OS Licensing

OS Licensing for Windows VM

The virtual machine’s operating system is independent of the host operating system
Total Cost for Windows VM = (Infrastructure Cost + OS Cost)
Windows Server: the license to run Windows Server in the Azure environment is by default included in the per-minute cost of your Windows Virtual Machine
Windows 10: “Multitenant Hosting Rights for Windows 10” licenses are required

When Windows Server VM image (i.e. Windows Server Datacenter 2019) is selected (while creating VM), OS cost is included in the per-minute cost
Windows Server with Software Assurance:
- Azure Hybrid Benefit can be utilized
- Azure Hybrid Benefit will give a cheaper per-minute cost when running a Windows Server VM
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/licensing-faq/

Unless you’re running a volume-licensed version of Windows 10, you need a separate license for Windows 10 running inside a virtual machine
Client OS licenses is not available as part of the VM price in Azure (only Server Licenses)
To create Windows 10 VM, “Multitenant Hosting Rights for Windows 10” licenses are required
Licenses that are entitled for “Multitenant Hosting Rights”: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/windows-desktop-multitenant-hosting-deployment
Get an eligible license first and then when creating Azure VM, check “I have an eligible Windows 10 license with multi-tenant hosting rights”

To avaoid all the annoying licensing bullshit, use “Windows Server Datacenter 2019” VM instead of “Windows 10 VM”

Following licenses are eligible to create Azure Virtual Desktop without paying for OS
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium license
- Volume license
List of eligible licenses: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/windows-desktop-multitenant-hosting-deployment