Skip to main content

Windows licensing & activation notes

###

IllusionCloud Windows licensing & activation notes


When you deploy aprovides Windows Server onlicences IllusionCloud, the operating system is not "free." Microsoft requires a valid licence for every deployment. As a hosting provider we usevia the Microsoft Service Provider LicenseLicence Agreement (SPLA), or you may bring your own licence (BYOL). This guide explains the different licence types, how activation works, how to provideupgrade editions, and what responsibilities you have to remain compliant.

Licence types and pricing

- **SPLA licences:** Windows Server licences are supplied on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis.


You
####pay Licence types and pricing

Windows Server licences are soldmonthly per CPU core and per edition. Standard edition is designed for typical workloads like web servers and application servers, while Datacenter edition includes rights for unlimited virtual machines and additional features like Storage Replica. Our SPLA pricing is based on the number of CPU cores on your server; forFor example, a two‑core Windows Server Standard licence costs roughlyaround $20 per month,month and a two‑core Datacenter licence iscosts about $45 per month. Larger servers arerequire licensedadditional licences in 2‑two‑core incrementsincrements.
- **BYOL (e.g., an 8‑core server needs four Standard licences). The monthly licence charge will appear on your invoice.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licences are needed if more than two concurrent RDP sessions are required. These are also billed per user or per device each month. SQL Server and other Microsoft products have separate SPLA pricing; please contact sales for details.

If you prefer to usebring your own licence):** You may supply your own retail or volume licence (BYOL),keys, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with Microsoft’Microsoft's terms and for providing your own product keys.terms. BYOL licences cannot be combined with our SPLA activation.

-

**Additional
####licences:** Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and other Microsoft products (SQL Server, Office, etc.) are billed per user or per device each month. Contact sales for pricing.

Activation


Your Windows Server is

IllusionCloud automatically activatedactivates Windows using our KMS (Key Management Service).Service Activation occurs(KMS) during the first bootboot. andThe theoperating OSsystem will contactcontacts our KMS host to obtain a product key.key; Nono action is required from you,you. and you shouldDo not attempt to activate Windows using retail/MAK keys or third‑party tools. If you see messages such as “"Windows is not activated”activated" or error code 0xC004F074, ensure the server has internet connectivityaccess and thethat KMSTCP port (TCP 1688)1688 is open. If the issue persists, open a support ticketticket.

and our team will verify your activation status.

####

Upgrades and edition changes


You can upgrade or downgrade your Windows edition (e.g., from Standard to Datacenter) throughvia ourthe client area. Upgrades will require reinstallationreinstalling the OS and purchasing additional licence fees.licences. Changing the number of CPU cores or adding RDS/SQL licences will alter your monthly billing. Downgrading is possible but may also require reinstallation.

a

complete
####reinstall.

Responsibility and compliance


By deploying Windows on IllusionCloud services you agree to abide by Microsoft’Microsoft's licensing terms. Do not run unlicensed copies or attempt to circumvent activation. IllusionCloud willmay periodically audit licence usage to ensure compliance. Failure to maintain a valid licence could lead to service suspension.


Back to top