Overview
When deploying a new server, you have the option to install a Windows operating system (OS). To provide flexibility and accommodate a variety of licensing needs, we offer Windows OS under a BYOL (Bring Your Own License) model. This means that while we provide the option to install Windows on your server, the responsibility for providing, managing, and activating a valid Windows license lies entirely with you, the customer.
What is BYOL?
BYOL stands for Bring Your Own License. Under this model, we allow you to use your own legally obtained Windows license for the operating system on your VPS or dedicated server. This approach offers flexibility, particularly if you already have an existing Windows Server license or prefer to manage your licenses independently.
How Does It Work?
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Server Deployment: When you deploy a new server through our platform, you can select Windows as your desired operating system.
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License Activation: Once the server is deployed, the Windows OS will be in an unactivated or trial state, typically for a 180-day period. During this time, you, as the customer, are responsible for providing and activating a valid product key to continue using the Windows OS beyond the trial period.
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Supported Licenses: Ensure that the license you intend to use is appropriate for a virtualized environment or a dedicated server, depending on your setup. Suitable licenses include:
- Volume Licenses
- Microsoft Open License or Open Value
- Other appropriate license types (e.g., retail, where applicable)
Note: Certain licenses, such as OEM licenses, may be tied to specific hardware and are not transferable to new environments. Make sure the license you plan to use is eligible for the intended deployment scenario.
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Activation Process: After deployment, you will need to enter your license key and activate Windows. This can typically be done through the Windows interface or via command-line tools if necessary. If you encounter any issues during activation, please consult Microsoft's support resources or contact your license provider for assistance.
Important Considerations
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Legal Compliance: It is your responsibility to ensure that the license you provide is legitimate and compliant with Microsoft's licensing terms. Failure to activate Windows within the allowed grace period (e.g., the 180-day trial) may result in reduced functionality of the operating system and could violate Microsoft’s licensing terms.
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No Windows License Included: As part of this service, we do not provide or sell Windows licenses. If you do not have a valid license, you will need to obtain one from Microsoft or an authorized reseller.
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Support for License Activation: While we are happy to assist with basic guidance on entering and activating your license key, any issues directly related to the license (e.g., invalid keys, activation errors) should be addressed with Microsoft or your license vendor.
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Enforcement and Abuse Reporting: As we do not have access to your servers, we cannot monitor or enforce license compliance directly. However, if we receive reports or become aware of any non-compliance or abuse of the licensing terms, we reserve the right to terminate the service to maintain compliance with software regulations and protect our business.
Why Choose BYOL?
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Cost Savings: If you already have a valid Windows Server license, BYOL allows you to avoid purchasing an additional license.
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Flexibility: BYOL lets you manage your licenses according to your specific needs, including the ability to transfer licenses between servers if permitted by Microsoft.
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Compliance: Ensuring that you use a valid license helps maintain compliance with software regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about using the BYOL model for your Windows OS installation or need assistance with the deployment process, please feel free to contact our support team. Additionally, you can refer to our other knowledge base articles for more detailed guidance.
