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How to activate Windows Server, SQL Server, Exchange and Visual Studio keys

Microsoft server and developer products are activated on the machine where they are installed – during setup, or afterwards from the product's own licensing screen.

Before you start

  • Check that the edition you install (for example Standard or Datacenter) is the edition your key is for.
  • Keep the server connected to the internet for online activation, or use telephone activation if it is offline.
  • Back up existing servers before changing a product key.
  1. 1

    Windows Server

    Enter the key during setup, or later in Settings → System → Activation → Change product key. From an elevated command prompt you can also run: slmgr /ipk <your-key> and then slmgr /ato.

  2. 2

    Windows Server RDS CALs

    Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on your licence server, right-click the server → Install Licenses, choose the licence programme that matches your purchase and enter the licence code. Then set the RD Session Host to Per User licensing.

  3. 3

    SQL Server

    Run SQL Server Setup and enter the product key on the “Product Key” page. For an existing evaluation installation, choose Maintenance → Edition Upgrade and enter the key there.

  4. 4

    Exchange Server

    Open the Exchange admin center → Servers, select the server, choose “Enter product key”, paste the key and save. Restart the Microsoft Exchange Information Store service to apply it.

  5. 5

    Visual Studio

    Open Visual Studio → Help → Register Visual Studio (or Account Settings) → “Unlock with a Product Key” and enter the key.

Troubleshooting

The key is for a different edition

Server keys only activate the edition they are made for. Install the matching edition, or use the edition-upgrade option (for example DISM /Set-Edition on Windows Server) before entering the key.

Activation server not reachable

Check the date, time and internet access of the server, then try again. Offline servers can use telephone activation (slui 4 on Windows Server).

Error during activation

Stop and send us a screenshot with your order number. Do not retry the key many times.

Still stuck? Contact us with your order number and a screenshot. Our team replies within 24 hours. Your key can be found any time under My account.

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