I'm currently using Hyper-V on Windows Server 2019, but I need to set up a Windows Server 2022 VM due to application requirements. I know my Hyper-V servers have the proper 2022 Datacenter licensing, but they're still running 2019. Upgrading the hosts right now isn't an option for me. Can anyone advise on how to activate the 2022 VM in this scenario? I'm worried that the Automatic Virtual Machine Activation (AVMA) might not work since the VM's OS version is higher than the host's version. Or am I misunderstanding the compatibility?
4 Answers
You're correct about needing a MAK key for the VM. The AVMA key for Windows Server 2022 isn’t compatible with 2019 DC hosts. If you don’t have a MAK key handy, you can run the VM unactivated for now. Just keep in mind that running an unactivated server does limit some functionalities.
Yup, running the server without activation could reduce certain functionalities, like personalization options. However, if you're in a bind, it might be worthwhile for the short term until you can upgrade the hosts. Just make sure you have a plan to get everything activated soon.
You can activate your 2022 VM using a standard Windows Server 2022 MAK or KMS key. Even though you're deploying it on a 2019 host, those activation methods should still work. Just don’t try to use the AVMA for activation, as it won't support a setup where the guest has a newer version than the host.
AVMA definitely won't work in your case, even though the licensing is valid. Think of it like trying to fit a USB-C connector into a micro-USB port. The connection looks right, but it just won't work. I'd suggest using a MAK key instead.
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