Server 2019 KMS Host: Everything You Need to Know

Hello Dev, welcome to our journal article about Server 2019 KMS Host. In this article, we will discuss the basics of the KMS Host, its installation, configuration, and management. We will also answer some frequently asked questions to help you fully understand the topic.

What is a KMS Host?

A Key Management Service (KMS) host is a computer that runs the KMS software, which activates client computers running Windows operating systems. The KMS host provides a centralized activation server for multiple Windows computers in a network.

Server 2019 KMS Host is the latest version of the KMS host software. It includes new features and improvements that make it easier to install, configure, and manage.

How does KMS activation work?

When a Windows computer attempts to activate with a KMS host, it sends a request for activation to the KMS host. The KMS host then responds and activates the Windows computer if it meets the minimum activation threshold (typically 25 client computers or more).

The KMS host must be activated with a special KMS host key, which is different from the standard product key used for individual Windows computers.

After activation, the Windows computer can remain activated as long as it regularly communicates with the KMS host at least once every 180 days.

How to Install Server 2019 KMS Host

Before you can install Server 2019 KMS Host, make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements:

Component	Requirement
Processor	1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
RAM	512 MB or more
Hard disk space	2 GB or more
Operating system	Windows Server 2019 or Windows 10 LTSC 2019

To install Server 2019 KMS Host, follow these steps:

Step 1: Getting the KMS Host Key

Before you can install Server 2019 KMS Host, you need to obtain a KMS Host Key. You can get this key from the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).

To get the KMS Host Key:

1. Sign in to the VLSC using your Microsoft account
2. Select ‘Licenses’ from the top menu
3. Select ‘Relationship Summary’
4. Find your product and select ‘Key Management Service’
5. Copy the KMS Host Key

Step 2: Installing the KMS Host Software

After obtaining the KMS Host Key, you can download the KMS Host software from the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

To install Server 2019 KMS Host:

1. Run the installer program
2. Enter the KMS Host Key when prompted
3. Accept the license terms
4. Select the features you want to install
5. Choose the installation path
6. Click ‘Install’

Step 3: Activating the KMS Host

After you have installed the KMS Host software, you need to activate it using the KMS Host Key.

To activate the KMS Host:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt window
2. Enter the command: cscript C:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk <KMS Host Key>
3. Wait for the confirmation message
4. Enter the command: cscript C:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato
5. Wait for the activation message

After activation, the KMS Host is ready to activate client computers running Windows operating systems.

Managing Server 2019 KMS Host

Server 2019 KMS Host is designed to be easy to manage. You can use the following tools to manage your KMS Host:

Volume Activation Tools

The Volume Activation Tools (VAT) is a graphical user interface that makes it easy to manage the KMS Host and client computers. The VAT allows you to perform the following tasks:

• View the current activation status
• View the available KMS Host Keys
• Install additional KMS Host Keys
• Check the licensing status of client computers

Command-Line Tools

The KMS Host can also be managed using command-line tools. These tools are useful for automating tasks and for managing large numbers of client computers. The following command-line tools are available:

• slmgr.vbs
• ospp.vbs
• csvlk.exe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between KMS and MAK activation?

KMS activation is a centralized activation service that requires a KMS Host running on a computer in your network. MAK activation is a one-time activation service that requires a unique product key for each Windows computer.

KMS activation is best suited for large organizations with many computers, while MAK activation is best suited for small organizations with a few computers.

Can I use Server 2016 KMS Host to activate Windows 10 computers?

Yes, you can use Server 2016 KMS Host to activate Windows 10 computers. However, you need to make sure that you are using the correct KMS Host Key for Windows 10 activation.

For more information, see the Microsoft documentation.

How many client computers can be activated with a single KMS Host?

A single KMS Host can activate up to 50,000 client computers. However, the actual number of client computers that can be activated depends on the hardware capabilities of the KMS Host and the network bandwidth.

How often do client computers need to communicate with the KMS Host?

Client computers need to communicate with the KMS Host at least once every 180 days to remain activated. However, it is recommended to communicate with the KMS Host at least once every 7 days to ensure uninterrupted activation.

Can I use Server 2019 KMS Host to activate older versions of Windows?

Yes, you can use Server 2019 KMS Host to activate older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and Windows 8. However, you need to make sure that you are using the correct KMS Host Key for the older version of Windows.

For more information, see the Microsoft documentation.

That’s all for now, Dev. We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask us.