Windows Server Essentials Activation

Follow the steps below to activate your Windows Server Essentials installation using your product key. These steps apply to all supported Windows Server Essentials editions that use retail product key activation.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin), Windows PowerShell (Admin), or Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Install Your Product Key

Enter the following command, replacing XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your Windows Server Essentials product key:

            slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
        

3. Activate Windows Server

After installing the product key, run the following command:

            slmgr.vbs /ato
        

4. Verify Activation

To check the activation status, run:

            slmgr.vbs /xpr
        

Once activation is successful, your Windows Server Essentials installation will be activated with your product key.