Windows Server 2019 Standard vs Datacenter: Which Edition Do You Need?
Windows Server 2019 Standard vs Datacenter usually comes down to how many virtual machines the server will run: Standard covers two Windows Server VMs, while Datacenter covers unlimited VMs. A small office with one server usually fits Standard.
Windows Server 2019 Standard and Windows Server 2019 Datacenter are the same operating system with different licensing rights and a short list of extra Datacenter features. Both run Active Directory, file and print services, DNS, DHCP, Hyper-V, IIS, and Remote Desktop Services. Both are licensed per core, and both need Client Access Licenses (CALs) for the people or devices that use the server.
So the choice usually comes down to one question: how many virtual machines (VMs) will this server run? This guide answers it with Microsoft’s own Windows Server 2019 licensing datasheet, edition comparison, and locks-and-limits tables.
The quick answer
Windows Server 2019 Standard is the edition Microsoft describes as “for physical or minimally virtualized environments.” With all cores licensed, it covers two Windows Server VMs (or two Hyper-V containers).- Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is the edition Microsoft describes as “for highly virtualized datacenters and cloud environments.” With all cores licensed, it covers unlimited Windows Server VMs. It also adds Storage Spaces Direct, Network Controller, and Host Guardian Hyper-V Support (shielded VMs).
A small office with one server running a domain controller, file shares, and maybe a line-of-business app usually fits Standard. A Hyper-V host that consolidates many Windows Server VMs is where Datacenter makes sense.
How Windows Server 2019 is licensed (both editions)
Microsoft’s 2019 licensing datasheet sets the same core rules for Standard and Datacenter:
License every physical core in the server.- At least 8 core licenses per processor.
- At least 16 core licenses per server, even if the server has fewer cores.
- Microsoft sells core licenses in 2-packs and 16-packs.
- CALs are separate. Every user or device that accesses the server needs a Windows Server CAL.
Example: a server with one 8-core processor still needs 16 core licenses. A server with two 12-core processors has 24 physical cores, so it needs 24 core licenses.
Our 16-core listings cover the minimum for servers with up to 16 physical cores. For larger servers, see the Datacenter 24-core option below or request a quote.
The big difference: virtual machine rights
| Windows Server 2019 Standard | Windows Server 2019 Datacenter | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server VMs (OSEs) per fully licensed server | 2 | Unlimited |
| Hyper-V host in the physical install | Yes, if used only to host and manage the VMs | Yes |
| Windows Server containers | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Hyper-V containers | 2 | Unlimited |
| More VMs | License all cores again for every 2 more VMs | Not needed |
Microsoft’s locks-and-limits table describes Standard as “2 virtual machines, plus one Hyper-V host per license,” and Datacenter as “unlimited virtual machines, plus one Hyper-V host per license.”
Stacking Standard licenses
With Standard, you can stack licenses. Microsoft’s datasheet says additional OSEs need additional licenses, and its licensing guidance says that for each two more VMs, all the physical cores have to be licensed again. So a 16-core server running four Windows Server VMs needs two sets of 16 Standard core licenses.
Stacking works well for a few VMs. The more VMs one host runs, the closer you get to the point where Datacenter’s unlimited VMs make more sense. The exact break-even depends on your core count and pricing, so request a quote and we’ll compare both for your server.
Datacenter-only features in Windows Server 2019
Microsoft’s Windows Server 2019 edition comparison shows nearly every role and feature in both editions. Only a few rows differ:
| Feature | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Spaces Direct (software-defined storage across servers) | No | Yes |
| Network Controller (software-defined networking) | No | Yes |
| Host Guardian Hyper-V Support (shielded VMs on the host) | No | Yes |
| Automatic Virtual Machine Activation (AVMA) | Only as a guest on a Datacenter-activated host | Yes |
| Storage Replica | Yes, with limits | Yes |
Storage Replica on Standard: Microsoft says Windows Server 2019 Standard can use Storage Replica with a single volume up to 2 TB. Datacenter has no such limit.
AVMA: Automatic Virtual Machine Activation lets VMs activate through a Hyper-V host activated with Datacenter. That’s handy if you run lots of Windows Server VMs on one Datacenter host.
Same in both editions
Microsoft lists these as the same for Standard and Datacenter in Windows Server 2019:
- Maximum RAM: 24 TB.
- Maximum sockets: 64. Cores: unlimited.
- Users: based on your CALs.
- Roles: Active Directory Domain Services, DNS, DHCP, File and Storage Services, Hyper-V, IIS, Failover Clustering, Remote Desktop Services, Windows Server Update Services, Windows Server Backup, and more.
- Installation options: Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience. Some features, such as Remote Desktop Services and Print Server, need Desktop Experience.
- Hardware minimums: Microsoft lists a 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor, 2 GB of RAM for Server with Desktop Experience, and at least 32 GB of disk space.
Which edition fits your setup?
One physical server, no VMs: Standard
A domain controller, file server, print server, or application server running directly on the hardware is the classic Standard setup.
A Hyper-V host with one or two Windows Server VMs: Standard
Standard covers two Windows Server VMs, plus the physical install as long as it’s used only to host and manage those VMs. For example, one VM as the domain controller and one as the file and application server.
A Hyper-V host with three or four VMs: compare both
You can stack a second set of Standard core licenses to cover four VMs. Datacenter may be simpler if you expect to add more. We can price both options for you.
Many VMs, a cluster, or software-defined storage: Datacenter
If one host runs many Windows Server VMs, or you need Storage Spaces Direct, Network Controller, or shielded VMs, choose Datacenter.
Don’t forget CALs
Both editions need Windows Server CALs for each user or device that accesses the server. Microsoft’s licensing guidance shows that 2019 CALs cover Windows Server 2019, and that newer 2022 and 2025 CALs can also access Windows Server 2019. CALs aren’t required for a physical install that’s used only to host and manage VMs.
Remote desktop access needs RDS CALs on top of the regular CALs. For the details, see our guides to User CAL vs Device CAL and RDS CALs explained.
Windows Server 2019 licenses at Solved IT Services
- Standard: Windows Server 2019 Standard 16 Core, or Windows Server 2019 Standard 16 Core + 10 CALs
- Datacenter: Windows Server 2019 Datacenter 16 Core or Windows Server 2019 Datacenter 24 Core
- CALs: Windows Server 2019 5 User CALs, Windows Server 2022 5 User CALs (also cover 2019), and Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop 5 User CALs
- Browse everything in Windows Server.
Weighing up Windows Server 2019 against 2022? Our Windows Server 2019 vs 2022 guide compares the two versions.
If you choose Windows Server 2022, our Windows Server 2022 Standard vs Datacenter guide explains how the editions compare for that version.
Need extra core licenses for a larger server, or a mix of editions and CALs? Request a quote and we’ll put it together. After you order, follow the installation and activation steps included with your order.
Frequently asked questions
The main difference is virtualization rights. With all physical cores licensed, Standard covers two Windows Server VMs and Datacenter covers unlimited VMs. Datacenter also adds Storage Spaces Direct, Network Controller, and Host Guardian Hyper-V Support. Most other roles and features are the same in both editions.
Two Windows Server VMs (or two Hyper-V containers) per fully licensed server, plus the physical install if it’s used only to host and manage those VMs. For each two more VMs, Microsoft says you license all the physical cores again.
Yes. Hyper-V is included in both Standard and Datacenter. The difference is how many Windows Server VMs the license covers: two for Standard and unlimited for Datacenter.
All physical cores in the server must be licensed, with a minimum of 8 core licenses per processor and 16 per server. A server with 16 or fewer physical cores needs 16 core licenses. A server with 24 physical cores needs 24.
Yes. Both Standard and Datacenter need a Windows Server CAL for each user or device that accesses the server. Remote desktop access also needs RDS CALs. CALs aren’t included with the core licenses unless the product says so.
Yes. Microsoft’s licensing guidance shows that Windows Server 2022 CALs, and 2025 CALs, can access Windows Server 2019. Windows Server 2019 CALs cover Windows Server 2019.
Yes, with limits. Microsoft says Windows Server 2019 Standard supports Storage Replica for a single volume up to 2 TB. Datacenter has no such limit.
Questions about Windows Server 2019?
Not sure which edition, how many cores, or how many CALs you need? Send us your server details and we’ll help.
- Business or volume orders: request a quote.
- Help with an order: email support@solveditservices.com (fastest), or call (447) 223-5297.
- More answers are on our FAQ page.