WindowsHome
Windows 11 Home
ModelPerpetual / OEMUnitDevice
- Core Windows 11 experience
- Microsoft Store
- Windows Security
Licensing
Licensing without the maze
A practical comparison of common Microsoft licensing models, audiences and units. Always confirm final terms in Microsoft documentation.
WindowsSmall business
Windows 11 Pro
ModelPerpetual / OEM / RetailUnitDevice
- BitLocker
- Remote Desktop host
- Domain join capabilities
WindowsEnterprise
Windows Enterprise E3
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- Enterprise features
- Advanced management
- Cloud-based Windows services
WindowsEnterprise
Windows Enterprise E5
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- E3 capabilities
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
- Advanced protection
Microsoft 365Home
Microsoft 365 Personal
ModelSubscriptionUnitOne user
- Microsoft 365 applications
- OneDrive storage
- Multiple device support
Microsoft 365Family
Microsoft 365 Family
ModelSubscriptionUnitUp to six users
- Personal plan benefits
- Separate accounts
- Family use
Microsoft 365Small business
Business Basic
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- Web and mobile applications
- Business email
- Cloud storage
Microsoft 365Small business
Business Standard
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- Desktop applications
- Business email
- Collaboration services
Microsoft 365Small business
Business Premium
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- Business Standard capabilities
- Device management
- Advanced security
Microsoft 365Enterprise
Microsoft 365 E3
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- Office 365 services
- Windows Enterprise
- Identity and management
Microsoft 365Enterprise
Microsoft 365 E5
ModelSubscriptionUnitUser
- E3 capabilities
- Advanced security
- Analytics and compliance
Windows ServerOrganization
Windows Server Standard
ModelCore-basedUnitServer cores
- Physical and limited virtual scenarios
- CALs may be required
- Hybrid capabilities
Windows ServerDatacenter
Windows Server Datacenter
ModelCore-basedUnitServer cores
- Highly virtualized environments
- Software-defined infrastructure
- Advanced capabilities
SQL ServerBusiness
SQL Server Standard
ModelServer + CAL or per-coreUnitServer / cores
- Relational database
- Core analytics
- Hybrid deployment
SQL ServerMission critical
SQL Server Enterprise
ModelPer-coreUnitCores
- High availability
- Scale and performance
- Advanced analytics and security