--- title: Microsoft Licensing; One License, Five Devices description: Microsoft Licensing; One License, Five Devices --- [![Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/c743380ebbe7d684f1311cdda436439824adad7e.png?width=200&height=81&name=c743380ebbe7d684f1311cdda436439824adad7e.png "Ashton Solutions")](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com) [![Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/Ashton%20Solutions%20logo_color.png?width=200&height=81&name=Ashton%20Solutions%20logo_color.png "Ashton Solutions")](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com) - [Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services) - [Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/managed-it) - [Co-Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/co-managed-it) - [Security](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/security) - [Compliance](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/compliance) - [AI Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/ai-solutions) - [Transaction Advisory](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/transaction-advisory) - [Networking](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/networking) - [IT Projects](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/it-projects) - [Who We Support](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support) - [Non-profit Organizations](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/non-profits) - [Financial Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/financial-services) - [Legal Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/legal-services) - [Professional Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/professional-services) - [Industrial & Manufacturing](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/industrial-manufacturing) - [Life Sciences](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/life-sciences) - [Architecture, Engineering & Construction](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/architecture-engineering-construction) - [Real Estate & Development](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/real-estate-property-development) - [Other](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/other-industries) - [About](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about) - [Meet the Team](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#meet-the-team) - [Our Approach](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about/our-approach) - [Our Story](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#our-story) - [Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services) - [Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/managed-it) - [Co-Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/co-managed-it) - [Security](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/security) - [Compliance](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/compliance) - [IT Projects](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/it-projects) - [Transaction Advisory](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/transaction-advisory) - [Networking](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/networking) - [AI Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/ai-solutions) - [Who we help](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support) - [Non-profit Organizations](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/non-profits) - [Financial Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/financial-services) - [Legal Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/legal-services) - [Professional Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/professional-services) - [Industrial & Manufacturing](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/industrial-manufacturing) - [Architecture, Engineering & Construction](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/architecture-engineering-construction) - [Real Estate & Development](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/real-estate-property-development) - [Life Sciences](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/life-sciences) - [Other](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/other-industries) - [About](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about) - [Meet the Team](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#meet-the-team) - [Our Approach](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about/our-approach) - [Our Story](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#our-story) [Client Help Desk ![download-1](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hubfs/download-1.png)](https://portal.ashtonhelps.com) [Talk to an Expert ![download-1](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hubfs/download-1.png)](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/contact) [Client Help Desk](https://portal.ashtonhelps.com) [Talk to an Expert](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/contact) [Jim Abbott](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/jim-abbott) | 03.23.2018 | # Microsoft Licensing; One License, Five Devices # Microsoft Licensing; One License, Five Devices Much to the dismay of some, one Microsoft license can't be shared amongst five users.  Instead, that one license can be shared amongst five devices owned by ONE USER.  That's a big difference. If you're buying five licenses and sharing them amongst 25 users in your company, you're breaking the law.  We've seen what happens when Microsoft runs a license audit, and we'd strongly suggest you do things the right way!   By [Jim Abbott](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/jim-abbott) March 23, 2018 [Business Technology](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/tag/business-technology) --- ### You Might Also Be Interested In: [Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/ashton-solutions) | 11.02.2026 #### [AI in 2027: 5 Questions Every Business Should Be Asking Now](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/ai-in-2027-5-questions-every-business-should-be-asking-now) AI is already part of how many businesses operate. Employees are using it to write, research,... [Read More](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/ai-in-2027-5-questions-every-business-should-be-asking-now) [Travis Grundke](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/travis-grundke) | 10.27.2026 #### [Who Is Ashton’s Ideal Client? Technology Consulting & Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/who-is-ashtons-ideal-client-technology-consulting-managed-it) We talk about our Ideal Client Profile (ICP) all the time. It shapes who we pursue and how we build... [Read More](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/who-is-ashtons-ideal-client-technology-consulting-managed-it) [Ashton Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/ashton-solutions) | 10.20.2026 #### [CASE STUDY: Helping a Recycling Company Recover After a Devastating Facility Fire](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/case-study-helping-a-recycling-company-recover-after-a-devastating-facility-fire) The Challenge Changing IT providers is rarely simple. There are systems to evaluate, documentation... [Read More](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/case-study-helping-a-recycling-company-recover-after-a-devastating-facility-fire) ![MSP 501 2026 Winner Logo\_White](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MSP%20501%202026%20Winner%20Logo_White.png?width=1122&name=MSP%20501%202026%20Winner%20Logo_White.png "MSP 501 2026 Winner Logo_White") ![EOS](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/EOS.png?width=104&name=EOS.png "EOS") ![Wealthead100](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/Wealthead100.png?width=163&name=Wealthead100.png "Wealthead100") ![CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White.png?width=1742&name=CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White.png "CRN26-MSP500-Horizontal-White") - [Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services) - - [Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/managed-it) - [Co-Managed IT](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/co-managed-it) - [Security](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/security) - [Compliance](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/compliance) - - [AI Solutions](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/ai-solutions) - [Transaction Advisory](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/transaction-advisory) - [Networking](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/networking) - [IT Projects](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/services/it-projects) - [Who We Support](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support) - - [Non-profit Organizations](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/non-profits) - [Financial Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/financial-services) - [Legal Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/legal-services) - [Professional Services](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/professional-services) - [Industrial & Manufacturing](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/industrial-manufacturing) - - [Life Sciences](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/life-sciences) - [Architecture, Engineering & Construction](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/architecture-engineering-construction) - [Real Estate & Development](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/real-estate-property-development) - [Other](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/who-we-support/other-industries) - [About](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about) - [Meet the Team](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#meet-the-team) - [Our Approach](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about/our-approach) - [Our Story](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#our-story) - [Partners](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/about#partnerships) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog) - [Abbott's Thoughts](https://ashtonthoughts.com/) 23625 Commerce Park, Suite 130 Beachwood, Ohio 44122 Contact Us: [216-397-4080](tel:216-397-4080) - © 2026 Ashton Solutions | All Rights Reserved - [Terms of Use](https://50314096.hs-sites.com/terms) - [Security Policy](https://50314096.hs-sites.com/security-policy) - [DCMA Policy](https://50314096.hs-sites.com/dcma-policy) - [Privacy Policy](https://50314096.hs-sites.com/privacy-policy) [![Linkedin](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/linkedin-icon.png?width=28&name=linkedin-icon.png "Linkedin")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ashton-solutions) [![Instagram](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/instagram-icon.png?width=28&name=instagram-icon.png "Instagram")](https://www.instagram.com/ashtonsolutions) [![Twitter](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/twitter-icon.png?width=24&name=twitter-icon.png "Twitter")](https://twitter.com/AshtonSolutions) [![youtube](https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ashton_March2026/images/youtube%201.png?width=32&name=youtube%201.png "youtube")](https://www.youtube.com/user/AshtonGroup/featured) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jim Abbott", "url" : "https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/author/jim-abbott" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-14T02:12:31.010Z", "datePublished" : "2018-03-23T18:52:00.000Z", "headline" : "Microsoft Licensing; One License, Five Devices", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/the-ashton-solutions-blog/2018/03/23/microsoft-licensing-one-license-five-devices", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.ashtonsolutions.com/hubfs/Ashton%20Solutions%20logo_color.png" } } } ```