Upgrading from Windows Server 2022 to Windows Server 2025, what is the cost?

If the Windows Server 2022 license has active Software Assurance, Windows Server 2025 version-upgrade rights are generally included; otherwise, a separate Windows Server 2025 license is required.^1^

Current reference pricing

Microsoft lists these suggested US prices for 16-core licenses:

• Windows Server 2025 Standard: $1,176
• Windows Server 2025 Datacenter: $6,771

Prices vary by country and reseller. Both editions use core-based licensing and require Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) for users or devices accessing the server.^2^

The total therefore depends on:

• Whether Software Assurance or a subscription is active.
• Standard versus Datacenter edition.
• The number of physical cores that must be licensed.
• Whether new Windows Server 2025 CALs—and possibly RDS CALs—are needed.
• Reseller, region, and volume-license agreement pricing.
• Deployment and application-testing costs, which are separate from licensing.

Determine the applicable cost

1. Check the existing license agreement.
   If Software Assurance was active when Windows Server 2025 became available, verify the new-version entitlement in the licensing agreement. The upgrade license cost may then be $0, although CAL, support, and implementation costs can remain.
2. If there is no active upgrade entitlement, request a quote.
   Use the 16-core MSRP above only as a reference. The Windows Server 2025 licensing guide contains the detailed licensing rules, while the commercial agreement and Product Terms determine the actual entitlement.^3^
3. Include CALs in the quote.
   Microsoft’s displayed server prices do not include the cost of the required User or Device CALs.^2^
4. Consider pay-as-you-go for temporary requirements.
   Microsoft lists Azure Arc pay-as-you-go pricing at $33.58 per CPU core per month or $0.046 per hour. This is an alternative to a perpetual license, not a one-time upgrade fee.^2^

Technical upgrade eligibility

Windows Server 2022 can be upgraded directly to Windows Server 2025 using installation media or Windows Update, subject to the documented prerequisites and restrictions. Technical support for that path does not itself grant a Windows Server 2025 license; Microsoft requires a valid target-version license, product key, and activation method.^4^

Back up the server and validate role, feature, application, and hardware compatibility before performing the in-place upgrade.

References

1. Software Assurance Program Guide - download.microsoft.com
2. Windows Server 2025 Licensing & Pricing | Microsoft
3. Windows Server 2025 Licensing Guide Contents - microsoft.com
4. Plan Your Windows Server Upgrade Path | Microsoft Learn