Using windows license In O365 on Guest VM

Bowling 0

we have O365(include win cal) we need to migrate my notebook to Guest VM. I have any quest.

1.This license can be use in VMware. in case, is it Illegal ?

2.How to activate windows in Guest VM

Mahesh Goud Juvvadi 1,665 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-08T11:34:38.5233333+00:00

Hi Bowling,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A platform.

Based on your question we understand that you want to know how to use windows license In O365 on Guest VM.Using an Office 365 license, which includes Windows Client Access Licenses (CALs), in a VMware environment is generally legal as long as you maintain specific condition with Microsoft's licensing terms.

Windows CALs included with Office 365 are for accessing Windows Server services, not for licensing Windows operating systems on virtual machines. For running Windows on a VM, you need a separate Windows license,

Check the specific licensing agreement for your Windows version. Some licenses allow for virtualization and Office 365 subscription includes Windows Client Access Licenses (CALs), it may provide some rights for use in virtual environments,

Activating Windows in Guest VM

When installing Windows in the guest VM, you will be prompted to enter your product key. Enter the key associated with your Windows license.

If your Windows license is linked to a Microsoft account, you can activate Windows by signing in with that account after installation.

Please find the below document for your reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/automatic-vm-activation?tabs=server2025

If it was helpful, please click "Upvote" on this post to let us know.

Thank You.
Mahesh Goud Juvvadi 1,665 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-09T07:15:01.3533333+00:00

Hello Bowling,

Just checking in to see if you had a chance to see my response to your question. Please tell us if it was helpful and feel free to reach out to us if you have any queries.

If it was helpful, please click "Upvote" on this post to let us know.

Thank You.
Bowling 0 Reputation points

2025-01-09T09:22:24.09+00:00

Thank you for Answer

any question if my notebook activated OEM license.

how to migrate OEM license to VMware ?
Mahesh Goud Juvvadi 1,665 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-09T10:30:25.2366667+00:00

Hello Bowling,

Thank you for your response.

OEM licenses:

OEM Licenses are typically connected to the hardware they are originally activated on, and it is not transferable to another machine or virtual environment. generally, do not allow OEM licenses to be moved to a virtual machine (VM) or another physical machine.

Steps to Migrate:

Since OEM licenses cannot be transferred, you will need to purchase a new Windows license for the VM depending on your needs.

Activate Windows:

During installation, you will be prompted to enter a product key. Use the product key from the new license you purchased.

If the license is linked to a Microsoft account, you can activate Windows by signing in with that account after installation.

Please find the below similar issue article for your reference:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/transfer-windows-10-license-to-vmware-workstation/8a06555c-a665-42f9-9d18-e62c697910c6

Hope this helps!

If it was helpful, please click "Upvote" on this post to let us know.

Thank You.

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