KMS - Activate Server 2022 using Server 2019

Mooo404 116 Reputation points
2021-11-29T14:18:40.217+00:00

Hi,

We're facing a problem in getting our new Windows 2022 installation activated to our existing KMS server.

Situation:
Server running KMS service:

  • Windows 2019 Standard
  • Fully updated
  • Has activated existing windows 2019 systems and has been working correctly

New server:

  • Windows 2022 Standard

Error message on the new server:

  • Error: 0xX004F074 The Software Licensing Service reported that the computer could not be activated. No Key Management Service (KMS) could be contacted. Please see the Application Log for additional information.

Application log on the new server:

  • The client has sent an activation request to the key management service machine.
    Info:
    0xC004F042, 0x00000000, kms.***.be:1688, 956b3d44-9050-43da-8a2d-0794a68a366d, 2021/11/29 13:55, 1, 5, 0, 9bd77860-9b31-4b7b-96ad-2564017315bf, 5

Application log on the KMS server:

  • An activation request has been processed.
    Info:
    0xC004F042,5,server.***.local,956b3d44-9050-43da-8a2d-0794a68a366d,2021/11/29 13:55,1,5,0,9bd77860-9b31-4b7b-96ad-2564017315bf

KMS Client product key used:

  • VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H

I'm starting to think only windows 2022 KMS can activate Windows 2022, but according to the informaton I can find on the MS website, an updated instance of server 2019 should also be able to do this.

Is anybody experiencing the same problem? Or has anybody found a solution?

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Accepted answer
  1. Mooo404 116 Reputation points
    2021-12-07T08:40:29.187+00:00

    To answer this question, in case anybody is in the same situation in the future:

    The KMS server was OK, I only needed to install a new Windows 2022 KMS key in the KMS server.
    Since installing the additional key activations work for Windows 2022 using the Windows 2019 KMS host.

    At the time of writing the initial question we did not have access to a Windows 2022 KMS key and figured it we could just activate against the patched Windows 2019 (as using Windows 2022 is allowed by our agreement with MS). Turns out we needed a new key.

    3 people found this answer helpful.

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  1. Limitless Technology 39,391 Reputation points
    2021-11-29T20:01:32.853+00:00

    Hello @Mooo404

    It seems that you have everything correct, but either there is a communication issue, or the key is not recognized because the KMS Server is missing the update to service Server 2022

    Please check if you have this KB installed, if not, please update your Host:
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5003478-update-to-extend-kms-support-for-windows-server-2022-ltsc-5ae389ab-7650-46a7-ad53-bc7653684dfc

    Furthermore, due to the error 0xC004F042 I would suggest to doublecheck the DNS advertisement of your KMS: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn502531(v=ws.11)?redirectedfrom=MSDN

    Hope this helps with your query,

    -------
    --If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--

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  2. Mooo404 116 Reputation points
    2021-11-30T13:17:05.56+00:00

    As can be seen in the application log of the KMS server, they can contact each other.
    I cannot find KB5003478 in the update log of the KMS server (a dedicated VM), the page you linked links to KB5003217 Preview, which also is not installed.
    KB5003478 cannot be found on https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/
    KB5003217 can be found, but has been replaced by (amongst many others) KB5007266. This KB5007266 has been installed on the system.
    The systems says it is fully up to date.

    Maybe the system at some point didn't have KB5003217 installed, but installed a more recent version instead. I think this shouldn't matter as the installed KB5007266 replaces this update?
    Unless part of the update was lost along the way and is not present in the recent packages.

    I've put a new 2022 VM directly on the same LAN for testing, no difference.
    DNS resolutions works, powershell Test-NetConnection succeeds:

    PS C:\Users\Administrator> powershell Test-NetConnection -ComputerName kms.***.be -Port 1688 ComputerName : kms.kinamo.be
    RemoteAddress : 10.x.x.x
    RemotePort : 1688
    InterfaceAlias : Ethernet0
    SourceAddress : 10.x.x.x
    TcpTestSucceeded : True

    Is there another patch I am missing? If so, where can I download it?

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  3. StefanP93 1 Reputation point
    2021-12-09T14:08:16.05+00:00

    Same problem here:

    KMS Server = WinSrv2019 - patched with November built 17763.2305
    Latest ADK and CSVLK Key for Server 2022 installed, which is shown as "Server 2021"

    "Client" is Server 2022, KMS Server fully reachable
    Event Log "An activation request has been processed." is also reaching the KMS Server - so connection is ok.

    But still Error 0xC004F042 when trying to activate.

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  4. StefanP93 1 Reputation point
    2022-02-14T14:44:04.03+00:00

    February Updates still doesn't have fixed the issue.
    Even if in a Case I was told, that it will be fixed latest with those February updates.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-10-1607-and-windows-server-2016#2763msgdesc

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