You can install the Volume Activation Tools feature using the Server Manager (Remote Server Administration Tools -> Role Administration Tools -> Volume Activation Tools) or by using the following PowerShell command: Install-WindowsFeature RSAT-VA-Tools. For that, we’ll use the Volume Activation Tools feature, available on Windows Server 2012R2 and above. Once again, this key will let you activate any Windows server and Windows client version in your environment.Īfter getting the KMS host key from VLSC, you’ll need to install it. Now that you understand those facts, you know you should look for ‘Windows Server 2019’ version in VLSC and obtain the KMS host key for that version. By installing that key, you are configuring the server to act as a KMS host.īecause KMS host key of newer Windows version can be used to activate older Windows versions, you should only obtain and install the latest KMS host key available in VLSC.Īlso, note that KMS host key for Windows server can be used to activate Windows clients – so you can (and should) use one KMS host key to rule them all. This key can be obtained from the Microsoft VLSC (Volume Licensing Service Center) website.

In order to activate clients, the KMS uses a KMS host key. KB4471320 – December 2018 Monthly Rollup ( Information, Download). KB3173424 – Servicing stack update ( Information, Download).Ģ. KB4467684 – November Cumulative Update or above ( Information, Download).ġ. KB4132216 – Servicing stack update, May 18 ( Information, Download).Ģ. Pay attention that Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012R2 will require to install the following KB’s in order activate the newest Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and Windows Server 2019:ġ. Semi-Annual and Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC) are both supported by the KMS. PrerequisitesĪ KMS host running on Windows Server 2019/2016/2012R2 can activate all Windows versions, including Windows Server 2019 and Windows 10 all the way down to Windows Server 2008R2 and Windows 7. The KMS clients connect to the KMS host for activation of both Windows and Office. The KMS server, called ‘KMS host’, is installed on a server in your local network. KMS, like MAK, is an activation method for Microsoft products, including Windows and Office. Part 3 – Microsoft Office Activation and Troubleshooting.Part 2 – Active Directory-Based Activation.This will be the first part in the series. In this blog post, we’ll shed some light on these subjects and explain how to deploy and use Volume Activation services correctly.

Windows Activation and KMS have been around for many years – and still – a lot of people don’t understand the basics of Windows activation, what are the differences between KMS and MAK, and how to choose the best Volume Activation method that meets the organization’s needs.

Windows Server 2019 Datacenter KMS