core coverage, not the number of users or devices permitted to access the server. Each physical server must have sufficient licenses assigned to meet Microsoft’s requirements.
Windows Server 2022 Standard is Microsoft’s server operating system for businesses requiring reliable network services, identity management, file storage and limited virtualization.
This edition combines established Windows Server functionality with enhanced security, encrypted connectivity and hybrid cloud management. Its core-based licensing model lets organizations select the license quantity required for their physical server infrastructure.
Run and manage virtual machines using Microsoft Hyper-V. When all physical processor cores are correctly licensed, Standard edition provides rights for up to two Windows Server operating system environments.
The physical host may also run Windows Server solely to host and manage those virtual machines. Additional Windows Server virtualization rights require further licensing.
Windows Server 2022 supports secured-core server technologies designed to protect critical system components against advanced threats.
Compatible hardware enables additional protections, including TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot and virtualization-based security. These capabilities help strengthen server security when properly configured.
Manage shared files, network resources and access permissions through Windows Server services.
Windows Server 2022 supports SMB AES-256 encryption for protected file transfers and includes Active Directory Domain Services for centralized user authentication and policy management.
Connect supported Windows Server 2022 installations to Azure Arc for centralized hybrid server management.
Windows Admin Center also provides browser-based management tools for monitoring and administering Windows Server environments. Some Azure services require separate configuration or charges.
Windows Server 2022 Standard uses Microsoft’s Per Core/CAL licensing model.
For physical-core licensing, Microsoft requires:
Select the 16, 32, 64 or 96-core option that meets your server’s licensing needs.
A fully licensed Standard server provides rights for up to two Windows Server operating system environments. To obtain rights for two additional virtual environments, another complete set of physical-core licenses must be assigned to the server.
Important: The product key’s activation allowance is separate from virtualization licensing rights. Additional virtual machine installations may require separate activation arrangements.
Windows Server CALs are also required for most users or devices accessing the server, subject to Microsoft’s licensing exceptions. Remote Desktop Services access may require additional RDS CALs.
For further information, review Microsoft’s Windows Server licensing guidance.
Before installing Windows Server 2022 Standard, confirm that your server meets Microsoft’s hardware requirements.
Additional hardware requirements may apply depending on the selected server roles and security features.
Windows Server 2022 has entered extended support and is scheduled to receive security updates through October 2031.
Review the official Windows Server hardware requirements before purchasing.
After purchase, you receive a Windows Server 2022 Standard digital product key for the selected core licensing option.
To install and activate your server:
This product provides core-based licensing and a digital activation key. Physical server hardware, Windows Server CALs and licenses for additional physical hosts are not included.
Live-chat assistance is available through the store.
No. Core-based refers to processor-core licensing. Windows Server 2022 Standard supports both Server Core and Desktop Experience installation options.
A core license pack must be assigned according to Microsoft’s licensing rules. Each physical server requires its own sufficient core license coverage. A single 16-core pack cannot be split between servers to satisfy their separate minimum licensing requirements.