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Key Management Services (KMS) client activation and product keys | Microsoft Learn
To use Key Management Services (KMS), you need to have a KMS host available on your local network. Computers that activate with a KMS host need to have a specific product key. This key is sometimes referred to as the KMS client key, but it's formally known as a Microsoft Generic Volume License Key (GVLK). Computers that are running volume licensing editions of Windows Server and Windows client are, by default, KMS clients with no extra configuration needed as the relevant GVLK is already there.
There are some scenarios where you'll need to add the GVLK to the computer you wish to activate against a KMS host, such as:
Converting a computer from using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK)
Converting a retail license of Windows to a KMS client
If the computer was previously a KMS host
To use the GVLKs listed, you need a KMS host on your local network. If you don't have one, you can learn how to create a KMS host.
The KMS host requires its own key, known as the KMS host key, to activate or authenticate with Microsoft. This key is available in the Microsoft 365 admin center for Open, Open Value, Select, Enterprise, and Services Provider License agreements. You can get help from the local Microsoft Activation Center.
Caution
When you activate Windows or Windows Server with a KMS host, the keys provided here are intended for volume licensing scenarios and can't be used with retail editions. KMS client keys won't activate or serve as a retail license key. If you installed a retail copy of Windows, you must use another activation method, like a MAK or by purchasing a genuine retail license. To learn more, see:
If you're converting a computer from a KMS host, MAK, or retail edition of Windows to a KMS client, install the applicable product key (GVLK) from the list in this article. To install a client product key, open an administrative command prompt on the client, and run the following command and then press Enter:
slmgr /ipk <product key>
For example, to install the product key for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Edition, run the following command and then press Enter:
slmgr /ipk WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33
Generic Volume License Keys
In the tables that follow, you'll find the GVLKs for each version and edition of Windows. LTSC is Long-Term Servicing Channel, while LTSB is Long-Term Servicing Branch.
Windows 7 Ultimate isn't listed because it wasn't available as a Volume Licensing edition. Windows 7 Ultimate was sold only as a retail or OEM product and therefore can't be activated by using KMS. To activate Windows 7 Ultimate, use the product key that came with your retail or OEM copy of Windows.
Windows Server, versions 20H2, 2004, 1909, 1903, and 1809
Operating system edition
KMS Client Product Key
Windows Server Standard
N2KJX-J94YW-TQVFB-DG9YT-724CC
Windows Server Datacenter
6NMRW-2C8FM-D24W7-TQWMY-CWH2D
Important
Windows Server, version 20H2 reached end of service on August 9, 2022 and is no longer receiving security updates. This includes the retirement of Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) with no future releases.
Customers using Windows Server SAC should move to Azure Stack HCI. Alternatively, customers might use the Long-Term Servicing Channel of Windows Server.
