Hey everyone! I currently have a KMS server running on Windows Server 2019 that activates around 2,500 Windows 10/11 machines and servers in our environment. I'm planning to upgrade this server to Windows Server 2022. I have a few questions about the process:
1. Is my workflow correct? Should I be concerned about any negative impacts while the 2019 KMS host is still running? Here's what I'm thinking: I would set up the new 2022 server, install KMS, use the command 'slmgr.vbs /ipk KEY' (with my new KMS key), activate it with 'slmgr.vbs /ato', and then delete the SRV record for the old KMS host. Will that allow all machines to switch over smoothly?
2. Before I take down the 2019 KMS server, how can I ensure that all the servers are now using the new 2022 KMS host?
3. Also, how can I check which keys are installed on the 2019 KMS host? How do I know if it's 2022 KMS, 2019 KMS, or Office KMS that's actually installed?
Thanks in advance for any help!
3 Answers
I noticed you’re planning to upgrade to Server 2022, but also mentioned needing to confirm that all servers are using the new host before decommissioning the 2019 one. Why not just do an in-place upgrade? You could avoid any unnecessary changes, except maybe needing a new key, and it would save you some hassle. What's the current host doing besides KMS anyway?
You might want to think about using ADBA for activation instead or even doing an in-place upgrade to Server 2022 on your existing KMS server. Just keep in mind that ADBA would only work for domain-joined machines, and if there's already a KMS in your DNS, they won’t see a difference in functionality.
Honestly, there's really no reason not to switch if you’re set on upgrading, but if you could do an in-place upgrade, it worked great for me when I upgraded a 2019 VM to 2022—it went smoothly, and since that server only handled KMS, it was straightforward. Might be worth considering!
Exactly! If those machines are already set up, they wouldn’t get any added benefits from switching to ADBA since they’re recognizing the existing KMS.