What you need to know about windows virtual desktop the shi blog. Jun 27, 2014 to access vdi, you need windows software assurance on the client device or microsoft virtual desktop access licenses. But you have to prepay a percentage of the license price to account for future software upgrades. Microsoft desktop optimization pack mdop is a suite of utilities for microsoft windows customers who have subscribed to microsoft software assurance program. One of the most valuable benefits you receive through windows software assurance and windows virtual desktop access vda is flexible access to windows enterprise. Jan 06, 2010 a centralized desktop delivery solution, microsoft virtual desktop infrastructure vdi is. Traditionally, the fixed costs associated with microsoft windows virtual desktop access vda licenses for most endpoints connecting to a windows virtual desktop could present an obstacle to vdi. Microsoft windows vista licensing in a virtual machine for vdi 04032007. This means the desktop license itself windows 10 as an example must be enterprise and have active software assurance sa.
Microsoft licenses windows for virtual desktops by access device. First, having software assurance means you get first access to the new versions when they become available. How does microsoft license the windows desktop for virtual environments. Roaming use rights for windows allow the primary user of any device licensed for windows software assurance or windows vda to access a virtual instance of windows running in the data center vdi or windows to go from noncorporate devices, such as personally owned or hotel business center pcs, while away from the office. Windows 10 enterprise may be only licensing option for. This addon license seems to be the key to unlocking virtualization. Windows 10 iot thin clients can now be enrolled under microsoft software assurance instead of vda. Guide microsoft windows virtual client licensing explained. Windows 10 enterprise with software assurance sa this is a perpetualbased license that is considered an upgrade and is intended for organizations with thick clients such as desktops and laptops.
Mandatory software assurance scenarios one usecase scenario that requires sa is the use of virtual desktop infrastructure vdi for remote access, where the virtual machine can be running. They include access to unique products and license rights not available through other. Understanding windows virtual desktop infrastructure. In order to buy software assurance, i would need a volume licensing agreement. Windows virtual desktop in azure is licensed via active software assurance on windows 10 enterprise or the microsoft 365 e3e5 subscriptions. Citrix vdi and microsoft rds licensing explained jani kohonen. If devices are not covered by software assurance, as in the case where the organization has decided not to purchase it, or for thin clients that are not covered by sa, a virtual desktop access vda license can be purchased. Option 1 microsoft software assurance sa the easiest way to access virtual desktops from a pc is to have a current windows client software assurance sa. If the pcs are covered under software assurance, then no additional licensing. To access vdi, you need windows software assurance on the client device or microsoft virtual desktop access licenses. The short answer is you can either use windows 10 enterprise w software assurance or windows 10 vda licenses in your vdi. So with windows 7, those customers that have software assurance on their windows desktop operating system licenses get first access to the windows. You may add windows software assurance per user addon for a primary user with a primary device that is licensed for windows software assurance or windows vda subscription. Microsoft throws extended support lifeline for folk stuck on carcrash windows 10 1809.
May 28, 2012 licensing devices for windows vdi access. Vdi users can install their own software on their desktop and not affect other users. Will microsoft windows 8 software assurance fix vdi. Licensing the windows client os on vdi today directions on. To correctly access the windows client os running on a vdi, the device must be a windows licensed device with an active software assurance. Microsoft licensing in vdi environments flexera blog. Microsoft is adding peruser licensing options for its windows software assurance sa and virtual desktop access vda plans, in addition to the existing perdevice licensing. For an overview of all steps required, see software assurance. Customers who intend to use pcs covered under sa have access to their virtual desktop infrastructure vdi desktops at no additional charge.
If a device is covered by software assurance, no additional licenses are required to access a windows vdi desktop. It lets you upgrade your windows pro oem license, purchased for a workstation, to windows enterprise, and includes all of the benefits of software assurance like rights to new versions, the microsoft desktop optimization pack mdop, and lesser known benefits such as windows to go and the windows. Licensing windows for vdi environments microsoft vdi suites and windows vda frequently asked questions how does microsoft license windows for virtual environments. To correctly access the windows client os running on a vdi, the device must be a windows licensed device with an active software assurance sa subscription, a device with an intune subscription license sl, or a device with a virtual desktop access vda subscription. Microsoft assurance software is a program that was introduced in 2002 to help users deploy and support microsoft windows, microsoft office and related server. The following table provides an overview of the windows virtualization rights by license type. Option 1 microsoft software assurance sa the easiest way to access virtual desktops from a pc is to have a current windows client software assurance.
The reason its ludicrous i mean, less frequently used is because most small and medium businesses do not purchase software assurance for their windows pcs. You may utilize windows thin pc when you have active software assurance coverage for the windows desktop operating system. Amazon ec2 dedicated host is also integrated with aws license manager, a service which helps you manage your software licenses, including windows server and sql server licenses. Nov 17, 2014 licensing windows software assurance and windows vda on a per user basis. What you need to know about windows virtual desktop the shi. Details of licensing microsoft software for vdi are described in virtual desktop infrastructure licensing suite available on page 23 of the jan. Virtual desktop access rights are a benefit of windows client software assurance. However, you will still need to account for azure compute, storage, and networking costs associated with the vdi. A new enterprise cloud suite ecs bundle including office 365 e3, enterprise mobility suite ems and a new windows software assurance per user license is a new volumelicensing. Windows server licenses are not eligible for license mobility through software assurance, but customers licensing windows server with software assurance can utilize the azure hybrid benefit for a cheaper perminute cost when running a windows virtual machine. Traditionally, the fixed costs associated with microsoft windows virtual desktop access vda licenses for most endpoints connecting to a windows virtual desktop could present an obstacle to vdi adoption. From devices to the cloud, windows 10 helps to strengthen identity and protect data. Virtual desktop infrastructure vdi there are many scenarios where you would opt to not go the rds route and need your users to access a windows desktop operating system such as windows 7 or windows 8. Peruser licensing for vdi windows 10 vms ms licensing.
Windows 10 on a virtual machine pc not vdi solutions. Microsoft announced new ways to license and deploy the operating system for software assurance. Virtual desktop access rights are a benefit of windows client software assurance sa. Windows 7 enterprise the benefits of having software assurance. How to easily license microsoft windows with vmware. In this case depending on whether you are covered under software assurance sa or not, the licensing cost varies.
The benefits are many, but how do you actually get started with vdi from a. May 12, 2015 microsoft throws extended support lifeline for folk stuck on carcrash windows 10 1809. If you purchased software assurance on top of your. I activated the main one that i created the pool from, but all the clients that we are remote logging in arnt activated as that activation key has already been used on another computer. You are eligible to access windows server 2012 r2 and newer desktops and apps if you have a peruser or perdevice rds cal license with active software assurance sa. Comparing windows virtualization rights some differences exist between the windows virtualization rights granted depending on whether you are licensed for windows software assurance or windows.
But you have to prepay a percentage of the license price to account for future software. Microsoft introduces peruser licensing for enterprises. Windows now includes a number of major security enhancements, including advanced biometrics, advanced threat protection, malware protection, and trusted hardware. The license to run windows server in the azure environment is by default included in the perminute cost of your windows virtual machine. Apr 23, 20 microsoft licenses windows for virtual desktops by access device. Do i still need windows vda if i have vdi software from vmware or ctrix. Software assurance for the windows desktop operating system, windows 10 enterprise e3e5. The license gives windows desktop customers access to technical support and training vouchers, but the ticket for virtualization lies with homeuse rights.
Licensing the windows client os on vdi today directions. Vdi uses machine virtualization to allow multiple copies of a windows. At any time, 150 windows client os vms are being accessed using vdi. Vecd licensing applies not only to microsoft products but also to thirdparty vdi solutions such as vmware view or citrix xendesktop. Aug 06, 2019 windows virtual desktop in azure is licensed via active software assurance on windows 10 enterprise or the microsoft 365 e3e5 subscriptions. The short answer is you can either use windows 10 enterprise w software assurance or windows 10 vda licenses in your vdi environment. Microsoft virtual desktop infrastructure vdi explained. Demystifying the new windows 10 licensing options kraft. To connect to vdi, you need the following licenses. Licensing the windows desktop for vdi environments microsoft.
Windows virtual desktop access vda is an authorization strategy that requires each device seeking access to a windows virtual desktop in a virtual desktop infrastructure vdi. In summary, the windows 10 enterprise e3 in csp program is an upgrade offering that provides small and mediumsized organizations easier, more flexible access to the benefits of windows 10 enterprise edition, whereas microsoft volume licensing programs and software assurance are broader in scope and provide benefits beyond access to windows. Windows server licenses are not eligible for license mobility through software assurance, but customers licensing windows server with software assurance can utilize the azure hybrid benefit for a cheaper perminute cost when running a windows. Beyond satisfying an engagements eligibility requirements, you must also follow several other steps before you can deliver software assurance planning services engagements.
Jul 19, 2016 invest in microsoft software assurance sa. Citrix vdi and microsoft rds licensing explained jani. Sep 02, 2011 if a device is covered by software assurance, no additional licenses are required to access a windows vdi desktop. Ive heard that its possible to license windows 10 w software assurance peruser now.
If devices are not covered by software assurance, as in the case. Starting december 1, 2014, you can license windows software assurance and windows. Amazon ec2 dedicated host is also integrated with aws license manager, a service which helps you manage your software licenses, including windows. Windows 10 enterprise with sa virtualization licensing. For more information on bringing licenses without software assurance or license mobility benefits, please visit this section of the faq. As an option we can purchase this student option which covers the os and software assurance, as well as the required vda license. Software assurance sa licensing provides windows desktop customers with technical support, training vouchers, homeuse rights and other benefits.
Licensing windows desktop operating system for use with virtual. Microsoft license cost killing our citrix vdi project need experts. A comprehensive program that includes a unique set of technologies, services, and rights to help deploy, manage, and use microsoft products efficiently, software assurance helps keep your business up to date and ready to respond quickly to change and opportunity. To achieve this, you need to add the sa within 90 days of your purchase of a computer with a legal oem copy of windows. Im unclear about how a virtual desktop can be deployed from the cloud without virtualization. Windows e3 or e5 is the evolution of the former windows sa software assurance. For full details about the access rights granted, refer to the software assurance benefits section of the microsoft volume licensing product. Virtual desktop infrastructure what are the licensing. Customers who intend to use pcs covered under sa have access to their virtual desktop infrastructure vdi. Understanding microsofts new windows virtual desktop licensing with software assurance. This also applies to pcs that run a windows client os.
Oct 01, 2019 licensed for windows software assurance or windows vda subscription and whether you are licensed on a per device or per user basis. Software assurance for the windows desktop operating system, windows 10 enterprise e3e5 subscription licenses, and windows virtual desktop access vda subscription licenses provides the greatest flexibility for how you use windows. Windows software assurance and virtual desktop access licenses include home use rights. Virtual desktop access vda directions on microsoft. However, you will still need to account for azure compute, storage, and networking costs associated with the vdi instances in use through this program.
How to easily license microsoft windows with vmware horizon view. If you cover your windows license with software assurance, then microsoft grants you the right to access a virtual desktop from that device. If the user wishes to access a microsoft vdi from a device that is not covered by software assurance, however, a separate windows vda license is required. Mar 04, 2019 windows e3 or e5 is the evolution of the former windows sa software assurance. Microsoft licensing for virtual desktops explained vdiworks. Ive heard that its possible to license windows 10 w software assurance per user now. Vdi users can reboot or crash their windows desktop vm and not affect other vdi users on the same server. In this case you would need to have a windows 8 license with active software assurance sa for each of the 30 pcs. So, for all the windows server licenses bought through the volume licensing program, if those vms need to be freely moveble within an esx farm such as drs initiated vmotion, each esx.
Windows virtual desktop access vda is an authorization strategy that requires each device seeking access to a windows virtual desktop in a virtual desktop infrastructure vdi to be licensed. The former is typically userbased, while the latter was. The former is typically userbased, while the latter was devicebased licensing. Software assurance spans microsofts range of software products and services, including the windows operating system, microsoft office, exchange, sql server, and many others. Sep 04, 2009 first, having software assurance means you get first access to the new versions when they become available. Sep 06, 2019 table compares use rights and rules for a windows enterprise per device license with active sa software assurance coverage and a vda device sl subscription license purchased via an ea enterprise agreement, select plus contract, or mpsa microsoft product and services agreement. Instant clone windows 10 systems in horizon needs an onprem activation system. So with windows 7, those customers that have software assurance on their windows desktop operating system licenses get first access to the windows 7 code for deployment through the volume license service center download site. Software assurance benefits help you take full advantage of your investments in it. The concept of vdi is to store and run desktop workloads including a windows client operating system, applications, and data in a serverbased virtual machine vm in a data center and allow a user to interact with the desktop presented onto a user. As of july 1, microsoft will bundle vdi vda licensing for the windows client os into. Traditionally, windows software assurance and windows vda have been available for licensing only on a per device basis.
Virtual desktop access rights will be included as a software assurance sa benefit. Customers can access windows virtual desktop from their non windows pro endpoints if they have a microsoft 365 e3e5f3business a3a5student use benefits or windows 10 vda. Mixed desktop hardware my company has 100 pcs under sa and 100 thin clients running a minimal os such as windows flp or windows embedded for purposes of accessing a vdi. Licensing windows software assurance and windows vda on a per user basis. At mms today microsoft pulled back the curtain on windows 8 enterprise, offering the first hints on what it would be doing to improve the lot of enterprise it as desktop virtualization. Windows 7 enterprise the benefits of having software.
In summary, the windows 10 enterprise e3 in csp program is an upgrade offering that provides small and mediumsized organizations easier, more flexible access to the benefits of windows 10 enterprise edition, whereas microsoft volume licensing programs and software assurance are broader in scope and provide benefits beyond access to windows 10. What you need to know about windows virtual desktop the. In this case depending on whether you are covered under software assurance. Mar 19, 2010 beginning july 1, 2010, windows client software assurance customers will no longer have to buy a separate license to access their windows operating system in a virtual desktop infrastructure vdi environment. Software assurance by product microsoft volume licensing. If the pcs are covered under software assurance, then no additional licensing is required, as software assurance contains rights to windows vdi desktops. Theres a big problem with microsofts vdi rules the register. Windows virtual desktop is a new virtual desktop infrastructure vdi. Windows 10 enterprise e3 which is basically windows 10 enterprise with builtin software assurance with or without virtualization rights for vms hosted in azure or another qualified hosting provider. Theres a big problem with microsofts vdi rules the. It aims at bringing easier manageability and monitoring of enterprise desktops, emergency recovery, desktop virtualization and application virtualization. Windows desktop is oemoei or retail not sure these are available anymore.
Nov 04, 2014 microsoft is making a new peruser windows licensing option available to its enterprise customers which may help simplify bringyourowndevice scenarios involving windows, ios and android. Windows per user per device windows 10 enterprise e3e5 windows vda. Windows 10 enterprise with software assurance sa this is a. View eligibility requirements for planning services. With vdi, when virtualizing windows os or a microsoft app, such as office to a personal owned device, you have to have a windows os and software assurance on that personl device. Windows virtual desktop access vda is an authorization strategy that requires each device seeking access to a windows virtual desktop in a virtual desktop infrastructure vdi to. Windows 10 enterprise e3 in csp windows deployment.
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