A product key of Windows is 25 characters alpha-numeric code used during the activation of the Windows operating system. It is required, after updating, installing, or reinstalling Windows to complete the installation process by activating it.
Oct 17, 2015 The script works with any SQL Server edition & version starting from 2005: SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2.Pay close attention, though, if you’re using Sql Server 2012 or Sql Server 2014 you’ll have to make some small modifications to that code. 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 dialogue box by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard + R. In this box, enter the following command: cscript.exe c: w indows s ystem32 s lmgr.vbs -upk. To start using it, simply extract the files to any folder you like, and run the executable file. Once it runs, it will display all the product keys it can find on the computer. It can magically. Go to Control Panel System and then under Windows Activation click 'Change Product Key'. I know in Vista this is done from the system control panel. I would check there in Server 2008. There might be an icon down in the tray, or it will prompt you during logon.
You can find the Windows on the cover box of the Windows or the sticker of your device if the Windows come pre-installed. You can contact the manufacturer to know your product key.
You can also receive your Windows product key through email after installing the Windows on your device.
But you will online get your product key through email if you have downloaded it from the official Microsoft online Store.
If you update your Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8, then you will receive a digital license instead of a product key to activate your Windows.
In any case, you did not receive your product key, or it was misprinted on the cover or did not work on your system. You can contact the retailer to know to resolve this issue.
Although, there are few other ways to detect the Windows product key, which we have mentioned in this guide. If you still face problems while retrieving your product key, you can contact Microsoft support.
Note: One of the most effective ways a Windows user canfind the product key using CMD or PowerShell.
Method 1: Find the Product Key from Command Prompt
- Launch the Run Windows on the screen by pressing and holding Windows + R key, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt or type cmd in the Windows search box and press Enter.
2. Run the Command Prompt as admin ( You can also search CMD on the Windows Search bar to open Command Prompt).
3. Now copy this command wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey on the screen and paste it on the window.
4. Press the Enter key on your keyboard to run this command, and you will be able to see your Windows Product key on the screen.
5. Copy it somewhere safe or note it down to save it for future use.
Method 2: Receive the Product Key Through Powershell
- Right-click on the Windows start icon and open Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy this command to insert on the screen powershell “(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey”.
3. Press Enter, and through this process, your Windows Product key will appear on the screen.
These methods will help you to find your product key if you do not receive the Windows Product key while purchasing Windows 10 or while downloading it from Online Microsoft Store.
-->Applies To: Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016
The following information outlines initial planning considerations that you need to review for Key Management Services (KMS) activation involving Windows Server 2019. For information about KMS activation involving operating systems older than those listed here, see Step 1: Review and Select Activation Methods.
KMS uses a client-server model to active clients. KMS clients connect to a KMS server, called the KMS host, for activation. The KMS host must reside on your local network.
KMS hosts do not need to be dedicated servers, and KMS can be cohosted with other services. You can run a KMS host on any physical or virtual system that is running Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, or Windows Server 2012.
A KMS host running on Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 can only activate computers running client operating systems.The following table summarizes KMS host and client requirements for networks that include Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019 and Windows 10 clients.
Note
- Updates might be required on the KMS server to support activation of any of these newer clients. If you receive activation errors, check that you have the appropriate updates listed below this table.
- If you are working with virtual machines, see Automatic Virtual Machine Activation for information and AVMA keys.
| Product key group | KMS can be hosted on | Windows editions activated by this KMS host |
|---|---|---|
| Volume License for Windows Server 2019 | Windows Server 2012 R2 Windows Server 2016 Windows Server 2019 | Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel Windows Server 2019 (all editions) Windows Server 2016 (all editions) Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC N 2019 Windows 10 LTSB (2015 and 2016) Windows 10 Professional Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Windows 10 Education Windows Server 2012 R2 (all editions) Windows 8.1 Professional Windows 8.1 Enterprise Windows Server 2012 (all editions) Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions) Windows Server 2008 (all editions) Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Enterprise |
| Volume License for Windows Server 2016 | Windows Server 2012 Windows Server 2012 R2 Windows Server 2016 | Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel Windows Server 2016 (all editions) Windows 10 LTSB (2015 and 2016) Windows 10 Professional Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Windows 8.1 Professional Windows 8.1 Enterprise Windows Server 2012 (all editions) Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions) Windows Server 2008 (all editions) Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Enterprise |
| Volume license for Windows 10 | Windows 7 Windows 8.1 Windows 10 | Windows 10 Professional Windows 10 Professional N Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise N Windows 10 Education Windows 10 Education N Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB (2015) Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB N (2015) Windows 10 Pro for Workstations Windows 8.1 Enterprise Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Enterprise |
| Volume license for Windows Server 2012 R2 for Windows 10 | Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2012 Standard Windows Server 2012 Datacenter Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter | Windows 10 Professional Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB (2015) Windows 8.1 Professional Windows 8.1 Enterprise Windows Server 2012 (all editions) Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions) Windows Server 2008 (all editions) Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Enterprise |
Note
Depending on which operating system your KMS server is running and which operating systems you want to activate, you might need to install one or more of these updates:
- Installations of KMS on Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 must be updated in order to support activation of clients running Windows 10. For more information, see Update that enables Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS hosts to activate Windows 10.
- Installations of KMS on Windows Server 2012 must be updated in order to support activation of clients running Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019, or newer client or server operating systems. For more information, see July 2016 update rollup for Windows Server 2012.
- Installations of KMS on Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 must be updated in order to support activation of clients running Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019, or newer client or server operating systems. For more information, see July 2016 update rollup for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.
- Windows Server 2008 R2 cannot be updated to support activation of clients running Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, or newer operating systems.
- The KMS installed on Windows Server 2012 R2 must be updated in order to support activation of clients running Windows Server 2019. For more information, see November 27, 2018—KB4467695 (Preview of Monthly Rollup).
A single KMS host can support an unlimited number of KMS clients. If you have more than 50 clients, we recommend that you have at least two KMS hosts in case one of your KMS hosts becomes unavailable. Most organizations can operate with as few as two KMS hosts for their entire infrastructure.
Addressing KMS operational requirements
KMS can activate physical and virtual computers, but to qualify for KMS activation, a network must have a minimum number of computers (called the activation threshold). KMS clients activate only after this threshold is met. To ensure that the activation threshold is met, a KMS host counts the number of computers that are requesting activation on the network.
KMS hosts count the most recent connections. When a client or server contacts the KMS host, the host adds the machine ID to its count and then returns the current count value in its response. The client or server will activate if the count is high enough. Clients will activate if the count is 25 or higher. Servers and volume editions of Microsoft Office products will activate if the count is five or greater. The KMS only counts unique connections from the past 30 days, and only stores the 50 most recent contacts.
KMS activations are valid for 180 days, a period known as the activation validity interval. KMS clients must renew their activation by connecting to the KMS host at least once every 180 days to stay activated. By default, KMS client computers attempt to renew their activation every seven days. After a client's activation is renewed, the activation validity interval begins again.
Addressing KMS functional requirements
KMS activation requires TCP/IP connectivity. KMS hosts and clients are configured by default to use Domain Name System (DNS). By default, KMS hosts use DNS dynamic update to automatically publish the information that KMS clients need to find and connect to them. You can accept these default settings, or if you have special network and security configuration requirements, you can manually configure KMS hosts and clients.
After the first KMS host is activated, the KMS key that is used on the first host can be used to activate up to five more KMS hosts on your network. After a KMS host is activated, administrators can reactivate the same host up to nine times with the same key.
If your organization needs more than six KMS hosts, you should request additional activations for your organization's KMS key—for example, if you have ten physical locations under one volume licensing agreement and you want each location to have a local KMS host.
Note
To request this exception, contact your Activation Call Center. For more information, see Microsoft Volume Licensing.
How To Find Product Key For Windows Server 2008 R2 Using Powershell Download
Computers that are running volume licensing editions of Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 are, by default, KMS clients with no additional configuration needed.
Windows Server 2008 Activation Key
If you are converting a computer from a KMS host, MAK, or retail edition of Windows to a KMS client, install the applicable KMS Client Setup Key. For more information, see KMS Client Setup Keys.