Buy Windows Server 2016 License Keys
Windows Server 2016 is a legacy Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release of Microsoft's server operating system. It is still used to run software certified only for 2016, to rebuild existing servers and to keep small offices on the Essentials dashboard.
Every Windows Server 2016 license on this page is a genuine, one-time purchase. Keys are delivered digitally by email and allow business use.
Which Windows Server 2016 Edition Do You Need?
Windows Server 2016 comes in three editions. Choose by team size and virtualization needs:
| Edition | What it licenses | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server Essentials 2016 | One server, up to 25 users and 50 devices, no CALs needed | Small offices using the Essentials dashboard and PC backup |
| Windows Server Standard 2016 | One server, two virtual machines | Legacy domain controllers, file and application servers |
| Windows Server 2016 Datacenter | One server, unlimited virtual machines | Existing 2016 Hyper-V hosts and clusters |
Buy Windows Server 2016 only to match an existing environment or certified software. For anything new, choose Windows Server 2025, Windows Server 2022 or Windows Server 2019.
Is Windows Server 2016 Still Supported?
Only just. Windows Server 2016 is in the final stage of extended support, so Microsoft releases security updates only, and that support is ending soon. Servers keep running afterwards, but new vulnerabilities will not be patched, so plan a migration alongside any 2016 purchase.
Windows Server 2016 Editions Compared
| Capability | Essentials | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Directory, file and print roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User limit | 25 | No fixed limit | No fixed limit |
| Windows Server CALs needed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Essentials dashboard and PC backup | Yes | Optional role | Optional role |
| Virtual machines per licensed server | Limited | 2 | Unlimited |
| Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica | No | No | Yes |
| Shielded virtual machines | No | No | Yes |
In short:
- Essentials suits a small office that relies on the Essentials Experience
- Standard suits legacy physical servers and small Hyper-V hosts
- Datacenter suits existing 2016 clusters and heavily virtualized hosts
How Windows Server 2016 Licensing Works
Windows Server 2016 was the first release licensed by processor core, with a minimum of 16 core licenses per server for Standard and Datacenter. Users and devices also need Windows Server CALs, and remote desktop users need RDS CALs such as the Windows Server 2016 RDS User CAL or RDS Device CAL. Essentials includes access for up to 25 users and 50 devices.
How to Install Windows Server 2016
Download the installation media from Microsoft, install the edition you bought, then activate it with your key. Our guide to downloading, installing and activating Windows Server 2016 walks through each step. If phone activation is requested, use the Bcdkey Get Confirmation ID tool.
Why Buy Windows Server 2016 from Bcdkey?
- Genuine Microsoft keys for Essentials, Standard and Datacenter
- One-time purchase, with no subscription to renew
- Instant delivery by email, with keys saved in My Account
- Help from our team if activation does not complete
- Volume orders through the Bcdkey B2B wholesale program
Windows Server 2016 FAQ
Are these Windows Server 2016 keys a one-time purchase?
Yes. Every license in this category is a one-time purchase with no subscription.
Is Windows Server 2016 still supported?
Only for security updates, and that extended support is ending soon.
Will Windows Server 2016 stop working after support ends?
No. It keeps running, but it no longer receives security fixes.
Which Windows Server 2016 edition should I buy?
Essentials for small offices using the dashboard, Standard for most legacy servers, and Datacenter for existing clusters.
Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2016 later?
Yes. Microsoft supports in-place upgrades from 2016 to 2019, 2022 and 2025, each with its own license.
Need help with activation?
Open a support ticket and our team will help.