How to Activate Windows Server, RDS CALs & SQL Server

Before You Begin

• Your product key (received via email and in your account)
• Administrator access to your server
• A stable internet connection (for online activation)

Activating Windows Server

Method 1: Via Server Manager

1. Open Server Manager
2. Click on “Local Server” in the left panel
3. Find “Product ID” and click the link next to it (usually says “Not activated”)
4. Enter your product key and follow the activation wizard

Method 2: Via Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

1. Install the key: slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
2. Activate online: slmgr /ato
3. Check status: slmgr /xpr

You should see a message confirming the machine is permanently activated.

Method 3: Via PowerShell

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

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

Installing RDS CALs (Remote Desktop Services)

Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (CALs) require the Remote Desktop Licensing role to be installed on your server.

Step 1 — Install the RD Licensing Role

1. Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features
2. Select “Remote Desktop Services” → “Remote Desktop Licensing”
3. Complete the wizard and restart if prompted

Step 2 — Activate the License Server

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager (licmgr.exe)
2. Right-click your server and select “Activate Server”
3. Follow the wizard using the “Automatic connection” method

Step 3 — Install the CAL License

1. In Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click your server
2. Select “Install Licenses”
3. Choose your license program (usually “License Pack (Retail)”)
4. Enter your product key and complete the wizard
5. Your CALs (User or Device) will appear in the license manager

Installing SQL Server

New Installation

1. Download the SQL Server installer from the official Microsoft Evaluation Center
2. Run the installer and select “New SQL Server stand-alone installation”
3. When asked for a product key, enter your 25-character key
4. Select the Standard edition and complete the installation wizard

Upgrading an Existing Installation

1. Run the SQL Server installer and select “Edition Upgrade”
2. Enter your new product key
3. Follow the wizard to upgrade from Evaluation/Express to Standard

Troubleshooting

Activation via phone

If online activation fails, you can use phone activation:

1. Run: slui 4
2. Select your country and call the Microsoft number provided
3. Follow the automated phone system to receive a confirmation ID
4. Enter the confirmation ID to activate

Still having issues?

Contact our support team — we’re available 24/7 and will help you get activated.