Following the recent release of SQL Server 2025, Microsoft have launched new licensing guidance. Rather than the usual detailed PDF, it’s now presented as a website, and while there’s less detail than previous versions, it’s a handy and easier-to-digest alternative to the Product Terms.
There aren’t major licensing changes with this release, but the guide does have helpful information on the new default reporting solution, Power BI Report Server. Be aware that the “Licensing SQL Components” section incorrectly lists three discontinued components. When we find issues like this, we document them for subscribers – check out the Licensing Guides Cautionary Notes in LicenseVerse here: https://bit.ly/LSLVLGCN.
Find the new SQL Server 2025 licensing guidance here: https://bit.ly/4pjdTJ4.
Tag Archives: Licensing Guidance
Qualified Devices and Qualified Users licensing guidance
There’s an updated (May 2025) Qualified Devices and Qualified Users licensing guidance document from Microsoft. There are just tiny changes from the previous 2020 version, with all the rules and definitions staying the same.
Find this updated document here: https://bit.ly/3YvbT5e.
Windows 11 QOS requirements licensing guidance
There’s an updated (March 2025) Windows 11 Qualifying Operating System requirements licensing guidance document from Microsoft. It’s an update to a November 2021 document and has a couple of new FAQs: one around the QOS requirements for the new Windows 365 Link device, and another around macOS devices.
Find this updated document here: https://bit.ly/42ufOkZ.