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Svish
Asked: 2009-08-13 11:03:07 +0800 CST

Can a Windows 7 Ultimate product key be used for virtual machines as well? [duplicate]

  • 772

Possible Duplicate:
Can you help me with my software licensing question?

I have Windows 7 Ultimate running on my computer, and I thought I would set up a few virtual machines to help me when I develop so I don't mess up my main system with various installations of SQL Server, Visual Studio versions, etc.

Is it allowed (or even possible) to use the same product key for the virtual machines? Or would I need to get a new product key for each virtual machine?

Is Windows 7 Enterprise different when it comes to this matter?

(Maybe this belongs on stack overflow or super user, but felt virtualization and licensing issues like that belonged more on server fault. Please move if not =)

windows-7

5 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    No, only one XP instance for the XP Mode feature is normally allowed on Ultimate. But if you have Software Assurance, it comes with virtual OS rights for Enterprise and Ultimate which allow you to run four virtual instances of the operating system on the same hardware.

    For reference see this post.

    Also check out Windows 7 modifies license rights. And Enterprise is a benefit of Software Assurance, so you can't get Enterprise without Software Assurance - hence Enterprise is by default covered by Virtual OS rights.

    ***Even windows 7 ultimate can be used. The only difference is you can install it on only one virtual platform and cant setup 4 machines like software Assurance

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  2. From the windows 7 ultimate Software licence terms:

    Use with Virtualization Technologies: Instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer, you may install and use the software within only one virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system on the licensed computer.

    This seems to mean that a virtual machine is exactly like a separate physical machine when it comes to licencing. ("Instead of...").

    The deal where you get to run 4 VM's on one licence seems to be part of a separate add-on licencing deal (software assurance), not the standard licence.

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  3. It depends on how long you need the VMs for. If you don't need them for too long, or don't mind re-installing every once in a while, just use a trial version and don't activate it.

    See this little gem from Microsoft. Specifically this line.

    In development and testing environments that use retail editions, take advantage of the grace period.
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  4. I believe you need a new product key (legally), and I believe this to be the case with all flavours of the product - even with VLP.

    If what you were suggesting is possible, all a large organisation would need to do is purchase a single 7 license, create countless virtual instances, and deploy to their users (VM-View etc). Not a business model for Microsoft that's conducive to staying in business.

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  5. You must obtain a license for each install, regardless of how many are virtual, and regardless even of how many of the installs are on one computer. Look into the Windows 7 Family Pack or Volume Licensing if you need many.

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