The Ultimate Guide to KMS Host Key on Windows Server 2019

Dear Dev,

Thank you for joining us in this comprehensive guide to KMS Host Key on Windows Server 2019. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Key Management Service (KMS) and how it works on the latest version of Windows Server. Whether you are new to KMS or looking to migrate to Windows Server 2019, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to get you started.

What is KMS Host Key?

KMS Host Key is a unique code that allows a computer to be activated on a KMS server. On Windows Server 2019, the KMS host key is used to activate Windows Server 2019 and other versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Office 2019. With a KMS host key, you can activate multiple computers on your network without the need for individual activation keys.

How does KMS Host Key work?

When you install Windows Server 2019, it will automatically install a KMS client key. This key allows the computer to communicate with the KMS server and request activation. Once the computer reaches a certain threshold of activation requests, the KMS server will activate the computer and assign it an activation ID. The computer will then store this ID and use it to activate Windows in the future.

With a KMS host key, you can set up your own KMS server and activate computers on your network. To set up a KMS server, you will need to install the Volume Activation Services role on a Windows Server 2019 computer and configure it to use your KMS host key. Once the KMS server is set up, you can add a KMS client key to other computers on your network and activate them using your KMS server.

Activation Methods for Windows Server 2019

There are two activation methods for Windows Server 2019:

1. KMS Activation

KMS activation is a volume activation method that allows you to activate multiple computers on your network using a KMS server. To use KMS activation, you will need to have at least 25 computers on your network that are running a qualifying operating system, such as Windows Server 2019 or Windows 10. Additionally, you will need a KMS host key and a KMS server to activate your computers. Once your computers are activated, they will remain activated as long as they are connected to the KMS server.

2. Active Directory-based Activation

Active Directory-based Activation (ADBA) is a volume activation method that allows you to activate computers on your network using Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). ADBA activation requires a Windows Server 2012 or higher domain controller and your computers must be running Windows Server 2019 or Windows 10. With ADBA activation, your computers will activate automatically when they join your domain, as long as the domain controller is configured for ADBA activation.

How to Install a KMS Host Key on Windows Server 2019

The process of installing a KMS host key on Windows Server 2019 is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the Volume Activation Tools

To install a KMS host key, you will need to open the Volume Activation Tools on your Windows Server 2019 computer. To do this, follow these steps:

Step	Description
1	Click the Start button and type “Volume Activation Tools”
2	Click on “Volume Activation Tools” in the search results

Step 2: Install the KMS Host Key

Once you have opened the Volume Activation Tools, you can install the KMS host key by following these steps:

Step	Description
1	Click on “Product Keys” in the Volume Activation Tools window
2	Click on “Install Product Key”
3	Enter your KMS host key and click “Next”
4	Follow the prompts to complete the installation process

Common FAQs about KMS Host Key on Windows Server 2019

1. What is a KMS Client Key?

A KMS Client Key is a code used by a computer to request activation from a KMS server. When you install Windows Server 2019, it will automatically install a KMS client key that allows the computer to communicate with a KMS server. This key is different from a KMS host key, which is used to set up your own KMS server.

2. How do I check if my Windows Server 2019 is activated with KMS?

You can check if your Windows Server 2019 is activated with KMS by opening the Command Prompt and running the following command:

slmgr /dlv

If your server is activated with KMS, you will see a line that says “License Status: Licensed”.

3. How many computers can I activate with a KMS host key?

With a KMS host key, you can activate an unlimited number of computers as long as they are running a qualifying operating system and are connected to your KMS server. However, you will need to have at least 25 computers on your network to use KMS activation.

4. Can I activate Office 2019 with a KMS host key?

Yes, you can activate Office 2019 with a KMS host key. To do this, you will need to install the Volume Activation Services role on a Windows Server 2019 computer and configure it to use your KMS host key. Once the KMS server is set up, you can activate Office 2019 on multiple computers on your network using your KMS server.

5. What is the difference between KMS activation and MAK activation?

KMS activation and MAK (Multiple Activation Key) activation are two volume activation methods used by Microsoft. KMS activation is used to activate multiple computers on a network using a KMS server, while MAK activation is used to activate individual computers using a single activation key. KMS activation requires a threshold of 25 or more computers, while MAK activation does not have a threshold requirement.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips on KMS host key on Windows Server 2019. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Good luck with your KMS activation!