Welcome to Dell OEM Windows Server Licensing
Dell Technologies collaborates extensively with Microsoft to ensure the consistent, reliable performance of Microsoft Windows Server operating systems running on PowerEdge servers.
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Understanding Dell OEM Licenses
OEM licenses are typically sold bundled with hardware and come with specific usage limitations. When you purchase a server from Dell and choose Windows Server as your operating system, the Dell OEM license for Windows Server will be attached to the server chassis. It's important to note that this license can be used both as a host operating system and as a virtual machine on a hypervisor. However, it must always be utilised in a server chassis with the OEM license attached.
Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label
If you've acquired a server with the license, you'll find a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label directly attached to the server chassis. This label contains the essential product key required for license activation. Regardless of whether you plan to use this license on the host operating system or as a virtual machine on a hypervisor, the product key from the COA label should be used.
Starting from Windows Server 2012, the product key portion of the COA label is covered with a scratch-off coating. Customers need to gently scratch it off using a coin. Please exercise caution during this process to avoid damaging the label. In case the label becomes damaged, take a clear picture of it and contact Insight support for assistance.
Use in Virtual Machine
Dell OEM licenses for Windows Server can be used to run Windows Server as a virtual machine on a hypervisor, as per the virtual instance execution rights defined by Microsoft. Generally, Datacenter licenses come with unlimited virtual instance execution rights, while Standard licenses allow for up to 2 virtual instances.
The number of virtual instance execution rights available is based on the version you purchased. For example, if you purchase Datacenter edition but choose to use it as Standard, you can utilise unlimited virtual instance execution rights. Even if you use a hypervisor such as ESXi, the Dell OEM license remains valid as long as Windows Server runs as a virtual machine on it within the chassis.