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Hyper-V Windows Desktop Licensing

JimCC 0 Reputation points
2025-02-17T12:13:19.58+00:00

When using Hyper-V on a desktop version of Windows, for example Windows 10 or 11 as the primary (root) partition, how does the licensing of Windows child partitions work?

I can't find clear guidance of this on the Microsoft website.

If your Microsoft 365 license includes software assurance, can have has many child partitions / virtual machines as you like running desktop versions of Windows (i.e. Windows 7 / 10 etc..)?
But any Windows Server VMs will need a separate license?

Thanks in advance for any support offered!

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  1. Ian Xue - MSFT 39,626 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2025-02-19T01:04:16.82+00:00

    Hi JimCC,

    Thanks for posting in Microsoft Q&A. Yes you need additional licenses for Windows running on Hyper-V VMs on the Windows 10/11 host.

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue

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