💡 Important
Your product key must match both:
The installed Windows Server version, such as Windows Server 2022 or 2025
The installed edition, such as Standard or Datacenter
If you installed a Windows Server Evaluation edition, you must convert it to a full edition before it can be permanently activated. Instructions are included below.
Before You Begin
Make sure you have:
✅ A valid Windows Server product key
✅ Administrator access to the server
✅ A stable internet connection
✅ Saved your open files and work
Method 1 – Activate Through Windows Settings
This method is available when Windows Server is installed with Desktop Experience.
Windows Server 2025
Open Settings.
Go to System → Activation.
Select Change product key.
Enter your 25-character Windows Server product key.
Select Next, followed by Activate.
Windows Server 2019 or 2022
Open Settings.
Go to Update & Security → Activation.
Select Change product key.
Enter your 25-character Windows Server product key.
Select Next, followed by Activate.
Windows Server should activate automatically when connected to the internet.
Method 2 – Activate Using Command Prompt
Use this method if the activation option is unavailable in Settings or you are using Windows Server Core.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Install Your Product Key
Enter the following command:
slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Replace the Xs with the Windows Server product key you purchased.
A message should confirm that the product key was installed successfully.
Step 3: Activate Windows Server
Enter:
slmgr.vbs /ato
Please wait while Windows connects to the activation service.
Step 4: Confirm the Activation Status
Enter:
slmgr.vbs /xpr
A message should confirm that Windows Server is permanently activated.
Activating a Windows Server Evaluation Edition
A retail product key cannot directly activate a Windows Server Evaluation installation. You must first convert the Evaluation edition to a full Standard or Datacenter edition.
Step 1: Check the Current Edition
Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
If the result contains Eval, such as ServerStandardEval or ServerDatacenterEval, continue with the steps below.
Step 2: Check the Available Target Editions
Enter:
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
The result will show the editions to which your current installation can be converted.
Only use an edition listed in the command results.
Step 3: Convert to the Full Edition
For Windows Server Standard, enter:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
For Windows Server Datacenter, enter:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
Replace the Xs with your Windows Server product key.
The conversion may take several minutes. Restart the server when prompted.
Step 4: Complete the Activation
After restarting the server, open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:
slmgr.vbs /ato
Then confirm the activation status:
slmgr.vbs /xpr
⚠️ Important Information About Evaluation Conversion
A Datacenter Evaluation installation normally cannot be converted to Standard.
The desired edition must appear in the results of
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions.An Evaluation installation running as an Active Directory domain controller cannot be converted directly to a retail edition.
If the required edition is not listed, a clean installation of the correct Windows Server edition may be necessary.
For additional information, see Microsoft’s official guide:
Activation Was Unsuccessful
If Windows Server does not activate, please check that:
The product key matches the installed Windows Server version.
The product key matches the Standard or Datacenter edition.
The installation is no longer an Evaluation edition.
The server has a working internet connection.
The date, time, and time zone are correct.
The product key has been entered without extra spaces or typing errors.
You can view detailed licensing information by running:
slmgr.vbs /dlv
Please take a screenshot of any error message or activation error code displayed.
Contact Support
If you purchased your license from one of the EM Digital Group stores and still cannot activate Windows Server, please contact our support team.
Include the following information:
Your order number
Your Windows Server version and edition
The activation error code
A screenshot of the error message
Microsoft Customer Support cannot assist with product keys purchased from third-party retailers. Our support team will be happy to assist you with your purchase.