Using Windows Server as a Desktop for VDI

Customers have two primary options for licensing Windows for a virtual desktop in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Many organizations choose to deploy a Windows client OS as the virtual desktop, typically by covering the accessing device with Software Assurance (SA) for Windows or with a Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) subscription. Another option, not as widely appreciated, uses Windows Server as the virtual desktop and leverages the virtualization rights that come with Windows Server Datacenter edition. Although using server OS-based virtual desktops may reduce licensing costs and simplify compliance, doing so can introduce technical trade-offs.

Using Windows Server as a Desktop

Windows Server is fully capable of being deployed as a desktop OS. For example, both the Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 are compatible with most new Windows Store applications, as well as most legacy Win32 and .NET applications, including Microsoft Office and other popular desktop applications. All server editions since Windows Server 2008 offer the choice of installing a server with or without a local graphical user interface (GUI). When the local GUI installation is selected, it can be made to look almost identical to a Windows 7 or 8.1 user interface. (For an illustration, see “Windows Server 2012 Desktop Experience“.)