{"product_id":"microsoft-windows-server-2016-standard-retail-5-pc","title":"Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Standard Retail [5 PC]","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWindows Server 2016 Standard: The Mainstream 2016 Server Platform With the New Core\/CAL Model\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-standard-retail-5-pc\"\u003eMicrosoft Windows Server 2016 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e is the mainstream edition of Microsoft's 2016 server platform and the edition that most small and mid-size organizations reach for when they need the modern \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2019-standard-mak-volume-100-pc\"\u003eWindows Server 2019 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e feature set with the limited two-virtual-instance right of Standard. The 2016 release is the first to ship with the Core\/CAL licensing model that replaced the Processor + CAL model of the 2012 and 2008 R2 platforms, and the first to ship with the modern Hyper-V, Storage Spaces, and Active Directory features that defined the modern \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2019-standard-retail-2-pc\"\u003eWindows Server\u003c\/a\u003e platform. Your key is delivered to your account dashboard within seconds of payment clearing, ready to paste into the activation dialog on a clean or upgraded install. If the key fails to activate for any reason within 7 days, you get a one-to-one replacement key or a full refund — your choice, no questions asked. Activate on a clean install or upgrade in place, and bring your datacenter services online within minutes. 🖥️⚙️\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Included and How Activation Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen your order is confirmed, you receive a 25-character \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-standard-retail-2-pc\"\u003eWindows Server 2016 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e product key delivered to your account dashboard and your order email. The key is a genuine, unused Microsoft activation key for the Standard edition, and it is licensed under the Core\/CAL model. Each physical core on the licensed host requires a Standard license, with a minimum of 8 core licenses per processor and 16 core licenses per server. The 5PC license covers five physical cores; additional 2PC and 16PC packs can be added to reach the required core count. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2019-standard-retail-5-pc\"\u003eWindows Server 2019 Standard\u003c\/a\u003e CAL is required for each user or device that accesses the server. The license is perpetual: it is valid for the lifetime of the server hardware, and you can reinstall and reactivate the same hardware after a clean rebuild without losing the license.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard activation flow takes about ten minutes on a server with internet access:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstall \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-datacenter-retail-2-pc\"\u003eWindows Server 2016\u003c\/a\u003e Standard from official Microsoft media or a clean ISO.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSign in to the server with administrator rights.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen the \u003cstrong\u003eSystem Properties\u003c\/strong\u003e panel or the \u003cstrong\u003eSettings → System → Activation\u003c\/strong\u003e page and choose \u003cstrong\u003eChange product key\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnter the 25-character key from your order email and confirm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWait for the activation server to confirm the license, then configure server roles and features as required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor air-gapped servers, activation can be completed by phone through the Microsoft Activation Center. Because Standard is licensed by physical core, the server's core count determines the number of Standard licenses required. Downgrading to an earlier Windows Server release is not included with this retail key.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features and Capabilities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to two Hyper-V virtual machines per license.\u003c\/strong\u003e Run one Windows Server instance in the physical OSE plus up to two instances in virtual OSEs. Additional Standard licenses can be assigned to the same host to expand the number of virtual instances; each additional license adds up to two more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHyper-V with nested virtualization.\u003c\/strong\u003e Run Hyper-V inside a Hyper-V virtual machine for test and development scenarios. Standard supports nested virtualization, which is a useful feature for developers and test environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShielded Virtual Machines.\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard supports Shielded VMs in conjunction with the Host Guardian Service, but Datacenter is required to run a guarded fabric. Shielded VMs are the right answer for protecting production virtual machines against tampering and unauthorized access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage Spaces Direct (with caveats).\u003c\/strong\u003e Storage Spaces Direct is a Datacenter feature, but Standard supports clustered storage with shared SAS storage enclosures. The full Storage Spaces Direct feature set with local storage is the right answer for Datacenter deployments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActive Directory with Privileged Access Management.\u003c\/strong\u003e Active Directory Domain Services with the Privileged Access Management feature for time-bound and just-in-time administrative access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainers with Hyper-V isolation.\u003c\/strong\u003e Run Windows Server containers with Hyper-V isolation for hardened multi-tenant container deployments. Standard includes Windows Server containers without Hyper-V isolation in unlimited quantity, with up to two Hyper-V isolated containers per host.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModern management tools.\u003c\/strong\u003e PowerShell 5.1, the Server with Desktop Experience installation option, and the modern management tools that the 2016 line ships with. Nano Server is also available as a stand-alone installation option for 2016 only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge-system scale.\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 512 physical cores and 24 TB of physical memory per server, which at the time of release was the maximum supported by any Windows Server edition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore\/CAL licensing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Each physical core on the licensed host requires a Standard license, with a minimum of 8 core licenses per processor and 16 core licenses per server. Core licenses are sold in 2-pack and 16-pack units. The 5PC license covers five physical cores.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e64-bit only.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-essentials-retail-2-pc\"\u003eWindows Server 2016 Essentials\u003c\/a\u003e is a 64-bit-only release. The 32-bit edition was discontinued with the 2008 R2 release.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Edition Is For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-essentials-retail-5-pc\"\u003eWindows Server 2016 Essentials\u003c\/a\u003e Standard is the right edition for small and mid-size server deployments that need the mainstream Windows Server feature set with the limited two-virtual-instance right of Standard. The personas below describe the most common buyers of the Standard license.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall and mid-size business file and print servers.\u003c\/strong\u003e A Standard server with a 24 TB memory ceiling and 512-core footprint is the typical file, print, and identity server for a small office with up to a few hundred users.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightly virtualized hosts.\u003c\/strong\u003e A server that hosts up to two virtual machines is the typical use case for Standard. The two-virtual-instance right is the typical amount of consolidation for a small environment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBranch-office servers.\u003c\/strong\u003e A Standard server at a branch office is the right edition for branch identity, file synchronization with DFS-R, and small-scale print and DHCP services.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDevelopers and test environments.\u003c\/strong\u003e A Standard server with up to two Hyper-V virtual machines is a practical choice for a development or test environment, especially when the production target is the same edition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSystem Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-rds-device-cal-50-cal\"\u003eWindows Server 2016 RDS Device CAL\u003c\/a\u003e is a 64-bit-only release. The minimum hardware baseline is modest for a server operating system of this era, but production deployments should follow Microsoft's \u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-rds-user-cal-50-cal\"\u003eWindows Server 2016 RDS User CAL\u003c\/a\u003e certification program for guaranteed compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProcessor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.4 GHz 64-bit (x64), with NX and DEP support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMulti-core 64-bit server CPU at 2 GHz or higher\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhysical cores\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum 1 core; Core\/CAL licensing requires a 16-core minimum per server\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 to 16 cores for typical Standard hosts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRAM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 GB for Server with Desktop Experience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 GB or more for production hosts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32 GB system partition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSSD or NVMe with 100 GB or more free\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNetwork\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGigabit Ethernet adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGigabit Ethernet for production hosts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirmware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUEFI with Secure Boot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUEFI with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 for Host Guardian Service\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum supported scale\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32-bit not supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 24 TB RAM and 512 physical cores\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicrosoft's Windows Server Catalog is the authoritative list of hardware certified for Windows Server 2016. For production Standard deployments, certified server hardware from major OEMs is strongly recommended; non-certified hardware may not receive driver updates and may not support all of the modern features such as Storage Spaces Direct and the Host Guardian Service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eActivation and Licensing Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour Windows Server 2016 Standard digital license is a perpetual, one-server license tied to the physical server hardware on which it is first activated. A few details worth knowing up front:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore\/CAL model.\u003c\/strong\u003e Each physical core on the licensed host requires a Standard license. A minimum of 8 core licenses is required per physical processor, and a minimum of 16 core licenses is required per server, even if the server has fewer physical cores. The 5PC license covers five physical cores; combine as needed to reach the 16-core minimum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCALs are required for users and devices.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every user or device that accesses the server requires a Windows Server CAL. CALs are sold separately in User or Device form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to two virtual instances per host.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Standard license entitles the host to run one physical instance and up to two virtual instances of Windows Server. If you need more than two virtual instances, Datacenter is the right edition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume Licensing downgrade rights are not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e This retail key activates the 2016 edition only. For downgrade rights to earlier Windows Server releases, a Microsoft Volume Licensing agreement is the right path.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReinstalls are supported on the same hardware.\u003c\/strong\u003e Format the storage, replace failed disks, or rebuild the server from scratch: reactivate using the same product key on the same hardware. The activation server re-recognizes the entitlement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicrosoft support timeline.\u003c\/strong\u003e Windows Server 2016 mainstream support ended on January 11, 2022. Extended support continues through January 12, 2027, with security updates only. Plan a migration to a current Windows Server version before extended support ends.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGet Started With Windows Server 2016 Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuying a Windows Server 2016 Standard digital license is the simplest way to put a fully activated, mainstream server platform on a physical server. Once the order is confirmed, the key is in your inbox, the activation steps are above, and the server is ready to host file, print, and identity services in one short session. If you have any questions about whether Standard is the right edition for your hardware, your workload, or your licensing model, our support team is on hand before and after the purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMicrosoft Windows Server 2016 Standard Alternatives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree credible alternatives cover most server workloads depending on your requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLinux Server (Ubuntu LTS or RHEL)\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree or low-cost, runs most modern web, container, and database workloads, and is widely supported by cloud providers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWindows Server on Azure \/ AWS \/ GCP\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eManaged cloud versions of Windows Server with pay-as-you-go licensing. Removes the need for an on-premises licence key.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWindows Server LTSC container images\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMicrosoft-published container images for development and CI\/CD scenarios. Free for development but require a licence for production use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to choose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stay on Windows Server if you run Active Directory, SQL Server, Exchange, or .NET Framework line-of-business apps. Move to Linux server for new web and container workloads. Move to cloud-managed Windows Server to remove licence management overhead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between Standard and Datacenter?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandard is licensed by physical core and entitles the host to run one physical instance and up to two virtual instances of Windows Server, with up to 512 cores and 24 TB of memory. Datacenter is also licensed by physical core and entitles the host to one physical and an unlimited number of virtual instances, with the same 512-core and 24 TB memory ceiling and the modern storage and networking features that are unique to Datacenter. For most small and mid-size deployments, Standard is the right edition. For heavily virtualized hosts with more than two virtual machines per host, Datacenter is the right choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow many core licenses do I need for a two-processor server?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Core\/CAL model requires one license per physical core, with a minimum of 8 core licenses per physical processor and 16 core licenses per server. A typical 2-socket, 8-core-per-socket server has 16 physical cores and requires 16 core licenses, which is the same as the 16-core minimum. The 5PC license covers five physical cores; additional 2PC or 16PC packs can be combined to reach the 16-core minimum or the actual core count of a larger host.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDo I need a CAL for every user that opens a file on the server?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A Windows Server CAL is required for every user or device that accesses server services such as file services, print services, or Active Directory authentication. The user-or-device choice is yours: User CALs are the more cost-effective model when one user connects from many devices; Device CALs are the more cost-effective model when many users share a small number of devices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I run Linux virtual machines on the same Standard host?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Hyper-V in Windows Server 2016 supports Linux guest operating systems, including SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu, and others. Linux virtual machines on Hyper-V do not require a Windows Server license for the guest, but the host still needs a Windows Server Standard license for the up-to-two virtual instance right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes this include SQL Server or Exchange Server?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Windows Server 2016 Standard is the server operating system only. SQL Server, Exchange Server, and other Microsoft server products are sold and licensed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow long does delivery take?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe product key is delivered to your account dashboard and order confirmation email immediately after payment is confirmed, typically within seconds. The installation and activation flow on the target server takes about ten minutes on a modern server with a broadband connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n","brand":"Microsoft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59850923049041,"sku":"MS-151-MICROSOFT-WINDOWS-SERVER-2016-STANDARD-R","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1059\/0191\/6241\/files\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-standard-retail-5-pc.webp?v=1784725672","url":"https:\/\/dotkeys.net\/products\/microsoft-windows-server-2016-standard-retail-5-pc","provider":"DotKeys","version":"1.0","type":"link"}