Great — here’s how to source a compliant and affordable Windows licence for your Proxmox VM running Sage 50, depending on the version you choose.
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- Choose Your Windows Edition for the VM
| Version | Ideal For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 Pro | Most users (including Sage 50) | RDP enabled, stable, no unnecessary server tools |
| Windows 11 Pro | Future-proof but heavier | Requires UEFI + TPM2.0 (can bypass in VM) |
| Windows Server 2019 Essentials | Headless + longer support | GUI, domain features, remote users allowed |
| Windows Server 2022 Standard | Advanced networks, scalability | More costly, rarely needed for Sage-only setup |
Recommendation: Use Windows 10 Pro or Server 2019 Essentials unless you have a specific requirement for Server 2022 or domain control.
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- Licensing Paths (Legitimate & Affordable)
A. OEM or Retail Licences (One-time Purchase)
• Use these for single-machine, permanent installs.
• Can be activated in VMs.
• Transferability:
• OEM: bound to that VM install.
• Retail: transferable (useful if migrating to new VM later).Where to Buy:
| Vendor | Type | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Retail/OEM | £90–£120 | Buy “Windows 10 Pro OEM key” |
| Scan.co.uk | OEM | £95–£115 | Trusted UK hardware vendor |
| Ebuyer.com | OEM | ~£100 | Business-focused seller |
Make sure it’s labelled as “genuine”, “Microsoft-authorised”, or “OEM System Builder”. Avoid eBay/marketplace sellers promising £5 keys — they are often volume or MSDN keys and not legally valid for business use.
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B. Volume Licensing (for multiple VMs or users)
• If you have a Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Windows Volume Licence agreement, you can use KMS or MAK keys for activation.
• You must keep records of each activation for compliance.Contact:
• Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)
• A Microsoft Partner or CSP (e.g. Bytes, Insight, Phoenix)⸻
C. Refurbished or Ex-corporate Keys (UK Legal Market)
In the UK, it’s legal to sell surplus unused volume licences or OEM keys if:
• They’re deactivated from prior installs
• The key is resold with documentationReputable Vendors:
• Lizenso.co.uk
• Softwaregeeks.co.uk
• Trusted Tech Team UKThese sites may offer Windows 10 Pro OEM or Retail keys for £35–£60, with invoices and VAT for business accounting. Read their compliance disclaimers carefully.
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- Activation in a Proxmox VM
Once installed:
Settings > Activation > Enter Product Key
You can also use:
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr /ato
Make sure:
• The VM has an internet connection
• The hardware ID doesn’t change too frequently (if you clone or restore)⸻
Let Me Know If You Want:
• A list of current deals from trusted UK sellers
• A script to pre-install Windows + auto-inject licence key during VM setup
• Advice on how to back up your VM licence state (for fast reactivation after restore)