Microsoft software assurance benefit calculator

Each extra set of eight core licenses with active SA or subscription entitles use on up to eight virtual cores and one Azure Base Instance VM. Differences how they can be used depends on which edition the licenses are for, Datacenter or Standard. The table below summarizes this:. When the SA or subscription is nearing expiry, you need to either renew your SA or subscription, disable the hybrid benefit functionality, or de-provision those VMs using Azure Hybrid Benefit. The image below illustrates examples of Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server being used full time and part time:.

Below is a reference table to assist you with understanding the benefit rules with more granularity. The green column shows the quantity of same-type VMs, and the blue row shows the core density of each VM. The yellow cells show the number of two-processor licenses or sets of 16 cores you must have to deploy a certain number of VMs of a certain core density:.

The examples below show configurations for some licensing scenarios:. We have enabled pre-built gallery images that are available for all our customers who have eligible licenses, irrespective of where they bought them, and enabled partners to be able to perform the deployments on customers' behalf. If you apply Azure Hybrid Benefit to your Windows Server VMs, you need to verify the number of eligible licenses and respective coverage period of your SA or subscription before any activation of this benefit, and apply the guidelines above to ensure you deploy the correct number of Windows Server VMs with Azure Hybrid Benefit.

If you already have Windows Server VMs running with Azure Hybrid Benefit, you need to perform an inventory of how many units you are running, and check this against the SA or subscription licenses you have. Please contact your Microsoft Enterprise Agreement licensing specialist to validate your SA or subscription licensing position. You may notice the following statuses on the Software Assurance Benefits page:. Additionally, the Software Assurance Manager role may be assigned automatically by Microsoft based on information submitted by your organization on the Supplemental Contact Information Form at the time the Licensing ID was established.

A Software Assurance Manager can perform tasks related only to the management of the Software Assurance Benefits that he or she is assigned to manage. An Administrator has more capabilities than a Software Assurance Manager.

The Administrator role can assign permissions to other VLSC users, view licensing information, download software, view product keys, manage subscriptions, manage Online Services, and manage Software Assurance Benefits for each Licensing ID in their permission set. A Software Assurance Manager can activate and manage each benefit that is specifically designated by an Administrator.

Detailed information about Software Assurance, including information about activating Software Assurance Benefits, see the Software Assurance customer site. You can find more VLSC training resources on this site, including videos.

Microsoft will respond to Web Form submissions within 24 hours. Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. More information about getting Software Assurance, activating your benefits, and details on individual benefits. Step-by-step instructions on verifying your use of License Mobility through an authorized partner. Form to complete to confirm use of License Mobility. Guides for customers and for individual employees on buying Microsoft through the Home Use Program.

Resources for Software Assurance Find solutions for your business with support for Software Assurance programs and products.