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+--- Thread: What are the differences in licensing between Hyper-V and Hyper-V Server? (/showthread.php?tid=985)
What are the differences in licensing between Hyper-V and Hyper-V Server? - savas - 08-07-2022
When looking into the world of virtualization, a lot of folks get caught up in the specifics of how Hyper-V and Hyper-V Server differ in terms of licensing. It’s a common issue for anyone looking to set up a virtual environment, especially if you’re weighing options for a business or even just your personal projects.
First off, let’s get to the core of both. Hyper-V is embedded within Windows Server. So, when you go with a Windows Server license, you automatically get access to Hyper-V. This includes various editions of Windows Server, like Standard and Datacenter. The catch there is that the licensing is typically tied to the server hardware and can get pretty expensive, particularly if you’re running multiple virtual machines. With Windows Server, your costs can stack up not just with the software, but also based on the number of physical cores in your server, which you need to account for when licensing.
On the other side, we have Hyper-V Server. It’s a free version of Microsoft’s virtualization technology but comes with a couple of key differences. Hyper-V Server is essentially a stripped-down, dedicated version of Hyper-V that is specifically designed just for running virtual machines. Because of this, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you might find in the standard Windows Server package. It lacks the GUI and the management features present in Windows Server, so you’ll often find yourself managing it through PowerShell or remote management tools. That can seem daunting at first, but it also means you can save on costs, especially if you need a simple, no-frills virtualization setup.
Both versions also have different support structures. With Windows Server, you’re getting integrated support for a wide range of features beyond just virtualization—think Active Directory, file storage, and other roles. Hyper-V Server, being focused on virtualization, doesn't come with those. You’d be leveraging your technical skills a bit more with it, especially in terms of upkeep and management.
Another thing to consider is updates and features. Since Hyper-V is part of Windows Server, it gets updated along with the OS, which can mean a more integrated experience. Meanwhile, Hyper-V Server releases updates as well, but they might not align perfectly with Windows Server updates, so keeping track of what you need and when can be more challenging.
In short, if you’re looking for a robust virtualization solution and don't mind the added overhead of a full Windows Server environment, then going that route might make sense. But if you're mainly looking to set up and run virtual machines without all the extra features, Hyper-V Server can be a more economical choice. It's all about what fits your needs and budget best.
I hope my post was useful. Are you new to Hyper-V and do you have a good Hyper-V backup solution? See my other post