After removing Hybrid Benefits getting error "Windows is not activating"

Question

After removing Hybrid benefit license from Azure Server, i am getting error that windows cannot activate this virtual machine. make sure host machine is activated and try again.

Do I need to purchase licence again and enter activation key for the licence. If yes where can i purchase it? In azure itself or do i need to procure separately.

Is there any impact on application running on the server due to license change?

Answer 1

Hello, @Tarun Mehta !

What do I need to do after removing the Azure Hybrid Benefit?
Unchecking the Azure Hybrid Benefit licensing option in the portal will update metadata within Azure but will not directly affect the VM post creation. Do keep in mind, however, that while Datacenter edition licenses allow for simultaneous use on-premises and in Azure, Standard edition licenses must be used either on-premises or in Azure (you'll get 180 days of concurrent use rights while migrating servers). Read more on the Azure Hybrid Benefit FAQ.

This means that the activation error you are experiencing is unrelated to the change in the Azure Hybrid Benefit licensing option and the correct course of action is to troubleshoot activation as recommended by @Andreas Baumgarten .

Answer 2

Hi @Tarun Mehta ,

maybe this troubleshooting guide is helpful:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/troubleshoot-activation-problems

Basically you need to check/set:

• The KMS client setup key
• The communication from the Azure VM to the Azure KMS service

----------

(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten

Answer 3

Hi @Hi @Tarun Mehta ,

It looks like it is the AVMA licensing: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/automatic-vm-activation

I would give it a try to set the KMS client setup key described in the troubleshooting guide in Step 1 / #2.

----------

(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Regards
Andreas Baumgarten