KMS migration from 2012 OS to 2019 OS

Question

Hi There,

We have our working KMS services currently running in Windows 2012 R2 server and we are looking to plan for migration to 2019 OS. Server is hosted in our vcenter host and need a plan to execute this. Kindly assist us with the steps to go forward. Also, if any document links can be shared regarding the same would be helpful.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello

Sure, I can help with that! Here is a plan to migrate your KMS services from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2019:

Prepare the New Server: Set up a new server running Windows Server 2019. Ensure it has the necessary network configurations and is joined to the domain.

Install Volume Activation Services: On the new server, install the Volume Activation Services role. This can be done through the Server Manager.

Configure KMS Host: Configure the KMS host on the new server. You can use the following commands to set up the KMS key and activate it:

slmgr /ipk <KMS Key>: Install the KMS key.

slmgr /ato: Activate the KMS key.

slmgr /skms <KMS Host>: Set the KMS host.

Update DNS Records: Ensure that the DNS records are updated to point to the new KMS host. This will allow clients to find the new KMS server using the SRV record.

Test Activation: Test the activation process on a few client machines to ensure that they can successfully activate against the new KMS host.

Decommission Old Server: Once you have confirmed that the new KMS host is working correctly, you can decommission the old KMS server. You can use the following commands to remove the KMS key and clear the KMS service:

slmgr /upk: Clear the KMS key.

slmgr /ckms: Clear the KMS service.

slmgr /rearm: Reset the authorized state of the computer.

Refer to the documentation:

How to upgrade KMS server to new OS - Microsoft Community Hub