Activation question

Question

I'm doing virtualization and have some base licenses ( Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019 ). On the 2016 I seemed to have used it in the past in my home lab. How do I release the product key so I can move it to my new VM in my home lab ?

Thank you,

Jacob

Answer 1

Any progress or updates?

--please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

You need to have obtained the Retail licenses of Windows Server 2016,, then you are entitled to transfer the product key to another device.

Uninstall Product Key to Deactivate Windows Server
Open an elevated command prompt.
Copy and paste the slmgr /upk command into the elevated command prompt, and press Enter to uninstall the product key
Copy and paste the slmgr /cpky command into the elevated command prompt, and press Enter. Click/tap on OK when the product key has successfully been cleared from the registry.
On your new device, type the following command to reuse the product key and press Enter:
slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

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Answer 3

On old one to remove a product key you can
slmgr /upk

On the new on you can;
slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
slmgr /ato

--please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--