To remove a Windows Server license key, you typically use the Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr.vbs) with the /upk parameter from an elevated command prompt. This command uninstalls the product key from the current system, making the license available for use on another system, such as migrating it to a new virtual machine (VM).
Steps to Remove the License Key
Based on common practice and the provided reference, here are the steps involved in removing a Windows Server product key from a system, often prior to migrating the license:
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt: Access the command prompt with administrative privileges. This is crucial as licensing operations require elevated access.
- How to: Search for "Command Prompt", right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator".
- Execute the Uninstall Command: In the elevated command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr.vbs /upk- The
slmgr.vbsscript is the command-line tool for managing Windows licensing. - The
/upkswitch specifically instructs the tool to uninstall the product key currently installed on the operating system.
- The
- Confirm Uninstallation: You should receive a message confirming that the product key has been successfully uninstalled.
Following these steps effectively removes the license key from the specific server installation. If you are migrating the license as described in the reference, the next logical steps would be to shut down the old server or VM and then proceed to activate the license on the new hardware or VM.
Understanding the slmgr.vbs /upk Command
The slmgr.vbs script is a powerful tool provided by Microsoft for administering the Windows licensing system. The /upk parameter is one of several available switches used for managing product keys.
/upk(Uninstall Product Key): This command removes the product key from the Windows registry. This is the primary method for deactivating a Windows license on a particular installation so that the license can potentially be used elsewhere, subject to the terms of the license agreement.
By uninstalling the product key, the Windows installation will enter an unlicensed state. While it might continue to function for a grace period, certain features may eventually become disabled, and activation reminders will appear.
This process is particularly useful when decommissioning a server or migrating a licensed operating system installation from one physical machine or virtual machine to another, ensuring compliance with licensing terms by deactivating the license on the original system.
