Activating Windows Server via Key Management Service (KMS) is an efficient and effective method for managing the activation of multiple servers within an organization. KMS activation allows organizations to activate systems within their network without requiring each system to connect individually to Microsoft. This tutorial will guide you through the steps to activate Windows Server using KMS. But before that you need to convert your Windows Server Evaluation Version to either Standard, Datacenter or Essentials.
Prerequisites
- Administrative privileges on the server.
- Access to a KMS server or a KMS host key.
- A valid KMS product key for Windows Server. Find yours below.
Understanding KMS
Key Management Service (KMS) is a Microsoft activation service that allows organizations to activate systems within their network using a local KMS server. This method is beneficial because it reduces the need for each system to connect to Microsoft individually for activation. KMS activates systems for a specified period, after which they must reactivate by connecting to the KMS server. This process ensures that only systems within the organization’s network remain activated, providing a controlled and secure activation environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Activate any Windows Server via KMS via Command Prompt for Free
Step 1: Verify the Current Activation Status
It’s important to check the current activation status to understand the initial state of your server. This step helps identify if the server is already activated, or if there are any existing issues that need to be addressed before proceeding with the KMS activation.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- This will show the current edition and activation status of Windows Server.
Step 2: Open the Command Prompt as Administrator
You need administrative privileges to run the necessary commands for configuring and activating KMS. These commands make system-level changes that can only be executed with elevated permissions. Without admin rights, the commands will fail, preventing the activation process.
- Click on the Start menu, type
cmdin the search bar. - Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 3: Install the KMS Product Key
The KMS product key is necessary to configure the server for KMS activation. This key tells the server to use the KMS method for activation rather than a retail or MAK (Multiple Activation Key) method. The product key provided must be specific to the version of Windows Server you are using.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr /ipk <your_product_key>- Replace
<your_product_key>with your actual KMS product key. - A confirmation message should appear indicating that the product key was installed successfully.
Step 4: Set the KMS Server for Windows Server
Configuring the KMS server address is essential for directing the server to the appropriate KMS host for activation. The KMS server is responsible for managing and validating the activation requests within your organization’s network. Without setting the KMS server, the server will not know where to send its activation request.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr /skms mskms.roosho.link- You may replace
mskms.roosho.linkwith the address of your KMS server if you have any other.
- A confirmation message should appear indicating that the KMS server was set successfully.
Step 5: Activate Windows Server
This step activates the Windows Server against the configured KMS server. Once activated, the server will periodically check in with the KMS server to renew its activation. This ensures that the server remains compliant with licensing requirements and continues to function without interruption.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr /ato- A confirmation message should appear indicating that the product was activated successfully.
Step 6: Verify the Activation Status
It’s crucial to confirm that the activation was successful and the server is now fully activated. Verifying the activation status ensures that there are no lingering issues and that the server is correctly licensed. This final check provides peace of mind and confirms the server is ready for use.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- This will show the updated activation status of Windows Server.
Additional Information: KMS Activation Benefits
- Legal Activation for Free: KMS provides a legitimate way to activate Windows servers within an organization without additional costs per activation. Once you set up a KMS server, it can handle activations for all systems within your network, reducing the need to purchase multiple licenses or keys.
- Centralized Management: KMS allows centralized management of activations, making it easier to keep track of activated systems and ensure compliance with licensing agreements.
- Periodic Activation: KMS requires systems to reactivate periodically, ensuring that only systems within the network remain activated. This helps in managing and securing the activation process effectively.
KMS Product Keys for Windows Servers
Windows Server 2022 Standard
VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7HWindows Server 2022 Datacenter
WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition
NTBV8-9K7Q8-V27C6-M2BTV-KHMXVWindows Server 2019 Standard
N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464CWindows Server 2019 Datacenter
WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFGWindows Server 2019 Essentials
WVDHN-86M7X-466P6-VHXV7-YY726Windows Server 2016 Standard
WC2BQ-8NRM3-FDDYY-2BFGV-KHKQYWindows Server 2016 Datacenter
CB7KF-BWN84-R7R2Y-793K2-8XDDGWindows Server 2016 Essentials
JCKRF-N37P4-C2D82-9YXRT-4M63BWindows Server 2012 R2 Standard
D2N9P-3P6X9-2R39C-7RTCD-MDVJXWindows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter
W3GGN-FT8W3-Y4M27-J84CP-Q3VJ9Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials
KNC87-3J2TX-XB4WP-VCPJV-M4FWMWindows Server 2012
BN3D2-R7TKB-3YPBD-8DRP2-27GG4Windows Server 2012 N
8N2M2-HWPGY-7PGT9-HGDD8-GVGGYWindows Server 2012 Single Language
2WN2H-YGCQR-KFX6K-CD6TF-84YXQWindows Server 2012 Country Specific
4K36P-JN4VD-GDC6V-KDT89-DYFKPWindows Server 2012 Standard
XC9B7-NBPP2-83J2H-RHMBY-92BT4Windows Server 2012 MultiPoint Standard
HM7DN-YVMH3-46JC3-XYTG7-CYQJJWindows Server 2012 MultiPoint Premium
XNH6W-2V9GX-RGJ4K-Y8X6F-QGJ2GWindows Server 2012 Datacenter
48HP8-DN98B-MYWDG-T2DCC-8W83PWindows Server 2012 Essentials
HTDQM-NBMMG-KGYDT-2DTKT-J2MPVWindows Server 2008 R2 Web
6TPJF-RBVHG-WBW2R-86QPH-6RTM4Windows Server 2008 R2 HPC edition
TT8MH-CG224-D3D7Q-498W2-9QCTXWindows Server 2008 R2 Standard
YC6KT-GKW9T-YTKYR-T4X34-R7VHCWindows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
489J6-VHDMP-X63PK-3K798-CPX3YWindows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
74YFP-3QFB3-KQT8W-PMXWJ-7M648Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
GT63C-RJFQ3-4GMB6-BRFB9-CB83VWindows Web Server 2008
WYR28-R7TFJ-3X2YQ-YCY4H-M249DWindows Server 2008 Standard
TM24T-X9RMF-VWXK6-X8JC9-BFGM2Windows Server 2008 Standard without Hyper-V
W7VD6-7JFBR-RX26B-YKQ3Y-6FFFJWindows Server 2008 Enterprise
YQGMW-MPWTJ-34KDK-48M3W-X4Q6VWindows Server 2008 Enterprise without Hyper-V
39BXF-X8Q23-P2WWT-38T2F-G3FPGWindows Server 2008 HPC
RCTX3-KWVHP-BR6TB-RB6DM-6X7HPWindows Server 2008 Datacenter
7M67G-PC374-GR742-YH8V4-TCBY3Windows Server 2008 Datacenter without Hyper-V
22XQ2-VRXRG-P8D42-K34TD-G3QQCWindows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems
4DWFP-JF3DJ-B7DTH-78FJB-PDRHKConclusion
You have successfully activated your Windows Server via KMS. This method is efficient for managing multiple activations within an organization, ensuring all servers are properly licensed and fully operational. KMS activation is a cost-effective and centralized solution for managing Windows Server licenses within a corporate environment.
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