Windows Admin Center unavailable even with Benefits activated

Question

I've been using Azure Arc to manage our on-site machines for a bit, and I was getting a lot of use out of the Windows Admin Center. After deleting and redeploying the machines in Azure Arc to change regions, I can no longer access the Admin Center. I have gone through the documentation and verified that I have the correct access and roles. But it doesn't give me the option to set it up.

It tells me the 'License type is not configured' but I have not changed the activation on the servers at all. I have the Activate Azure Benefits box checked, but it has not unlocked the Admin Center for me yet. We have not used proxies at all for Azure so far.

It let me manage these servers before, why not now?

Answer 1

Hi @IT Department
Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Platform! Thank you for asking your question here. 

I completely understand how frustrating this must be, especially after transitioning into the field and now facing this licensing issue. The reason you see a "license type not configured" error is likely due to the new licensing requirements for the Windows Admin Center with Azure Arc. Beginning in November 2024, Microsoft requires devices to be in good working order to obtain a Pay-as-you-go license or Software Assurance (SA) for the Admin Center. This could be why you have trouble continuing after reactivating your devices. 

To prevent this, you should first check what license your devices are currently using. You can do this through your Azure portal or Volume Licensing Service Center. If your license does not include Software Assurance, you can contact Microsoft Support to see if you can change it to include SA. Alternatively, you can switch to a Pay-as-you-go model, which may be the easiest way to meet the new requirements. Additionally, make sure the Activate Azure Benefits box is checked when setting things up, as this can help you unlock the features you need. 

If you are unsure of your license or need assistance with the transition, I recommend contacting Microsoft support directly. They can walk you through the process and make sure everything is set up properly. I hope this helps, but if you have more questions or need more help, feel free to comment. 
If you have any further queries, do let us know  

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Answer 2

As per https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/azure/manage-arc-hybrid-machines

As of November 1st, 2024, Windows Admin Center for Azure Arc requires your hybrid machine to have a Pay-as-you-go or Software Assurance license type to use. All new installations of the Windows Admin Center agent must adhere to this requirement. Machines with Windows Admin Center for Azure Arc installed prior to November 1st, 2024, may continue to use Windows Admin Center for Azure Arc for up to 12 months without updates until November 1st, 2025.

To configure, follow

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/windows-server-pay-as-you-go?tabs=gui%2Cazureportal

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hth

Marcin