guide.en-au.md

title	excerpt	updated
Changing a Windows Server product key	Find out how to modify your Windows Server product key	2022-07-07

Objective

When you install a Windows Server operating system, the product key – also known as a KMS (Key Management Service) key – may not be installed correctly. In such cases, the operating system has been installed with a 120-day trial key. Once this time period elapses, the operating system can no longer be used.

This guide will show you how to change the product key for your Windows Server environment.

Requirements

• A dedicated server with Windows installed in your OVHcloud account
• A Windows SPLA licence in your OVHcloud account
• Administrative access to your server via remote desktop connection

Instructions

Uninstall the default product key

When your operating system is in trial mode, a default product key is installed. To modify it, open the Run{.action} dialogue box (Windows key + R{.action}):

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In this box, enter the following command:

cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -upk

Install the new product key

You can now install the new product key. To do so, go back to the Run{.action} box, and enter the following command:

cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ipk PRODUCT KEY

You can find the product keys for supported versions of Windows Server in the table available on the official Microsoft web page.

[!primary]

Core versions use the same product keys as non-core versions.

Go to kms.ovh.net

To associate your key with our automated activation system, enter the command below in the Run{.action} dialogue box:

cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms kms.ovh.net

[!primary]

If you are using a VPS or Public Cloud instance, you will need to use kms.cloud.ovh.net.

Activate the system

Lastly, to activate your Windows operating system, simply enter the command below:

cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ato

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