How to Activate OEM CALs after activating the Operating System?

Question

Hi Team,

We have purchased a Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition License. We have also purchased two OEM CALs , each for 5 users.I need to know how to activate the CALs after I Activated the Operating system. In our Scenario we Have One Device (server) and multiple users.

I have already Activated the Windows server Operating system. Now I need to know where and how can I activate my 5-user OEM CALs.

looking forward to hearing from you.

best,

Ali Ansari

Answer 1

Hello  Ali Ansari1，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

To activate your OEM CALs after activating the operating system, please follow the steps below:

1. Open the Server Manager on your Windows Server 2022.
2. Click on the "Local Server" option on the left-hand side of the window.
3. Scroll down to the "Properties" section and click on the "Change Product Key" link.
4. Enter the product key for your OEM CALs and click on the "Next" button.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

Once the activation process is complete, your OEM CALs will be activated and ready to use.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

Answer 2

Hello  Ali Ansari1，

 

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

 

To activate your OEM CALs after activating the operating system, please follow the steps below:

1. Open the Server Manager on your Windows Server 2022.
2. Click on the "Local Server" option on the left-hand side of the window.
3. Scroll down to the "Properties" section and click on the "Change Product Key" link.
4. Enter the product key for your OEM CALs and click on the "Next" button.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

Once the activation process is complete, your OEM CALs will be activated and ready to use.

 

I hope the information above is helpful.

 

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

 

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

This is no answer at all!! I just bought 2 sets of 5 CALs for a new 2022 Standard server I just had built. The server has been activated with the appropriate 25 key code, But the Sealed CALS for use "by Machine and not User" arrived and it has no 25 digit code on it to match the above directions. There is a 14 digit tracking ID on the sticker and another code of R18-06430. but no Activation code and scanning the QR codes reveal the same tracking code and the other one, but no Activation code, also no mention on the card with the sticker on it nor in your info regarding scratching off anything, that might be hiding a key code either?

Answer 3

Hi - User / Device CAL's are not "installed" with any key. It's an honor system and has always been this way. RDS cals on the other hand do require a product key install and that is an entirely different process. It's just paperwork for a possible audit that will never happen.