Every Windows Server installation needs a valid licence and activation. An unactivated server shows a watermark, limits personalisation and, on evaluation versions, eventually shuts down every hour. This guide explains how to check your status and what the licensing terms mean for a VPS.
Before you start
- An RDP session as an administrator.
- Know which edition and version you run (see check your Windows version).
Note: This guide is general information, not legal licensing advice. Licensing terms come from Microsoft and your provider; ask MdmHost support through a ticket how the licence on your VPS is supplied.
Check activation status
Open Settings → System → Activation (or Server Manager → Local Server, Product ID line). From an admin command prompt:
slmgr /xprslmgr /dlv/xpr tells you whether the machine is permanently activated; /dlv shows the edition, licence channel and remaining grace period.
Editions and licences in short
- Standard and Datacenter differ mainly in virtualisation rights and some advanced features; on a single VPS, Standard is typical.
- Server licences are core-based; the hosting provider usually licenses the server for you.
- Evaluation editions run 180 days, then nag and shut down. They are for testing only.
- Remote Desktop Services: two simultaneous admin RDP sessions are included. More users working on the server at once require the RDS role and RDS CALs.
Comparing versions? See choose a Windows Server version.
Activate with a product key
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr /atoOnly use a key you are licensed for. Never use activation cracks or "KMS activators": they are illegal and a common source of malware.
Convert an evaluation to a full edition
DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
DISM /Online /Get-TargetEditionsDISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEulaThe server reboots, possibly more than once.
Troubleshooting
- 0xC004F074 (no KMS could be contacted): the server cannot reach its activation server; check DNS, time and outbound connectivity, then run
slmgr /ato. - 0xC004C003 (key blocked) or wrong edition: the key does not match the installed edition.
- Clock wrong: activation fails when the time is off; see set the time zone.