Windows Server ESU - without Arc

[StephenPink]

Hi all,

Hoping someone can help. For various reasons, I'm looking to purchase ESU's for some Windows Server OS's. However, my reseller is telling me that the only way these can be purchased and used is by also paying for Azure Arc and going through that. 

However, according to Microsoft (How to get Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows Server 2012, and 2012 R2 | Microsoft Learn) you can also activate the ESUs via MAK keys. My reseller says this isn't available for Edu - but that Microsoft article implies that it should be: 

 

Quote

• Non-Azure physical and virtual machines - If you can't connect using Azure Arc, use Extended Security Updates on non-Azure VMs, by using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) and applying it to the relevant servers. This MAK key lets the Windows Update servers know that you can continue to receive security updates. To learn more, see Access your Multiple Activation Key from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center . ¹

¹ When using Azure Arc-enabled servers and non-Azure machines you must purchase ESUs. To purchase ESUs, you must have Software Assurance through Volume Licensing Programs such as an Enterprise Agreement (EA), Enterprise Agreement Subscription (EAS), Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES), or Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE).

 

Anyone been able to purchase and use the ESU on Servers, without Azure Arc?

Cheers