How do I use my Windows desktop license with WorkSpaces?

Short description

Amazon WorkSpaces provides three options for Windows-based operating systems (OS) to run a Windows 10 desktop experience including Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022.

If you have a Windows desktop license for one of the following operating systems and your licensing agreement permits it, then you can bring your own license (BYOL) to WorkSpaces:

• Windows 10 Pro
• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows 11 Enterprise

For more information, see Bring Your Own Windows desktop licenses in WorkSpaces.

Resolution

Prerequisites: You must commit to running 50 WorkSpaces in an AWS Region each month on dedicated hardware. The requirements are different for BYOL for Graphics WorkSpaces. For more information, see Prerequisites for using Windows BYOL with Amazon WorkSpaces.

Set up BYOL in WorkSpaces

To use BYOL images, complete the following steps:

1. Open the WorkSpaces console.
2. In the navigation pane, choose Account Settings.
3. In the Bring Your Own License (BYOL) section, you can see your account’s BYOL status. If the Status is BYOL not enabled for your Region, then choose Get Started with BYOL.
4. On the Bring Your Own License (BYOL) page, choose Enable account for BYOL. Note what AWS Region you are currently in because the BYOL enablement only applies to a single Region.
5. In the Enable account for BYOL new window, confirm the requirements, and then choose Enable account.
   Note: WorkSpaces doesn't support graphics BYOL enablement. To use Graphics WorkSpaces with BYOL, contact AWS Support.

In most cases, accounts are automatically enabled. However, some accounts require additional review. If you turn on your account for BYOL, then validate your image before you import. For more information, see the (Optional) Validate your image before importing section on Bring Your Own Windows desktop licenses in WorkSpaces.