Licensing Windows desktop operating system for use with virtual machines

This licensing brief is an overview of the Microsoft Volume Licensing use rights for the Windows 10 operating system when running within virtual machines.

The licensing covered in this brief is described in the context of Software Assurance for the Windows desktop operating system (Windows Software Assurance) and the Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) subscription license under Microsoft Volume Licensing. For use rights provided with Windows preinstalled by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or purchased through other channels, review the license terms that accompany those products. You can find the Software License Terms for products purchased through these channels at Microsoft Licensing Terms.

This brief replaces a previous version published in December 2014. It has been updated to reflect Windows 10.