How to Get Free Windows Server License Keys? (Affordable Options Covered)

For businesses and organizations, running Windows Server can be expensive, with Windows Server License key costs quickly adding up. However, there are a few legitimate ways to obtain Windows Server at no cost if you meet certain requirements. In this post, we’ll explore some methods of getting a free Windows Server license key legally.

1. Windows Server Evaluation

One of the easiest ways to get started with Windows Server for free is to download a 180-day evaluation copy from Microsoft. This allows you to install Windows Server in a test environment and try out all the features and capabilities before you commit to purchasing licenses.

With an evaluation copy, you get the complete functionality of Windows Server as if it were a fully licensed copy. The only limitation is that after 180 days, you’ll need to either license the server or reinstall the evaluation. So this option works well for short-term testing, development servers, labs, and proof-of-concept deployments.

Just keep in mind that running production workloads on an evaluation copy past 180 days does constitute software piracy according to Microsoft’s licensing agreements. So be sure to buy proper Windows Server License Keys if using Windows Server in business-critical systems long-term.

2. Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Subscriptions

If you or your organization has one of the many Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscription options, these often include free Windows Server licenses along with many other Microsoft products. For instance, Visual Studio Enterprise subscribers can use Windows Server in development at no extra charge.

The specific license terms differ somewhat depending on the MSDN subscription level. But in effect, you’re licensed to use Windows Server for developing and testing purposes only. Using MSDN licenses for production environments would break the terms in the agreement.

So if you already subscribe to MSDN for development tools and resources, be sure to take advantage of the included Windows Server licenses as part of the subscription. They can at least help minimize server costs for non-production uses.

3. Microsoft Imagine (Previously DreamSpark)

Microsoft Imagine is the company’s program to provide free Microsoft software and developer tools for students at accredited institutions. This includes free licenses for server products like Windows Server, SQL Server, and more that students can use for education and research.

The Imagine program was previously known as DreamSpark before Microsoft consolidated its educational offerings. Qualifying schools and universities can enroll in the Imagine program, which then provides their students with access to downloads and license keys. As a student, talk to your institute to get access if they participate.

To clarify, the free Windows Server License Keys provided via Microsoft Imagine technically prohibit commercial usage. But utilizing them for building skills with Windows Server, hosting personal projects, and learning administration can still be quite valuable for students.

4. Windows Server Migration Licenses

If you’re already running an older version of Windows Server in production, certain migration programs may offer free licensing when updating to a newer version. Most recently, Microsoft offered free Windows Server 2019 licenses to help incentivize moving from Windows Server 2008 before it went out of support.

While there isn’t currently an active migration offer available, these can provide enterprises still on older Windows Server infrastructure a way to update while mitigating licensing costs. When planning a migration project, it’s worth checking if Microsoft or other platforms have any applicable licensing conversion discounts.

5. Trial Software Providers

There are a number of websites that provide free trial Windows Server product keys for Microsoft software. However, it’s important to understand these do not constitute legal licenses from Microsoft. Often they will be leaked volume license keys that can stop activating after a period of time.

We cannot recommend using these gray market software license providers. Doing so likely constitutes software piracy violating Microsoft’s licenses. Not to mention you run the security risks of exposing servers to illegally obtained software of questionable origin.

6. Buy Windows Server Standard Key from Microsoft partner

Instead, take advantage of the legitimate methods in this post for properly licensing Windows Server at no cost for qualified usage. Or work with a Microsoft partner to find affordable licensed options that meet legal and security compliance needs.

Software Number prides itself as a reputable Microsoft partner providing genuine Windows Server Standard Keys, such as Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and Windows Server 2012, 2016, and 2019, at reasonable prices for businesses of all sizes. With excellent customer service and cost-saving license bundles, they simplify keeping Windows infrastructures legal, compliant, and running smoothly without breaking budgets.