Windows Server License Transfer from Dead Machine to New Machine

Question

Windows Server License Transfer from Dead Machine to New Machine

Anonymous

Hi!

I have a license for Windows Server 2022 Standard that I've used for about a year on a repurposed system. I bought this a couple of years ago and it's purpose is a testing machine and file server for my home.

That system died on me today. I setup a backup system that meets the hardware requirements but when I attempt to change the product key to use the license from the dead machine, but it says it doesn't work. Any idea what my options are?

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Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Thank you for your reply.

You are facing problems with error code 0x004F069 ("Software License Service Report Product SKU not found)

Attempting to reactivate on new hardware after original system failure

Currently running an evaluation version

Correct steps for license transfer

First deactivate the evaluation version (not strictly required, but recommended):

slmgr /upk

Confirmation of license type:

Retail licenses are freely transferable

OEM licenses are tied to the original hardware and are not transferable

Volume licenses require specific procedures

For a retail license (since you mentioned it was purchased, your license is most likely a retail license):

Use the original product key

Resolving SKU errors:

First make sure you are installing the exact same version (Standard Edition, not Data Center Edition)

slmgr /ipk

slmgr /ato

If it still fails:

You may need to use the Change Product Key option in Server Manager

or perform a clean install instead of trying to change the key on an existing installation

If it is an OEM license (pre-installed), you will need to purchase a new license

Can you confirm if your license is a retail license or an OEM license? This will help determine the next steps.

Best Regards,
Mia - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

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3 additional answers

Answer 1

Anonymous

I ended up being able to fix this by doing a clean install using the original install media after finding it. Once the install was completed, I was able to enter the product key and activated it successfully.

To answer Mia's question, it's a retail license.

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Answer 2

Anonymous

Hi Ryan,

Right now my server's up with the six month evaluation version of 2022 Server Standard. That is activated. Would I need to deactivate that first?

I attempted the 2nd step and got code 0x004F069: The Software Licensing Service Reported that the product SKU is not found.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Hello JamesBarr,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

You can try the following methods

Retail license: Manual transfer

(1) Deactivate the license on the old machine (if still bootable)

Run CMD as administrator and type:

slmgr /upk (uninstall the product key)

slmgr /cpky (clear the key from the registry)

If the old machine is not bootable, you can skip this step and activate it directly on the new machine.

(2) Activate on a new machine

Open CMD (Administrator) and type:

slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (replace with your key)

slmgr /ato (try online activation)

If that fails, run:

slmgr /dti (to get the installation ID)

slui 4 (contact Microsoft support for phone activation)

Explain to customer service that the old machine has been scrapped and request a transfer of authorization.

If there is any error message on your computer please upload the screenshot of the error message to me, I will help you to look at it!

Thank you for your patience and reading.

Best regards.

Ryan-N-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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Windows Server License Transfer from Dead Machine to New Machine

3 additional answers