Tilaa Windows Servers are configured to activate automatically via our internal KMS (Key Management Service). However, sometimes a server may fail to activate immediately after provisioning.
If you see a "Windows is not activated" watermark or notification, you can force the activation manually using the command line. This method works for Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022.
Step 1: Check your System Time (Crucial!)
KMS activation fails if your server's time deviates too much from the activation server. Before trying anything else, ensure your date and time are correct.
- Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
- Ensure Set time automatically is turned On.
- Click Sync now.
Step 2: Force Activation (Command Line)
Instead of searching through control panels, use the built-in Software Licensing Manager tool.
- Open Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell as Administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr /atoWhat happens next?
Wait about 10-30 seconds. A popup window will appear stating:
"Activating Windows(R), ServerDatacenter edition... Product activated successfully."
Still not working?
If you receive an error (like 0xC004F074), ensure that:
- Your firewall is allowing outbound traffic on port 1688 (KMS).
- Your DNS settings are correct (so the server can find the Tilaa KMS).