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Hi Microsoft,
I am trying to enter a Key on a Windows Server 2019 and it is giving me activation error from GUI.
So, I want to test upgrade Microsoft License from Standard 2019 to Datacenter by using the commands below on a Test VM:
Incase the above method works then how can i free the license key which i will be using in option 2 above on a Test VM. I want to test the above procedure on a Test VM and if it works then i will implement it on production servers. However, if it works on a test VM then i would need to pull the license back since i don't want to waste a license on a Test VM. I intend to delete the Test VM after my testing. So, kindly provide me a command that will release/free up the license allocated on this test VM.
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Running slmgr /upk removes(uninstalls) the product keys from the machine. An activation of MAK once consumed is consumed. Every time you activate using a MAK key, the count is reduced by one. Some info here on checking remaining count.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/klince/how-many-activations-do-i-have-left-on-my-mak-keys
--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
Just checking if there's any progress or updates?
--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
Hi DS Patrick,
Thanks for the quick response. I am on Christmas Holidays and will update you in next 2 - 3 days once i get back to office.
Thanks,
Vik.
Sounds good.
Hi DSPatrick,
I tried running the following commands to convert a Standard 2019 License to Datacenter License
1) Dism /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula /ProductKey:WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG
This command should be run exactly as shown, including the key. Restart will happen as the end of this process after Y is answered at the prompt. Process is typically fast, however, sometimes it can take a very long time, possibly hours. Don't be concerned, just be patient.
2) slmgr /ipk <Datacenter MAC key purchased by customer>
This command just enters the key into Windows OS.
3) slmgr /ato
This command activates the key entered above.
I ran the command and i am getting the error: "This key is already in use". Not sure my colleague has used the keys on test machines but this is a brand new key...
The reseller should have provided access to licensed installation media. The simplest solution may be to try standing up a new DataCenter as a test and then do
slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
slmgr /ato
what is the result?
Also, since it is a MAK key and it should be good for multiple VMs but we are getting the error : "This key is already in use on another device". It has worked only once on another VM. Is there any other command that i need to run apart from the commands which we are currently using to convert the license key from Standard to Datacenter:
Upgrading Microsoft License from Standard to Datacenter
Process is very simple and straightforward, but it requires a restart of the server.
Due to bugs in Windows OS, just entering the new key won't work. First step is to activate it with Datacenter KMS key provided by Microsoft, then change it to MAC key purchased by customer.
On server in questions run following commands:
Dism /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula /ProductKey:WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG
slmgr /ipk <Datacenter MAC key purchased by customer>
slmgr /ato
Due to bugs in Windows OS
No, that isn't correct. DISM (deployment image servicing) is always needed to convert from evaluation to full. The reseller should always provide access to licensed installation media so this isn't necessary. If the key is not working as expected I'd contact the reseller's trained licensing specialist for more assistance.
--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
Just checking if there's any progress or updates?
--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
If you use your license to activate the product in Test VM then it will counted as activation and the only workaround would be to migrate it which would be useless in your case as you already have a production server. But you can try this method and see if they are helpful.
-Open a command prompt as an Administrator.
-Enter slmgr /upk and wait for this to complete. This will uninstall the current product key from Windows and put it into an unlicensed state.
-Enter slmgr /cpky and wait for this to complete. This will remove the product key from the registry if it's still there.
-Enter slmgr /rearm and wait for this to complete. This is to reset the Windows activation timers so the new users will be prompted to activate Windows when they put in the key.
This should put the system back to a pre-key state.
Hope this resolves your Query!!
--If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept it as an answer--
Thanks for the update. This information is helpful.
Hi,
In your reply you had stated that "If you use your license to activate the product in Test VM then it will counted as activation and the only workaround would be to migrate it which would be useless in your case as you already have a production server. "
I have a production Server which is still unlicensed. So, how can i migrate the key from Test VM to Production Server. i tried applying the key on Production Server and it gives me an error that the key is already being used though i recently bought these keys. Not sure if Test VM is clinging on to key. Kindly advise accordingly.
thanks,
Vikram.