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Add another keyhost to the existing -AD-based activation

Mario 240 Reputation points
2024-09-04T06:49:24.63+00:00

Hi guys, I have a problem. In my company I have AD-based windows activation, some time ago and it was used with a datacenter2016 host key. Today I have new domain-joined windows 2019 servers without activating, and now we bought a datacenter 2019 host key, to add to the AD-based windows activation. In theory I understand that when adding the new key, a new activation object appears, and that the 2016 object will remain there and will keep the W2016 that were already active. So I will have 2 objects... But I am worried that the W2016 servers that are already active will start to deactivate, including the productive exchange. and if I add the 2019 object do I need a command to point to W2019 and have them activated? or is it a matter of waiting a while?

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows Server Licensing
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Licensing: Rules, regulations, and restrictions that define how software can be used and distributed.
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  1. Jing Zhou 6,865 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-09-04T07:33:16.11+00:00

    Hello,

     

    Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

    1. About AD-based activation

    AD-based activation allows you to automatically activate the Windows operating system in your domain through Active Directory. When you add a new host key to Active Directory, such as the Windows Server 2019 key you mentioned, this process creates a new activation object. Even if you add a new activation object, the original Windows Server 2016 activation object will generally remain the same, and the Windows Server 2016 instance that has already been activated should not be affected.

    1. How to activate Windows Server 2019

    Add key: After you add a new Windows Server 2019 host key, you may need to use the following command on the newly installed Windows Server 2019 server to activate:

    slmgr /ato

    This will request activation and check if there is a valid activation object available in Active Directory.

    Wait & Validate: Theoretically, computers in the domain will automatically activate when a new activation object is added. If there are any Windows Server 2019 servers that are not activated, you can manually run slmgr /ato to trigger activation. You can view the activation status in your environment by running the following command:

    slmgr /dli

     

    I hope the information above is helpful.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

     

    Best regards，

    Jill Zhou

     

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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