Activating Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Guide

How to Activate Windows Server 2022 Datacenter

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is the latest long-term servicing channel (LTSC) release of Windows Server. It is designed for large organizations that require high availability, scalability, and security for business-critical applications and data.

Before you can start using Windows Server 2022 Datacenter, you need to activate it.

This guide will walk you through the steps for activating Windows Server 2022 Datacenter.

Prerequisites  Install Windows Server 2022 Datacenter edition.  Have a valid product key for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter. This is a 25character alphanumeric key that starts with XYZ.

Activate Using a KMS Server

The recommended method for activating Windows Server 2022 Datacenter is using a Key Management Service (KMS) server.

A KMS server allows you to activate Windows servers within your organization without entering a product key on each server.

Follow these steps to activate using a KMS server: 1. Ensure you have set up a KMS server and obtained the KMS client setup key.

2. On the Windows Server 2022 system, open an elevated PowerShell prompt.

3. Type slmgr /ipk <KMS client setup key> and hit Enter. This installs the KMS key.

4. Type slmgr /skms <KMS server name>:<port> and hit Enter. This points the server to the KMS server.

5. Type slmgr /ato and hit Enter. This activates the server against the KMS server.

The server should now activate successfully. The activation is renewed automatically every 180 days.

Activate Using Active Directory You can also activate Windows Server 2022 Datacenter using Active Directory Domain Services. This requires:  Schema to be upgraded on the domain controller.  Domain functional level set to Windows Server 2022.

To activate using AD DS: 1. Launch Server Manager on the Windows Server 2022 system.

2. Click Local Server, then click the link to open Activation.

3. In Activate Windows, select Active Directory-based Activation.

4. Click Activate. The system will activate automatically using AD DS.

Activate Using Product Key If you don't have a KMS server or AD DS, you can activate using the product key: 1. Launch Server Manager on Windows Server 2022.

2. Click Local Server, then click the link to open Activation.

3. In Activate Windows, select Enter product key.

4. Enter your 25-character product key and click Next.

5. On the Confirmation page, review the license terms and click Accept.

6. Windows Server 2022 will activate using the product key.

The system should now be fully activated and ready to use. Be sure to keep the product key in a safe place in case you need to reactivate.

Verifying Activation To verify activation status, open an elevated PowerShell prompt and type slmgr /dli. This will display the licensing information and activation status.

You can also check activation in Server Manager under Local Server > Activation.

Conclusion Activating Windows Server 2022 Datacenter enables all features and functionality.

Be sure to use a legitimate product key and activate using the best method for your environment (KMS, AD DS, or product key). Proper activation is required to receive updates from Microsoft and comply with licensing.

This covers the basics of how to activate Windows Server 2022 Datacenter edition.

Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!