Windows Server 2016 Core Licensing clarification?

[techy86_]

Hello,

We have a host (single socket, 4 cores) that is running Windows Server 2012 R2.

The bare machine only runs the Hyper-V role. There is a VM running on there that is also running Windows Server 2012 R2.

From a licensing view, this is all OK since we have this host licensed for Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard that gives us rights to run virtual machines.

Now if I want to upgrade the VM running on this host from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2016 how does this affect me? Since the bare OS is still running Windows Server 2012 R2.

The Windows Server 2012 R2 license is under volume licensing with software assurance.

I am OK to install/upgrade the VM to 2016? Or must I upgrade the bare OS and the VM to 2016?

I know that the 2012 R2 under our VL/SA will convert 1:16, so this 2012 R2 Standard license is essentially a 16-core license or 8-pack license under the new licensing for Server 2016.

Before:

• Host: Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
• VM1: Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard

After:

• Host: Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
• VM1: Windows Server 2016 Standard

Thanks.

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