How to update the activation of SQL Server?

Question

Dear All,

We have an open value agreement and recently we have added an extra SQL license to the agreement. First, we purchased a license for 4 cores then we added 4 cores.

Now, how can we use these new extra SQL Server licenses on the existing SQL Server environment because we are using SQL Server on VM and we have increased the number of cores?

1. Is there a new key with an updated number of cores?
2. Is there a way to modify the existing license or add to it?
3. when we installed it in the first time, there was no product key and they only downloaded the software?, so is there a new key and how they can use it or add it to existing SQL Server?
4. Please explain more about how they can move or use the licenses such as 4 cores for one server and 4 cores for another server since each license is per 2 cores. Is there an activation modification or new key each time?
5. how do we make sure that the SQL server is licensed or not with how many cores license is using?

Please reply to each point and explain.

Thanks & Regards

Answer 1

how can we use these new extra SQL Server licenses on the existing SQL Server environment

You have SQL Server licenses only on "paper", there is nothing to activate nor to add licenses somewhere.

Just take care you have the right type/ammount of licenses .. on "paper"-

Answer 2

Is it possible that you allocated 4 single core CPUs to the VM. Then added another 4 single-core CPUs? SQL Server standard edition can access only 4 CPUs.

However if you were to change the configuration to 2 quad-core CPUs you would be able to access all cores.

Answer 3

Hii @Haitham Al-Haj ,

Thank you for reaching out and welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

then how does Microsoft check if we have a valid key/activation for the SQL Server? or the number of core licenses we have is the same as the agreement?

Please refer to SERVERPROPERTY (Transact-SQL). You have SQL Server licenses only on paper, but nowhere in the system; you have to take care on licensing on your own.

In addition, you can call 1-800-426-9400 for detailed information about the license issue, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web.

Is there a new key with an updated number of cores?

I am not sure of how to change the key on same edition. You can do Edition Upgrade, which allows you to enter a new Product Key.

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/6686/edition-upgrade-and-downgrade-in-sql-server/

when we installed it in the first time, there was no product key and they only downloaded the software?, so is there a new key and how they can use it or add it to existing SQL Server?

What's the meaning of this issue? When you install a new SQL Server, you need to enter the new product key and click Next to continue the install, right?

Please explain more about how they can move or use the licenses such as 4 cores for one server and 4 cores for another server since each license is per 2 cores. Is there an activation modification or new key each time?

Maybe you need this? Hope it can help you well!

how do we make sure that the SQL server is licensed or not with how many cores license is using?

You can run

SELECT @@VERSION  

If it returns "Standard Edition", that means it's licensed. SQL Server don't store any further license information; you have the license only on paper.

You can refer Microsoft Licensing Reference Guide to get more detailed information!

Feel free to share your issue here if you have any confusions.

Best regards,

Lucy Chen

---

If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our Documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/support/email-notifications