Activating Your KMS Server on Windows Server 2022/2019

Activating your Key Management Service (KMS) server on Windows Server 2022 or 2019 is a crucial step in managing and activating your organization's Microsoft licenses. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing and activating your KMS server.

Step 1: Install the Volume Activation Services Role

To deploy your own KMS server, you need to install the Volume Activation Services role on any host running Windows Server 2022, 2019, or 2016. You can do this by opening the Server Manager console and clicking on 'Add roles and features' > 'Roles' > 'Volume Activation Services'. Alternatively, you can use the PowerShell command: `Install-WindowsFeature -Name VolumeActivation -IncludeAllSubFeature –IncludeManagementTools`.

Step 2: Restart the Software Protection Service

After installing the Volume Activation Services role, restart the Software Protection service by running the command: `Restart-Service -Name sppsvc`.

Step 3: Publish SRV Record of KMS Server in DNS (Optional)

If you want to publish the SRV record of your KMS server in your DNS for automatic search by clients, run the command: `slmgr /sdns`. Alternatively, you can activate your KMS server by phone using the graphical Volume Activation Tools from the Server Manager.

Step 4: Activate Your KMS Server

To activate your KMS server, run the command: `slmgr /ato`. The server must have direct access to the Internet and Microsoft activation servers during the activation process. If you already have a KMS key activated for a previous version of Windows Server on this server, you must first remove it using the command: `slmgr /upk`.

Step 5: Enable Windows Firewall Rule

To allow clients to access your KMS server, enable the Windows Firewall rule that allows access on TCP port 1688 by running the command: `Enable-NetFirewallRule -Name SPPSVC-In-TCP`.

Step 6: Obtain Your KMS Host Key from Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)

Sign in to your account on the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) website and go to License > Relationship Summary > Select License ID for your Active License contract > Product Keys. Copy your personal KMS Host Key from your Microsoft account and activate your KMS server using this key.

Step 7: Verify Your KMS Server Activation

After completing the above steps, verify that your KMS server is activated by checking the output of the command: `slmgr /dli`.

By following these steps, you should now have a fully functional KMS server on your Windows Server 2022 or 2019 system.

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