Which Microsoft version should you license?
Each page below puts two product versions side by side: what changes technically, what stays identical in the licensing model, when support ends, and which one to buy today.
All comparisons
Windows Server 2022 vs 2025
Side-by-side comparison of Windows Server 2022 and 2025 — core licensing, CAL rules, hotpatching, support dates and which edition to buy.
SQL Server 2022 vs 2025
Compare SQL Server 2022 and SQL Server 2025 — per-core vs Server+CAL licensing, AI and vector features, JSON support, support lifecycle and upgrade rights.
Office 2021 vs Office 2024
Compare Office 2021 and Office 2024 perpetual licences — apps included, support end dates, LTSC vs consumer editions, and when Microsoft 365 is the better buy.
Windows Server 2019 vs 2022
Windows Server 2019 vs 2022 compared — secured-core server, TLS 1.3, support end dates, identical per-core licensing and CAL version rules.
SQL Server 2019 vs 2022
SQL Server 2019 vs 2022 compared — identical per-core and Server+CAL licensing, ledger tables, Azure Synapse Link, and support end dates.
How to compare versions without overbuying
- Support runway: check the exact lifecycle dates before a new deployment. A perpetual licence does not include indefinite security updates.
- Application compatibility: obtain vendor confirmation for database engines, backup agents, ERP systems and operating systems.
- Edition versus release: Standard vs Enterprise is a different decision from 2022 vs 2025. Choose the required edition features first.
- Existing rights: check whether active Software Assurance or a subscription covers the new version. An old product key is not upgrade entitlement.
- Total deployment cost: include CALs, cores, migration testing, hardware and renewal; there is no universal user-count or VM-count price breakpoint.
Example: a Windows Server Standard host
In the physical-core model, cover all host cores, with at least eight per processor and sixteen per server. One complete Standard allocation permits two OSEs; additional OSEs require further licensing. Compare Datacenter using your actual core count, VM requirements and quotation, not a fixed “four VM” rule.
Official checks before upgrading
Microsoft product lifecycles · Microsoft Product Terms · Windows Server licensing guide