What is microsoft recommendation for licensing a linked clone virtual machine

Question

https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Fusion/13/com.vmware.fusion.using.doc/GUID-96D07E71-FF5D-4E82-A5BD-0B15586432E4.html

VMware provides linked clone. Since linked clone share virtual disk , no hardware change is detected,

Does it need seperate retail key or can It use same retail key as parent if parent virtual machine is turned off.

Answer 1

Hi @ArchanaPillai-2307

Can you confirm if you are using Azure VMware solution https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-vmware/introduction ?
Also are you talking about the windows licensing for AVS VMs? If yes, the licensing requirements for linked clones in Azure VMware Solution (AVS) are the same as for any other VMware environment. If the operating system installed on the virtual machine is licensed per virtual machine, then you will need a separate retail key for each linked clone. However, if the operating system is licensed per physical machine, then you can use the same retail key for the parent virtual machine and all linked clones.

It's important to note that licensing requirements can vary depending on the specific operating system and licensing agreement. I would recommend checking the licensing agreement for the operating system you are using to determine the specific licensing requirements for linked clones in AVS.
Refer to

For available license types, see License types.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-vmware/license-sql-windows-in-avs#license-the-host-physical-cores-by-using-unlimited-virtualization-rights

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-vmware/license-sql-windows-in-avs#license-a-virtual-machine-based-on-virtual-cores

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-vmware/license-sql-windows-in-avs#windows-server

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-vmware/sql-server-hybrid-benefit

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