The activation of Windows Server is not just a necessary step to use the software, but a strategic decision that maximises the efficiency and security of your IT infrastructure, while reducing costs and increasing flexibility in your business environment. Activation...

The benefits of activation include a number of new features and services that were limited or time-limited in the Evaluation version. Examples include Remote Desktop Services (RDS), which allows you to manage remote desktop sessions, and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which provides centralised management of system updates.

Activation

During activation the Evaluation version must be changed to the final version, which requires the following command to be issued with administrator privileges Command line or In PowerShell:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

In the XXXXX field, enter the product key you purchased, which will activate the system immediately. You can purchase Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022 at a significant discount.

Benefits

Once the server is activated, you can access the Azure Hybrid Benefit which can deliver significant cost savings when using Azure cloud services. Activated servers will receive full security updates and support to ensure your business data and applications are protected.

Other benefits of activation include Windows Admin Center which provides an intuitive, web-based interface for managing servers. Enabled servers can be fully integrated with Azure services such as Azure Active Directory, Azure Backup, Azure Monitor and Azure File Sync.