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Licensing

Microsoft Licensing FAQs

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All Product and Topics Windows Desktop OS General Windows for business Autopatch Windows Multi session Windows 11

Windows Desktop OS

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General

Q: What is Windows Autopilot?

Windows Autopilot is a service that streamlines the deployment of new Windows PCs. This process can be done when the end user logs on to Microsoft 365 Business Premium for the first time—without IT ever touching the device—by leveraging the centralized management controls of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. You can also use Windows Autopilot for existing PCs that are running Windows Professional Creators Update (or later) and have been factory reset. 

Q: Can I access Windows 365 Frontline and Enterprise using my Windows Cloud PC (CPC) OS devices?

Yes. Notwithstanding the Qualifying OS requirement, users with Windows CPC OS devices can access Windows 365 Frontline and Enterprise. However, any user accessing Windows 365 must be licensed with each of the following: Windows 10/11 Enterprise/Education, Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID P1/P2. In addition to being available independently, all these licenses are also included in Microsoft 365 F3/E3/G3/E5/G5/A3/A5/Business Premium/Student Use Benefit.

Q: Can a Commercial Licensing customer buy new devices without an operating system preinstalled and license Windows 11 through a Microsoft Volume Licensing program?

No, new devices should be purchased with a Qualifying Operating System preinstalled by the device original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Microsoft Volume Licensing programs do not provide full licenses for Windows 11. Instead, they offer only upgrade licenses for Windows 11. However, there is an exception: customers can acquire a Windows VDA (Virtual Desktop Access) license to remotely access Windows 11 running in a virtual environment, even if the user device does not have a Qualifying Operating System.

Q: A customer has a device that originally came with Windows 10 Pro but was later upgraded to Windows 11 Pro using a license from their Volume Licensing program. If the customer wants to donate this device to a charity, can they uninstall Windows 11 Pro from the donated device and use that license on another device in their organization?

Customers can reassign Windows 11 per device licenses only if the license includes active Software Assurance. Without Software Assurance, licenses acquired through Commercial Licensing cannot be reassigned to another device.

Q: Does a device with a Windows VDA license need a Qualifying Operating System if it’s only used to access Windows 11 virtually and doesn’t have the software installed locally?

No, a device with a Windows VDA license doesn’t require a Qualifying Operating System if the software isn’t installed locally. The license allows the device to remotely access a virtualized Windows 11 instance without needing an OS installed.

Q: Can a Commercial Licensing customer install Windows 11 Enterprise in a virtual machine on an Apple device that comes with macOS?

Yes, Commercial Licensing customers can run Windows 11 in a virtual machine on a macOS device using approved solutions. However, in most cases, they will need to purchase a Full Packaged Product (FPP – retail) Windows 11 Pro license for each device to ensure it has a Qualifying Operating System. For exceptions to this requirement, refer to the table titled “Qualifying Operating System for per device licenses (excluding VDA licenses)” or consult your volume licensing reseller for guidance.

Q: How is Windows 11 Enterprise E3 different from Windows Enterprise Upgrade + Software Assurance?

Windows Enterprise Upgrade + Software Assurance is licensed per device, and each device requires Windows Pro or another underlying qualifying operating system. The associated user rights (local install, VDI rights, Windows To Go) apply only to the licensed device. 

Q: What happens if the user does not have a primary device running Windows Pro (7 or later) or Enterprise?

For customers who do not have primary users with primary devices running Windows Pro (7 or later) or Enterprise, the Windows VDA per User USL is available. Windows VDA per User does not require the primary device to have a qualified operating system nor does it require the user to be the primary user of a device. Windows VDA per User allows VDI or Windows To Go access on any device, and local install rights on any device the licensed user uses that is already licensed with Windows Pro (7 or later) or Windows Enterprise. The Windows 11 Enterprise E3 Add-on may also be assigned to the primary user of a primary device licensed with Windows VDA per device and gives the user all the rights of Windows VDA per User.

Q: What if an employee takes his or her personal computer to the IT department to have the IT department troubleshoot a problem and/or install a licensed product that the employee purchased themselves?

The action of an IT department installing software for personal use by the employee (and not for work use) does not make the device a Qualified Device.

Q: Can a PC that is running Windows 10 but is also used as a print server be excluded from the Qualified Device count under the server exclusion?

No. Unless the device is running a server operating system and being used only as a server, it is not considered a server for these purposes.

Q: Can Industry Devices be managed or access a VDI?

Industry Devices are excluded from requirements for and are not considered Qualified Devices. However, Industry Devices that do not adhere to the Industry Device definition at any time during your agreement are Qualified Devices.

Q: Does Windows Professional acquired through an OEM include downgrade rights?

When you buy a device from a manufacturer or installer with a Professional version of Windows preinstalled and configured to run in full feature mode, you have the right to downgrade to an equivalent edition of a prior version of Windows Professional. You can exercise this right only while Microsoft supports that earlier version and supports that earlier version on your hardware. For full details, review the license terms for your specific product at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/useterms/?msockid=397ba43d7fa06cef36bab4ac7e4e6d9f.

Q: In addition to licensing the desktops that are accessing Microsoft Office using Remote Desktop Services, do I need to purchase a license for Microsoft Office for the server that’s hosting the application for other desktops to access?

No. A license isn’t required for the copy installed on the server. 

Windows for business

Q: What is Windows for business?

Windows for business includes Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, Windows 11 Pro, and Windows 11 Pro for Workstations. These operating systems include cloud services and device management capabilities that enable the centralized management and security controls of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Learn more about Windows for business at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/business. If you have devices that are licensed for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 Professional, Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides an upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. Important to note that you must supply the original product key when you upgrade, otherwise, the upgrade would not work.

Autopatch

Q: Is Windows 365 for Enterprise supported with Windows Autopatch?

Windows Autopatch supports Windows 365 for Enterprise. Windows 365 for Business is not supported.

Q: Will Windows Autopatch support local domain or join Windows 10?

Windows Autopatch does not support local (on-premises) domain join. Windows Autopatch supports Microsoft Hybrid Entra join (https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/devices/concept-hybrid-join) or Microsoft Entra join (https://learn.microsoft.com/entra/identity/devices/concept-directory-join)

Q: Will Windows Autopatch be available for state and local government customers?

Windows Autopatch is available for all Windows E3 customers using Azure commercial cloud. However, Autopatch is not currently supported for government cloud (GCC) customers. Although Windows 365 Enterprise is in the Azure Commercial cloud, when Windows 365 Enterprise is used with a GCC customer tenant, Autopatch is not supported.

Q: How do I access Windows Autopatch?

You can access Windows Autopatch through Intune. For more information, see Start Using Windows Autopatch (https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-feature-activation#use-microsoft-intune-for-windows-autopatch)

Q: What are the licensing requirements for Windows Autopatch?

Business Premium and A3+ licenses include:
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium (for more information on available licenses, see Microsoft 365 licensing)
  • Windows 10/11 Education A3 or A5 (included in Microsoft 365 A3 or A5)
  • Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5 (included in Microsoft 365 F3, E3, or E5)
  • Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5 VDA
You must have Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3+ or F3 (included in Microsoft 365 F3, E3, or E5) licenses. Feature activation (https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/prepare/windows-autopatch-feature-activation) is optional and at no additional cost to you when you have Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3+ or F3 licenses.
The following licenses provide access to the Windows Autopatch features included in Business premium and A3+ licenses and its additional features after you activate Windows Autopatch features:
  • Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5 (included in Microsoft 365 F3, E3, or E5)
  • Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5 VDA

Q: What are the prerequisites for Windows Autopatch?

Additional prerequisites for devices managed by Configuration Manager:

Q: What are the Intune permissions needed to operate Windows Autopatch?

You must use the Microsoft Entra Global Administrator role to activate Windows Autopatch features. For registering devices, managing update deployment and reporting tasks, use the Intune Service Administrator role. For more information, see Built in roles for device registration (https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/windows-autopatch/deploy/windows-autopatch-device-registration-overview#built-in-roles-required-for-device-registration).

Q: Are there hardware requirements for Windows Autopatch?

No, Windows Autopatch does not require any specific hardware. However, general hardware requirements for updates are still applicable. For example, to deliver Windows 11 to your Autopatch devices they must meet specific hardware requirements (https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements). Windows devices must be supported by your hardware OEM.

Windows Multi session

Q: What is Windows Enterprise multi-session?

Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session allows multiple concurrent interactive sessions. Previously, only Windows Server could do this. This capability gives users a familiar Windows experience for session hosts in a pooled host pool. IT can benefit from the cost advantages of multi-session and use existing per-user Windows licensing, instead of RDS Client Access Licenses (CALs). For more information about licenses and pricing, see Azure Virtual Desktop pricing (https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/details/virtual-desktop).

Q: How many users can simultaneously have an interactive session on Windows Enterprise multi-session?

How many interactive sessions that can be active at the same time relies on your system hardware resources (vCPU, memory, disk, and vGPU), how your users use their apps while signed in to a session, and how heavy your system workload is. We suggest you validate your system performance to understand how many users you can have on Windows Enterprise multi session. To learn more, see (https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/details/virtual-desktop).

Q: Why does my application report Windows Enterprise multi session as a Server operating system?

Windows Enterprise multi session is a virtual edition of Windows Enterprise. One of the differences is that this operating system (OS) reports the Product Type (https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/win32/cimwin32prov/win32-operatingsystem) as having a value of 3, the same value as Windows Server. This property keeps the OS compatible with existing RDSH management tooling, RDSH multi session aware applications, and mostly low-level system performance optimizations for RDSH environments. Some application installers can block installation on Windows multi-session depending on whether they detect the Product Type is set to Client. If your app would not install, contact your application vendor for an updated version.

Q: Can I run Windows Enterprise multi-session outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service?

We do not allow customers to run Windows Enterprise multi session in production environments outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service. Only Microsoft or the Azure Virtual Desktop Approved Providers, Citrix and Omnissa, can provide access to the Azure Virtual Desktop service. It is against the licensing agreement to run Windows multi session outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service for production purposes. Windows multi session also would not activate against on premises Key Management Services (KMS).

Q: Can I upgrade a Windows VM to Windows Enterprise multi session?

No. It is not currently possible to upgrade an existing virtual machine (VM) that is running Windows Professional or Enterprise to Windows Enterprise multi session. Also, if you deploy a Windows Enterprise multi session VM and then update the product key to another edition, you would not be able to switch the VM back to Windows Enterprise multi session and will need to redeploy the VM. Changing your Azure Virtual Desktop VM SKU to another edition is not supported.

Q: Does Windows Enterprise multi-session support Remote Desktop IP Virtualization?

No. Azure Virtual Desktop supported virtual machine OS images (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/prerequisites?tabs=portal#operating-systems-and-licenses) do not support Remote Desktop IP Virtualization.

Q: How do I customize the Windows Enterprise multi session image for my organization?

We recommend you use Custom image templates (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/custom-image-templates). Alternatively, you can start a VM in Azure with Windows Enterprise multi-session and customize it by installing LOB applications, sysprep/generalize, and then create an image using the Azure portal.
To get started, create a VM in Azure with Windows Enterprise multi-session. Instead of starting the VM in Azure, you can download the VHD directly. After that, you are able to use the VHD you downloaded to create a new VM on a Windows PC with Hyper V enabled. Make sure you use the same VM generation for the new VM as the VHD.
Customize the image to your needs by installing LOB applications and sysprep the image. When you are done customizing, upload the image to Azure with the VHD inside. After that, get Azure Virtual Desktop from the Azure Marketplace and use it to deploy a new host pool with the customized image.

Q: How do I manage Windows Enterprise multi session after deployment?

You can use any supported configuration tool, but we recommend Configuration Manager version 1906 because it supports Windows Enterprise multi session or Microsoft Intune https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/management for Microsoft Entra joined or Microsoft Entra hybrid joined session hosts.

Q: Can Windows Enterprise multi session be Microsoft Entra joined?

Windows Enterprise multi-session can be Microsoft Entra joined. To get started, follow the steps to Deploy Microsoft Entra joined virtual machines (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/azure-ad-joined-session-hosts).
We do not allow customers to run Windows Enterprise multi session in production environments outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service. For more information, see Can I run Windows Enterprise multi session outside of the Azure Virtual Desktop service (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/windows-multisession-faq#can-i-run-windows-enterprise-multi-session-outside-of-the-azure-virtual-desktop-service).

Q: Where can I find the Windows Enterprise multi-session image and what does it include?

Windows Enterprise multi session can be conveniently selected in the Azure Virtual Desktop management interface while managing your environment. When needed, you can navigate to Azure Marketplace (https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com), search for the Windows 10 or Windows 11 offering, and select Windows Enterprise multi session plan. For an image integrated with Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, search with keyword multi session to get to this offering. The marketplace images are updated monthly after the security patch release schedule of Windows Servicing and Delivery. The images with Microsoft 365 apps pre-installed are made available in the marketplace around the middle of the 3rd week of the month:
Additionally, FSLogix comes pre installed on all available Windows Enterprise multi session images. To configure FSLogix, see Configuration options (https://learn.microsoft.com/fslogix/concepts-configuration-options).
Important: All named applications that come pre-installed are the latest version that is available the 2nd Tuesday of that month. Any app updates after that day can only be considered in the image update in the upcoming month.

Q: Which Windows Enterprise multi-session versions are supported?

Windows Enterprise multi-session releases follow the same support lifecycle policy as Windows Enterprise. For more information, see Operating systems and licenses (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/prerequisites?tabs=portal#operating-systems-and-licenses).

Q: Which profile management solution should I use for Windows Enterprise multi session?

We recommend you use FSLogix profile containers when you configure Windows Enterprise in non persistent environments or other scenarios that need a centrally stored profile. FSLogix ensures the user profile is available and up to date for every user session. We also recommend you use your FSLogix profile container to store a user profile in any SMB share with appropriate permissions, but you can store user profiles in Azure page blob storage if necessary. Azure Virtual Desktop users can use FSLogix at no additional cost. FSLogix comes pre-installed on all Windows Enterprise multi-session images, but the IT admin is still responsible for configuring the FSLogix profile container.
For more information about how to configure an FSLogix profile container, see Configure the FSLogix profile container (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/prerequisites?tabs=portal#operating-systems-and-licenses).

Q: Which license do I need to access Windows Enterprise multi session?

For a full list of applicable licenses, see (https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/details/virtual-desktop).

Q: Why do my apps disappear after I sign out?

This happens because you are using Windows Enterprise multi-session with a profile management solution like FSLogix. Your admin or profile solution configured your system to delete user profiles when users sign out. This configuration means that when your system deletes your user profile after you sign out, it also removes any apps you installed during your session. If you want to keep the apps you installed, you will need to ask your admin to provision these apps for all users in your Azure Virtual Desktop environment.

Q: How do I make sure apps do not disappear when users sign out?

Most virtualized environments are configured by default to prevent users from installing additional apps to their profiles. If you want to make sure an app does not disappear when your user signs out of Azure Virtual Desktop, you have to provision that app for all user profiles in your environment. For more information about provisioning apps, check out these resources:

Q: How do I make sure users do not download and install apps from the Microsoft Store?

You can disable the Microsoft Store app to make sure users do not download extra apps beyond the apps you have already provisioned for them.
To disable the Store app:
  1. Create and edit a new Group Policy Object.
  2. Select Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store.
  3. Open the Turn off the Store Application setting.
  4. Select the Enabled option.
  5. Click the Apply button.
  6. Click the OK button.

Q: Can Windows Enterprise multi session receive feature updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)?

Yes. You can update Windows Enterprise multi session with the appropriate feature updates published to WSUS, the same as a single session version of Windows. The underlying VM must meet the hardware requirements for the operating system you are using, such as the hardware requirements for Windows 11 (https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements#virtual-machine-support).
In place upgrade of Windows, for example from Windows 10 to Windows 11, is not supported for session hosts in a pooled host pool. For more information, see Can I do an in place upgrade of a session host operating system (https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-desktop/faq#can-i-do-an-in-place-upgrade-of-a-session-host-s-operating-system).

Windows 11

Q: What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows 10 features are not available in Windows 11, see Windows 11 Specifications.

Q: What are the benefits of Windows 11 over Windows 10?

Windows 11 offers new productivity features and functionality designed to meet the challenges of the hybrid world, with a completely refreshed look and feel that helps you get more done with less stress.

Q: What edition of Windows 11 will I get when I upgrade?

The upgrade to Windows 11 is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. Devices with Windows 10 Pro installed will be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro. Devices running Windows 10 Enterprise will upgrade to Windows 11 Enterprise. Windows 11 Pro will not offer Windows 11 Pro in S mode, so you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade.

Q: Will my current Windows 10 applications, software, and programs work with Windows 11 Will the AppAssure support Windows 11?

Yes, Microsoft is committed to ensuring your applications work on the latest versions of our software and Windows 11 has been built with compatibility in mind. Our promise states that apps that worked on Windows 7/8.1/10 will work on Windows 11. If you have App Assure, Microsoft will help you fix them at no cost. App Assure is a service that helps customers resolve application issues that they may experience when deploying the latest version of our software. App Assure is available at no additional cost for eligible customers with 150+ seats. For more information on eligibility requirements, please navigate to this page. Visit the App Assure page and sign in to submit your request for assistance for a dedicated App Assure Manager. If you experience any issues submitting a request for assistance, please contact ACHELP@microsoft.com and one of our team members will assist you.

Q: What is the difference between upgrade and update for Windows products?

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

Q: Can I go back to Windows 10 after I upgrade, if I don’t like Windows 11?

Yes. After you have installed the Windows 11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After the 10 days, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows 10.
This content is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ON THIS PAGE. This information is provided to help guide your authorized use of products you license; it is not your agreement. Your use of products licensed under your volume license agreement is governed by the terms and conditions of that agreement. In the case of any conflict between this information and your agreement, the terms and conditions of your agreement control.
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