Windows Server 2016 Volume Activation Tips

This is Scott McArthur, a Supportability Program Manager for Windows and Surface. With the launch of Windows Server 2016 I wanted to share some information on volume activation:

• Updating your existing KMS hosts to support Windows Server 2016
• Setting up a new Windows Server 2016 KMS host
• Activating Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB

Updating existing KMS Hosts

If your KMS host is Windows Server 2012 you need to install the following updates

• Update: activate Windows 10 from Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2 KMS hosts
• July 2016 update rollup for Windows Server 2012
• Verify the version of sppsvc.exe and ensure that it is updated to at least version 6.3.9600.18376.

If your KMS host is Windows Server 2012 R2 you need to install the following updates:

• Update: activate Windows 10 from Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2 KMS hosts
• July 2016 update rollup for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2

Once updated you need to obtain a Windows Server 2016 CSVLK. Do the following

1. Log on to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
2. Click License.
3. Click Relationship Summary.
4. Click License ID of their current Active License.
5. After the page loads, click Product Keys.
6. Look for a key called “Windows Srv 2016 DataCtr/Std KMS”

If you are unable to locate your product key please contact the Volume licensing service center

Once you have the key then run the following commands at elevated cmd prompt

1. Install the Windows Server 2016 CSVLK

    Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk <insert Windows Srv 2016 DataCtr/Std KMS CSVLK here>

2. Activate the Windows Server 2016 CSVLK

    Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato

Windows Server 2008 R2 is not supported as a KMS Host for Windows Server 2016 or Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB edition

Setting up new Windows Server 2016 KMS host

If you want to setup a new Windows Server 2016 KMS host normally you can use the Volume Activation services role wizard or command line to configure the KMS host.

We are aware of issue where when you run the Volume Activation Services role wizard, it will report the error “vmw.exe has stopped working” during the product key management phase of the wizard

Microsoft is investigating this issue and will update this blog when a fix is available but in meantime you will need to configure it using the steps below

1. Open elevated cmd prompt

2. Install the Windows Server 2016 CSVLK

    cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk <insert Windows Srv 2016 DataCtr/Std KMS CSVLK here>

3. Activate the Windows Server 2016 CSVLK

Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato

If system does not have internet connectivity do the following to activate via the command line:

1. Open an elevated command prompt

2. Obtain the Installation ID

    Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /dti

3. Look up Microsoft phone activation number using phone number listed in %windir%System32\SPPUI\Phone.inf

4. Call the number and follow the prompts to obtain the confirmation ID

5. Apply the confirmation ID (do not include hyphens)

Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /atp <ConfirmationID>

6. Wait for a success message (numbers blurred on purpose)

7. Verify that the license status shows licensed:

    Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /dlv

Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB Edition volume activation

Note: In addition to activating Windows Server 2016 the “Windows Srv 2016 DataCtr/Std KMS” KMS host(CSVLK) key also activates Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB edition