Windows Server 2016 KMS Host Key: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Greetings Dev! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Windows Server 2016 KMS Host Key. This article will cover topics such as what KMS is, how to set up a KMS host key on Windows Server 2016, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of KMS and how to use it.

What is a KMS Host Key?

A KMS Host Key is a unique product key that is used to activate Windows operating systems on a local network. KMS stands for Key Management Service, and it is a technology developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to activate Windows operating systems without having to enter a product key for each computer.

When a KMS host key is activated, it contacts Microsoft’s activation servers and requests activation for a certain number of Windows operating systems. After activation, the KMS host key can activate these operating systems without needing to contact Microsoft’s activation servers again.

Windows Server 2016 requires a KMS Host Key to activate Windows systems on a local network. In the following sections, we will discuss how to set up a KMS host key on Windows Server 2016.

Setting Up a KMS Host Key on Windows Server 2016

Before setting up a KMS host key on Windows Server 2016, you need to have a KMS client key, which is a product key that activates the KMS host key. You can obtain the KMS client key from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center.

Once you have the KMS client key, follow these steps to set up a KMS host key on Windows Server 2016:

After following these steps, the KMS host key will be set up on the Windows Server 2016 computer, and it will be able to activate Windows operating systems on the local network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a KMS host key activate Windows operating systems outside of a local network?

A: No, a KMS host key can only activate Windows operating systems on a local network. If you need to activate Windows operating systems outside of a local network, you will need to use a different activation method.

Q: How many Windows operating systems can a KMS host key activate?

A: A KMS host key can activate a minimum of 5 Windows operating systems and a maximum of 50,000 Windows operating systems.

Q: How often does a KMS host key need to be activated?

A: A KMS host key needs to be activated once every 180 days. If the KMS host key is not activated within 180 days, Windows operating systems on the local network will no longer be activated.

Q: Can a KMS host key activate other Microsoft products?

A: Yes, a KMS host key can activate other Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office.

Q: Can a KMS host key be used to activate Windows operating systems on a different version of Windows Server?

A: No, a KMS host key can only activate Windows operating systems on the same version of Windows Server.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a KMS Host Key is a unique product key that is used to activate Windows operating systems on a local network. Setting up a KMS host key on Windows Server 2016 is a straightforward process that can save organizations time and resources. By understanding how to use KMS, organizations can more efficiently activate their Windows operating systems.