Offline installation of Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Extended Security Update

Question

I would like to ask if the ESU of Window Server 2012/2012 R2 can be installed offline with a product key?

Answer 1

Hello

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Yes, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 can be installed offline with a product key. Here are the steps:

Access your Multiple Activation Key (MAK): You can access your MAK from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. It may take 3-5 business days for your Multiple Activation Key to become available after purchasing ESUs for on-premises VMs or physical servers.

Install the ESU Licensing Preparation Package: You need to install the ESU Licensing Preparation Package before you apply the ESU add-on key.

Apply the MAK Key: You can apply the MAK key using the command slmgr.vbs /ipk <MAK Key>.

Please note that you must have Software Assurance through Volume Licensing Programs such as an Enterprise Agreement (EA), Enterprise Agreement Subscription (EAS), Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES), or Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE) in order to purchase ESUs.

Remember to restart your device after you install the required update and before you apply any Monthly Rollup, Security-Only Update, Preview of Monthly Rollup, or standalone update.

Best Regards,

Wesley Li

Answer 2

Hi Wesley,

I have installed the latest ESU Licensing Preparation Package (K5030329). However, the error of message 0xc004e016 kept popping out after I have inputted the esu key, indicating the product key is invalid. I checked with my IT department that the key should be okay. I planned to activate the key through the method of phone call. Yet I was struck by the pop message. Please help advise the solution, thanks

Answer 3

The error code 0xc004e016 usually indicates an issue with the product key. Here are a few steps you can try to resolve this issue:

Run Command Prompt as Administrator: Make sure you open CMD in elevated privileges (run as administrator).

Uninstall the Product Key: Type slmgr.vbs /upk in the command prompt. This command either uninstalls the product key or there will be an error message. You can disregard the error message if applicable.

Re-enter the Product Key: Open a new Run window by pressing the Windows key + R key. Type slui.exe 3 and hit Enter. Enter your product key and check if this solved the issue.

Remember, each ESU license is valid for one device only, so you will need to purchase a separate license for each server.

Answer 4

Hi Wesley,

Thanks for your prompt reply. I have already uninstalled the product key with slmgr.vbs /upk and then I typed slmgr /ipk <ESU key>.

Then the error message popped up. I would like to ask if " Type slui.exe 3 and hit Enter. Enter your product key" can help to resolve my problem. Thanks

Answer 5

slui.exe 3 and slui.exe 4 are commands used for Windows activation.

slui.exe 3: This command opens a window where you can enter a new product key. If you’re having trouble with slui.exe 3, you can try entering the product key via the command line. Press the Windows key + R, type cmd to open the command prompt, and then type slmgr.vbs -ipk <Your Product Key>.

slui.exe 4: This command initiates phone activation. If slui.exe 4 is not working, it could be related to a license issue. In this case, you might need to have a retail license.