What you get with Windows Server Datacenter 2019
This is a license key for Windows Server Datacenter 2019, the 2019 edition meant for hosts that run many virtual machines. Once the server is licensed, Datacenter allows Windows Server in an unlimited number of operating system environments on it, including Hyper-V isolated containers. Your e-mail contains the key, Microsoft’s download link and setup instructions, and the invoice is sent as a PDF once the order completes. You pay a single time for a perpetual license.

Datacenter features in the 2019 release
- Unlimited Windows Server virtual machines and Hyper-V containers on the licensed host; Standard allows two.
- Storage Spaces Direct to build hyperconverged clusters from the local disks of several servers.
- Network Controller for managing a software-defined network of Hyper-V hosts.
- Host Guardian Hyper-V Support, which shielded virtual machines depend on.
- Automatic Virtual Machine Activation: a 2019 Datacenter host activates Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016 and 2019 guests that use Microsoft’s AVMA keys.
Everything Standard 2019 offers is also here, including Storage Replica, Storage Migration Service, System Insights and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Datacenter 2019 or another edition?
Like Standard, Datacenter 2019 is licensed per physical core, counting a minimum of 8 cores for each processor and 16 for the server. If a server runs only its own roles plus one or two Windows Server guests, Windows Server Standard 2019 covers it. Hosts with more guests, a Storage Spaces Direct cluster or shielded VMs need Datacenter. For the newer platform, compare Windows Server 2022 Datacenter.
Activating Windows Server Datacenter 2019
- Get the Windows Server 2019 ISO via the Microsoft download link in your e-mail; during setup pick a Datacenter option.
- Use the Activate Windows link in Control Panel → System, or go to Settings → Update & Security → Activation, and enter the key under Change product key.
- Alternatively, in an elevated command prompt: slmgr /ipk with the key, then slmgr /ato to activate online.
- Running 2019 Standard or the evaluation already? DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:your-key /AcceptEula switches it to Datacenter; an evaluation domain controller can’t be converted.
See our Windows Server installation guide with activation steps for screenshots.
System requirements
| CPU | Second-level address translation (EPT/NPT) plus NX/DEP, PrefetchW, CMPXCHG16b and LAHF/SAHF; 64-bit, 1.4 GHz |
|---|---|
| Memory | 1 GB Server Core, 2 GB Desktop Experience; ECC or similar memory on physical hosts |
| System disk | 32 GB or larger |
| Network adapter | Gigabit Ethernet, PCI Express |
| Needed for specific features | TPM 2.0 (BitLocker), UEFI 2.3.1c with Secure Boot, 1024 × 768 display |
Questions about Windows Server Datacenter 2019
Do I need a key for every virtual machine?
Not on Hyper-V. With the host activated as Datacenter, each Windows Server 2012 R2 to 2019 guest can use Microsoft’s generic AVMA key and activates through the host, even without internet access.
Does Datacenter remove the need for CALs?
No. Windows Server CALs are still required for every user or device accessing the host or its guests, and Remote Desktop sessions need RDS CALs for 2019 or later.
Can I upgrade a 2016 Datacenter host to 2019?
Yes. Windows Server 2012 R2 and 2016 upgrade to 2019 in place. Check that each role on the host supports in-place upgrade before you start.


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