---
title: "Change a Windows Server Product Key (Dedicated)"
description: "Change or activate the Windows Server product key on your OVHcloud dedicated server after installation or reinstallation."
url: https://docs.ovhcloud.com/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/dedicated-servers/windows-key
lang: en
lastUpdated: 2026-01-06
---
# Change a Windows Server Product Key (Dedicated)

## Objective

When you install a Windows Server operating system, the product key – also known as a KMS (Key Management Service) key – may not be installed correctly. In such cases, the operating system has been installed with a 120-day trial key. Once this time period elapses, the operating system can no longer be used.

**This guide will show you how to change the product key for your Windows Server environment.**

## Requirements

- An OVHcloud [dedicated server](https://www.ovhcloud.com/en-gb/bare-metal/os/) running Windows Server, or a virtual machine running Windows Server on a [Managed VMware](https://www.ovhcloud.com/en-gb/hosted-private-cloud/vmware/images-licenses/) service.
- A Windows SPLA licence in your OVHcloud account
- Administrative access to your server via remote desktop connection

## Instructions

### Uninstall the default product key

When your operating system is in trial mode, a default product key is installed. To modify it, open the `Run
` dialogue box by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard + `R
`.
![Windows Run dialog box for product key commands](/images/bare-metal-cloud/dedicated-servers/windows-key/executer2.png)
In this box, enter the following command:

```bash
cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -upk
```

### Install the new product key

You can now install the new product key. To do so, go back to the `Run
` box, and enter the following command:
```bash
cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ipk PRODUCT KEY
```

You can find the product keys for supported versions of Windows Server in the table available on the [official Microsoft web page](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-server/get-started/kms-client-activation-keys).

:::info
Core versions use the same product keys as non-core versions.
:::

### Associate your product key

To associate your key with our automated activation system, enter the command below in the `Run
` dialogue box:
```bash
cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms kms.ovh.net
```

:::info
If you are using a VPS or Public Cloud instance, you will need to use `kms.cloud.ovh.net`.
:::

### Activate the system

Lastly, to activate your Windows operating system, simply enter the command below:

```bash
cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ato
```

## Go further

[Changing the admin password on a Windows Dedicated Server](/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/dedicated-servers/changing-admin-password-on-windows.md)

[Activating Windows VMs with Hyper-V on a Dedicated Server](/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/dedicated-servers/activate-windows-vm-hyperv.md)

Join our [community of users](https://community.ovhcloud.com/).