Microsoft SQL Server License Keys

Genuine Microsoft SQL Server 2025, 2022 and 2019 Standard licences for business databases, line-of-business applications and reporting. Keys are emailed instantly after payment, and we can help you choose the right licensing model before you buy.

Which SQL Server version should you buy?

For a new database server, SQL Server 2025 has the longest support and the highest Standard edition limits. Choose 2022 or 2019 when your application vendor has certified only that version, or to match an existing SQL environment.

How SQL Server Standard is licensed: Per Core or Server + CAL

Microsoft offers SQL Server Standard under two licensing models. Each product page states which model the licence uses.

Per Core

You license the physical cores of the server, with a minimum of four core licences per physical processor. Unlimited users and devices can then connect, with no CALs needed. Per Core suits databases behind websites, customer-facing applications or large user counts.

Server + CAL

You license the server once and buy a SQL Server CAL for every user or device that accesses it. This is usually cheaper for small teams with a known number of users.

Not sure which model fits? Tell us your core count and number of users and we will recommend the right licence.

SQL Server Standard vs Enterprise

Standard covers most small and mid-sized business workloads and includes backup compression, Transparent Data Encryption, Query Store, log shipping and basic availability groups (two replicas, one database). Enterprise adds full Always On availability groups, online index operations and advanced performance features, and has no core or memory caps beyond the operating system's. If you need Enterprise, contact us.

SQL Server needs a server to run on

SQL Server is licensed separately from the operating system. If you are building a new database server, you will also need a Windows Server licence, such as Windows Server 2025 or Windows Server 2022.

How delivery and activation work

• Your SQL Server licence key is emailed immediately after payment, with download and installation instructions.
• Enter the product key during SQL Server setup to install the licensed edition.
• If activation fails, our support team will help you resolve it or replace the key.

SQL Server licence FAQ

Do I need CALs for SQL Server?

Only under the Server + CAL model. With Per Core licensing, unlimited users and devices can connect without CALs.

How many cores can SQL Server Standard use?

SQL Server 2025 Standard uses up to 32 cores and 256 GB of buffer pool memory per instance. SQL Server 2022 and 2019 Standard are limited to 24 cores.

Is SQL Server 2019 still supported?

Yes. Mainstream support ended in February 2025, but security updates continue until 9 January 2030.

Does a SQL Server licence include Windows Server?

No. Windows Server is a separate product. See our Windows Server licences.