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To check Windows Server activation status, run slmgr /dli in Command Prompt or PowerShell. A window shows the licence information for your edition, including its licence status. slmgr /xpr shows whether activation is permanent or when it expires, and slmgr /dlv shows full details. SConfig option 11 and Server Manager > Local Server > Product ID show the same status. If your server shows as not activated, open a ticket.

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Before you start

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How to check activation with slmgr

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run one of these:
Each command opens a small Windows Script Host window with the result; select OK to close it. To print the result in the console instead (useful over SSH or on Server Core):

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What the results mean

  • Licence status says licensed: Windows is activated. Nothing to do.
  • Any other status (for example a grace period or notification state) or an error code: Windows isn’t activated. Open a ticket.
  • /xpr shows an expiry date: the server uses KMS activation. KMS activations are valid for 180 days, and the server tries to renew every seven days automatically, so the date moves forward on its own (Microsoft Learn).
  • /dlv output includes EVAL: an evaluation version (see below).

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How to check activation with SConfig or Server Manager

Run SConfig (it opens at sign-in on Server Core with Windows Server 2022 and 2025), type 11 (Windows activation), then 1 to view the current activation status (Microsoft Learn).

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How to see which edition you are running

Run it in an admin window. The output gives a short edition name. If it contains Eval (for example ServerDatacenterEval for the Datacenter evaluation), it’s an evaluation version. When an evaluation copy isn’t activated, the bottom right corner of the desktop shows the time left in the evaluation period (Microsoft Learn).

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What do KMS, MAK and retail mean?

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What to do if Windows Server isn’t activated

1

Note what you see

Run slmgr /dlv and take a screenshot, including any error code such as 0xC004F074.
2

Check the basics

Make sure the server has internet access and shows the correct date, time and time zone.
3

Open a ticket

Open a ticket with the screenshot and your server’s name or IP. Don’t enter product keys from third-party websites.
Don’t use slmgr /upk (uninstall product key), /cpky or /rearm to “fix” activation. /upk leaves Windows unlicensed after the next restart (Microsoft Learn). Ask us first.

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Common activation error codes

Source: Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes on Microsoft Learn. Include the code in your ticket.

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Is Remote Desktop licensing the same as Windows activation?

No. Windows activation licenses the operating system. Remote Desktop Services client access licences (RDS CALs) are a separate licence for each user or device that connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host. Without the Session Host role, Windows Server allows two concurrent Remote Desktop connections for administration, which need no RDS CALs (Microsoft Learn). If you see a Remote Desktop licensing message, see fix the RDP licensing grace period error.

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Frequently asked questions

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What happens if Windows Server isn’t activated?

Windows shows activation notices, and an evaluation copy has a limited evaluation period. Don’t leave it that way: open a ticket so it can be sorted out.

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Can I check activation without admin rights?

Yes. Microsoft documents that slmgr /dli, /dlv and /xpr don’t require elevation.

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Should I check activation after reinstalling?

Check again after every rebuild: run slmgr /dli once the new installation is up, and open a ticket if it isn’t activated.

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Can I switch from Standard to Datacenter?

Microsoft supports converting Standard to Datacenter with DISM and a valid Datacenter key (Microsoft Learn). Licensing for that is a separate matter, so open a ticket before you try.

VPS and dedicated server guides

Every guide in this section.

First steps on a new Windows server

Activation is one of the checks.

Fix the RDP licensing grace period error

Remote Desktop licensing messages.

Change the time zone

Wrong time can break activation.

Install Windows updates

Keep the server current.
Checked against Microsoft Learn: Slmgr.vbs options, KMS activation planning, convert editions, activation error codes and SConfig on 4 November 2026. Not tested on a live Windows server for this page.

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Last Updated: November 2026