> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Check Windows Server Activation Status (slmgr)

> Check Windows Server activation status with slmgr /dli, /dlv or /xpr, SConfig option 11 or Server Manager, see your edition, and what to do if it isn't activated.

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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 2 minutes | Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 | Any account (no admin rights needed to check) |

## Before you start

* Sign in with [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md) or the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md).
* Checking the status is read-only and safe. Microsoft documents that `/dli`, `/dlv` and `/xpr` don't need elevated rights ([Slmgr.vbs options](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/dn502540\(v=ws.11\))).

## How to check activation with slmgr

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run one of these:

| Command | Shows |
| - | - |
| `slmgr /dli` | Licence information for the installed Windows edition |
| `slmgr /dlv` | Detailed licence information, including KMS details |
| `slmgr /xpr` | The activation expiration date. Mainly useful for KMS clients, because retail and MAK activation is permanent |

```powershell theme={null}
slmgr /dli
```

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):

```powershell theme={null}
cscript //nologo $env:SystemRoot\System32\slmgr.vbs /dli
```

### 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](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-activation-planning)).
* **`/dlv` output includes `EVAL`:** an evaluation version (see below).

## How to check activation with SConfig or Server Manager

> [tab] SConfig
>
> 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](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-sconfig)).

> [tab] Server Manager
>
> Open **Server Manager > Local Server**. **Product ID** shows the activation status; click it to open the **Windows Activation** dialog ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-manager/manage-the-local-server-and-the-server-manager-console)).

## How to see which edition you are running

```powershell theme={null}
DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
```

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](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-conversion-options)).

## What do KMS, MAK and retail mean?

| Type | How it activates |
| - | - |
| **Retail** | A product key you buy; activates online, once. |
| **MAK** (Multiple Activation Key) | A volume key activated once with Microsoft; doesn't expire. |
| **KMS** (Key Management Service) | The server activates against a KMS host on the network (TCP port 1688 by default) and must renew at least every 180 days. KMS clients use a public Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-client-activation-keys)). |

## 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with the screenshot and your server's name or IP. Don't enter product keys from third-party websites.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Don't use `slmgr /upk` (uninstall product key), `/cpky` or `/rearm` to "fix" activation. `/upk` leaves Windows unlicensed after the next restart ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/dn502540\(v=ws.11\))). Ask us first.

### Common activation error codes

| Code | Microsoft's meaning |
| - | - |
| `0xC004F074` | No Key Management Service (KMS) could be contacted. |
| `0x8007232B` | DNS name does not exist (no KMS host found in DNS). |
| `0xC004F050` | The product key is invalid. |
| `0xC004C003` | The product key is blocked. |

Source: [Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/troubleshoot/windows-server/licensing-and-activation/troubleshoot-activation-error-codes) on Microsoft Learn. Include the code in your ticket.

## 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](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/remote/troubleshoot-remote-desktop-disconnected-errors)). If you see a Remote Desktop licensing message, see [fix the RDP licensing grace period error](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-the-rdp-licensing-grace-period-error.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### Can I check activation without admin rights?

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

### Should I check activation after reinstalling?

Check again after every [rebuild](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md): run `slmgr /dli` once the new installation is up, and open a ticket if it isn't activated.

### Can I switch from Standard to Datacenter?

Microsoft supports converting Standard to Datacenter with DISM and a valid Datacenter key ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-conversion-options)). Licensing for that is a separate matter, so [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) before you try.

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [First steps on a new Windows server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md)
>
> Activation is one of the checks.

> [card] [Fix the RDP licensing grace period error](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-the-rdp-licensing-grace-period-error.md)
>
> Remote Desktop licensing messages.

> [card] [Change the time zone](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-time-zone-and-language-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Wrong time can break activation.

> [card] [Install Windows updates](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-windows-updates-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Keep the server current.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against Microsoft Learn: [Slmgr.vbs options](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/dn502540\(v=ws.11\)), [KMS activation planning](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-activation-planning), [convert editions](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-conversion-options), [activation error codes](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/troubleshoot/windows-server/licensing-and-activation/troubleshoot-activation-error-codes) and [SConfig](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/server-core/server-core-sconfig)** on 4 November 2026. Not tested on a live Windows server for this page.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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