Activate KMS Service for Windows Guests

At IONOS, we prioritize providing our users with a seamless and efficient cloud experience. To facilitate the activation and management of Microsoft Windows operating systems in our cloud infrastructure, we utilize the Key Management Service (KMS). KMS streamlines the activation process and allows you to activate your Windows instances without complex licensing procedures.

Prerequisites:

• KMS clients require a Microsoft Generic Volume License Key (GVLK). All standard Windows images are already delivered with a GVLK key.

• Use Windows Server Operating System (OS), as KMS does not support any other OS.

• Use IPv4 addresses only, as IONOS KMS does not support IPv6 addresses.

• KMS-licensed Windows systems must have an internet connection to periodically check their activation status on the TCP port 1688.

• KMS has a seven-day renewal interval. Windows will remain activated for up to 180 days without an active internet connection. Your server must establish a periodical internet connection (at least once every 180 days) to maintain an active status. Failure to do so may result in a loss of activation, leading to limited functionality of your Windows operating system.

• Ensure your network and firewall settings permit communication with the KMS server to prevent activation issues. Regularly verifying your connectivity will help ensure uninterrupted operation and maintain your Windows system's activation status.

IONOS KMS Server URL

• EU: winupdate.onlinehome-server.info

• US: winupdate.onlinehome-server.com

Note: Windows KMS supports only one server URL at a time.

Activate KMS service on IONOS Cloud VMs

Note: IONOS Windows images are either pre-installed or activated to a certain extent with MAK and KMS keys via the KMS server.

Before proceeding with activation, always check the activation status of your Windows system.

The following options outline different scenarios based on your activation status. Choose the one that applies to your situation.

Check activation status

1. Open the Command Prompt (cmd) window. 2. Check license and activation: slmgr.exe /dlv 3. Select one of the following options:

Option 1: Standard Installation

1. Announce IONOS KMS: slmgr.exe /skms <IONOS-KMS-Server-URL> 2. Activate the Windows system: slmgr.exe /ato

Option 2: Already activated with a MAK key

1. Install GVLK Key (see prerequisites): slmgr.exe /ipk <GVLK-Key> 2. Announce IONOS KMS: slmgr.exe /skms <IONOS-KMS-Server-URL> 3. Activate the Windows system: slmgr.exe /ato

Option 3: Reactivation or already activated with another KMS

1. Announce IONOS KMS: slmgr.exe /skms <IONOS-KMS-Server-URL> 2. Activate the Windows system: slmgr.exe /ato

4. Reboot Windows (if necessary).

If you have further questions or require additional support, contact IONOS Cloud Support.

Summary

By the end of this tutorial, you have successfully activated your Microsoft Windows operating system on IONOS Cloud VMs using KMS. You have learned how to check your activation status and choose the appropriate activation method based on your current licensing situation, ensuring your Windows instances remain activated and fully operational. Additionally, you have gained an understanding of the necessary prerequisites and network settings required to maintain activation, leading to a seamless and efficient cloud experience with your Windows systems.