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Can I activate Windows Server MAK key if the license show expired?

Jero Cheng 140 Reputation points
2023-10-26T02:02:04.2066667+00:00

Hello

I using 20sets of Windows server 2016 standard or enterprise edition.

I would like to upgrade to 2019.

I login VLSC(365 admin center) show that I have several 2019 std or exterprise MAK key are unused.

2023-10-26 09_54_55-Window

But the license date show expired.

2023-10-26 09_52_22-Window

Can I use those MAK key for my upgrade? Or I have to purchase new sets of 2019 (2022) keys?

Thanks

Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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  1. Lei Tao (Shanghai Wicresoft Co Ltd) 235 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-10-26T06:29:28.0333333+00:00

    Hi @Jero Cheng

    Your contract end date has expired, but you can still use your MAK keys to activate Windows products. You can no longer download or activate any new versions of Windows products. For example, if Windows 10 was the latest version when you signed the agreement, but Windows 11 was released after that, once your contract end date expires, you can no longer download or activate Windows 11, only Windows 10. If you want to continue to enjoy the benefits of Software Assurance (SA), such as downloading and activating the latest version of your product, or receiving technical support, you will need to renew your SA on the VLSC. For more information about SA, please see https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/software-assurance-faq.

    Kind regards,

    Lei