Activate a Windows Server 2022 / 2025 license

Introduction

Windows Server delivered on a VeryCloud VPS is usually in evaluation mode (180 days) or waiting for an activation key you provide. Without activation, after the evaluation period the server reboots every hour and displays a permanent warning message.

This guide covers the three activation methods: retail (purchased key), MAK (Multiple Activation Key) and KMS (Key Management Service), as well as workarounds for errors.

Prerequisites

• VeryCloud Windows Server 2019, 2022 or 2025 VPS
• Administrator access via RDP
• Outbound Internet connection from the VPS
• A valid license key (retail, OEM or volume)

Step 1: Check current activation status

Open PowerShell as administrator (right-click on the Start button → Windows PowerShell (Admin)).

Run:

slmgr.vbs /xpr

A window shows the current state:

• The machine is permanently activated: already activated, nothing to do
• Will expire on...: evaluation period running
• Notification mode: not activated, immediate action required

Show full details:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Step 2: Method 1 — Retail / OEM key activation

If you purchased a key from Microsoft, a reseller or through VeryCloud:

slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Then activate against Microsoft servers:

slmgr.vbs /ato

Check:

slmgr.vbs /xpr

Should display: The machine is permanently activated.

Step 3: Method 2 — MAK activation (volume)

Identical to retail. A MAK key is consumed on each activation and has a limited number of uses.

slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr.vbs /ato

Step 4: Method 3 — KMS activation (enterprises)

KMS is for enterprise environments. Microsoft provides public GVLK (Generic Volume License Keys) for each Windows Server edition:

Official Microsoft GVLK keys

Install the GVLK:

slmgr.vbs /ipk VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H

Configure the KMS server (if you host one internally, or use kms.lotro.cc at your own risk):

slmgr.vbs /skms kms.your-company.com:1688
slmgr.vbs /ato

⚠️ Third-party public KMS servers are not legal per Microsoft EULA. Only use an internal KMS you own.

Step 5: Rearm the evaluation period

If you don't have a key yet and the evaluation period expires, you can extend it once (sometimes twice):

slmgr.vbs /rearm

Reboot the server:

shutdown /r /t 0

The evaluation period is reset to 180 days. Limited to 2-3 uses depending on edition.

Check the number of remaining rearms:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Look for the Remaining Windows rearm count line.

Step 6: Uninstall a wrong key

If you installed the wrong key:

slmgr.vbs /upk

Clear the key from the registry:

slmgr.vbs /cpky

Then install the correct key with /ipk.

Troubleshooting

Error 0xC004F074 (KMS host not found)

The client can't reach the KMS server. Check:

nslookup -type=srv _vlmcs._tcp.your-domain.com

Or directly test port 1688:

Test-NetConnection kms.your-company.com -Port 1688

Error 0xC004C003 (key blocked)

The key has already been activated too many times, or is on Microsoft's blacklist. Contact your reseller.

Error 0xC004F050 (invalid key for this edition)

You're trying to activate a Datacenter key on a Standard edition (or vice versa). Check the installed edition:

Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName, OsName

No Internet access to activate

You can activate by phone:

slui.exe 4

Select country, Windows displays an Installation ID. Call the Microsoft activation center, provide the ID, receive a Confirmation ID, and enter it in Windows.

Useful commands

# Short status
slmgr.vbs /xpr

# Full details
slmgr.vbs /dlv

# Install a key
slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

# Online activation
slmgr.vbs /ato

# Uninstall current key
slmgr.vbs /upk

# Clear key from registry
slmgr.vbs /cpky

# Rearm evaluation
slmgr.vbs /rearm

# Phone activation
slui.exe 4

# Installed edition
Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName

Conclusion

Your Windows Server is now properly activated. For professional use, always purchase a legal key from a Microsoft reseller or directly with VeryCloud (option at order). For temporary or test use, the 180-day evaluation + 2 rearms gives you up to 540 days of free legal use.

Resources

• Official Microsoft GVLK list: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-client-activation-keys
• slmgr documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/activation-slmgr-vbs-options
• VeryCloud guide — RDP connection: https://verycloud.fr/docs/article/rdp-windows