Installation guide
How to activate Windows Server and RDS CALs
For Windows Server and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CAL licences bought from DelTrix Technology. Server work affects every user on your network, so plan a maintenance window.
Before you start
- Your key matches the server you are activating: the same version (for example 2019 or 2022) and the same edition (Standard or Datacenter).
- You are signed in with an administrator account.
- You have a current backup of the server.
- You know whether your server is a full installation or an Evaluation edition. Evaluation editions must be converted first (see below).
Activate Windows Server
Check your edition
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator and run
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition. If the result includes "Eval", follow the evaluation steps further down instead.Enter your key
Run
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX, replacing the Xs with your key. You can also use Settings > System > Activation > Change product key on newer versions.Activate
Run
slmgr /ato. A message should confirm that the product activated successfully.Check that it worked
Run
slmgr /dlv. The License Status line should say Licensed.
If you have an Evaluation edition
Convert and activate in one step
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command for your edition:
- Standard:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:YOUR-KEY /AcceptEula - Datacenter:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:YOUR-KEY /AcceptEula
The server restarts, sometimes more than once. When it is back, check activation with
slmgr /dlv.- Standard:
Important
A domain controller cannot be converted from Evaluation this way. For a domain controller, or for Essentials editions, email us before you start.
Install RDS CALs
Add the Remote Desktop Licensing role
In Server Manager, click Manage > Add Roles and Features, choose Remote Desktop Services, and add Remote Desktop Licensing. Skip this step if the role is already installed.
Activate the licence server
Open Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. Right-click your server, choose Activate Server, and use the automatic connection method.
Install your CALs
Right-click the server again and choose Install Licenses. For the licence program, choose License Pack (Retail Purchase) and enter the code from your email. Select the product version and the licence type (Per User or Per Device) that match what you bought.
Set the licensing mode
Tell your Remote Desktop servers to use this licence server and the same mode as your CALs. In an RDS deployment, use Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services > Deployment Overview > Tasks > Edit Deployment Properties > RD Licensing.
Or use Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing.
Check that it worked
Open RD Licensing Diagnoser from the same Tools menu. It should show no errors and list your installed CALs.
If something goes wrong
My CALs are not being used
Check that the licensing mode (Per User or Per Device) matches the CAL type you bought, and that the session host points to the correct licence server. Run RD Licensing Diagnoser for details.
My CAL version does not match my server
CALs must be the same version as the server or newer. For example, 2019 CALs work with a 2019 server but not with a 2022 server. Email us if you bought the wrong version.
slmgr shows error 0xC004F069 or 0xC004F050
The key does not match the installed edition. Check that a Standard key is going onto Standard (not Datacenter), and that the version matches.
Should I do this myself?
If the server runs your business, we recommend letting us do it remotely. Email us for a quote, or get it included with our IT support plan.
Stuck? We will help you activate it
Reply to your order email, or email support@deltrixtech.co.za with your order number and a screenshot of the error. Activation help is free for every customer. IT support clients get full remote installation free of charge.
Keep your licence key private. Each key activates the number of devices stated on the product, and a key that is shared or posted online can be blocked by the manufacturer.