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Kent Autrand

What is needed to go from 2016 Essentials to 2016 Standard

Have 2016 Essentials running ok.  Have reached the limit of 25 Users.  I have read and understand the process to move to 2016 Standard.  Most of my users use the Remote Desktop to connect to their PCs in the office.  Some also work directly on the PC in the office.  

Two questions:  What CALS will I need to keep both operations going.?  Will the Windows Server Dashboard still be available once the upgrade is done?

asked01/30/2024 17:49
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Last Activity 01/31/2024 15:30

2 Answer(s)

  • Mariette Knap

    Just normal Windows Server 2016 Cals, nothing special. The Standard version also comes with the Essentials Experience role just does not have the limitations. 

    answered 01/31/2024 05:28
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    Kent Autrand

    There are two types of CALS, Local User CALs and Remote Desktop User CALs.  Which would I need.

    Mariette Knap

    Certainly not RDP Cals.  You need either Per User or Per Device, see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/client-access-license

    replied 01/31/2024 15:30
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    replied 01/31/2024 15:13
  • David Moore

    I am fairly sure you can change the product ID to a standard windows 2016 licence:

    1. Purchase a Windows Server Standard license
    2. Open an administrative PowerShell command
    3. Run the following command to verify the target edition:
      dism /online /Get-TargetEditions
      You should see Target Edition : ServerStandard or something similar
    4. Run the following command to complete the upgrade:
      dism /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
      Change the edition and product key to match the ones you have.
    Just make sure you buy Windows 2016 CALS to match the number of users you have.
    Nothing gets uninstalled keeps working as is.
    answered 01/31/2024 05:50
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