Windows Server 2022 Standard core add-on
- Key delivered by email right after payment
- Download link and activation guide included
- Secure checkout · digital product, nothing shipped
A Windows Server 2022 Standard core add-on licence adds core licences to a server that already has a Windows Server 2022 Standard licence. Use it when the server has more physical cores than your existing licence covers. You choose how many cores to add at checkout. You get the key by email after payment, with download and activation instructions.
- Number of cores selectable at checkout
- For servers with more physical cores than the base licence covers
- Must match the version and edition of your base licence (2022 Standard)
- Licensing all cores a second time adds rights for 2 more VMs
- Digital delivery: nothing is shipped
What is a core add-on licence, and when do I need one?
A core add-on licence covers extra physical cores on a server that already meets the 16-core minimum. Microsoft's terms require every physical core to be licensed, so a server with 24 cores needs 24 core licences, not just the base 16.
An add-on doesn't create a new server licence; it extends the one you have. Use it with the same Windows Server version and edition as your base licence.
| Physical cores in server | Base licence | Add-on cores needed |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 16 cores | 0 |
| 20 | 16 cores | 4 |
| 24 | 16 cores | 8 |
| 32 | 16 cores | 16 |
| 48 | 16 cores | 32 |
What do you need before buying a Windows Server 2022 Standard core add-on?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base licence | A Windows Server 2022 Standard licence covering at least 16 cores |
| Same edition | Use Standard add-ons with a Standard base licence; all cores on a server must be licensed for the same edition |
| Physical core count | The total number of cores across all processors in the server |
| CALs | Core licences don't include CALs; users and devices still need Windows Server 2022 CALs |
Hardware requirements are the same as for Windows Server 2022 itself; the add-on doesn't change them.
Mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 is scheduled to end on 13 October 2026. Microsoft continues to provide security updates under extended support until 14 October 2031, but no new features. Windows Server 2025 is supported for longer.
How do core add-ons affect virtual machine rights on Standard?
With Standard, you get two VMs only when every physical core is licensed. If an add-on brings the server to full coverage, the two-VM right applies; licensing all cores a second time adds two more.
| Standard | Datacenter | |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual machines per licensed host | 2 | Unlimited |
| Hyper-V | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Spaces Direct | No | Yes |
| Software-defined networking (Network Controller) | No | Yes |
| Host Guardian Hyper-V support (shielded VMs) | No | Yes |
| Best for | Small offices, single servers, up to 2 VMs | Heavily virtualised hosts and clusters |
How do I use a Windows Server 2022 Standard core add-on licence?
Windows Server isn't activated per core. The server is activated once with its product key, and your core licences set how many cores you're licensed for. Keep the add-on key and order email with your licence records.
- Check the server's total physical cores in Task Manager (Performance → CPU) or with
Get-CimInstance Win32_Processorin PowerShell. - Confirm your base licence is Windows Server 2022 Standard and note how many cores it covers.
- Subtract the base licence from the total to find how many add-on cores you need.
- Follow the instructions in your order email, and file the add-on key with your base licence.
A common mistake we see is counting threads instead of cores. A 24-core processor with hyper-threading shows 48 logical processors, but needs only 24 core licences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a core add-on without a base licence?
No. An add-on extends an existing Windows Server 2022 Standard licence that already covers the 16-core minimum. On its own, it doesn't license a server. If you're starting from scratch, get a full Windows Server 2022 Standard licence first, then add cores as needed.
How many add-on cores should I choose?
Subtract the cores your current licence covers from the total physical cores in the server. For example, a 28-core server with a 16-core licence needs 12 more. Choose that number at checkout, or the next available option above it.
Can I mix Standard and Datacenter core licences on one server?
No. All cores in a server must be licensed with the same edition. To move from Standard to Datacenter, license every core with Datacenter; Windows Server can then be converted in place with DISM, without reinstalling.
Do I need more CALs when I add cores?
No. CALs are counted per user or device, not per core, so adding cores doesn't change how many you need. Every user or device accessing the server still needs a Windows Server 2022 CAL, unless one of Microsoft's exceptions applies.
See all Windows Server 2022 licences, or browse all Windows Server products.
