How to reactivate Windows Server 2022 Retail license after deleting VM

Anonymní
2025-07-02T13:56:03+00:00

Hi, I accidentally deleted a virtual machine that had an activated Windows Server 2022 Standard using a Retail license key. Unfortunately, I forgot to deactivate the license before deleting the VM. I’ve now created a new VM in Proxmox and reinstalled the same version of Windows Server, but when I try to activate it using the same key, I get an error saying the key is already in use.

Is there a way to reuse the same Retail license key in this case, even though the original VM is permanently deleted and I didn’t deactivate the key beforehand? Should I proceed with phone activation, or is it better to contact Microsoft support directly?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

Windows pro domácnosti | Jiné | Instalace a upgrade

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Anonymní
2025-07-02T15:11:33+00:00

Even the virtual Machine is being removed, the activation server still shows the product key is active or used. You can try to reactivate the Windows Server 2022 Retail key to do phone activation by running slui 4.

Press Win + R → then type: slui 4 → then press Enter → select your country/region → call the Microsoft activation number showing → follow the prompts → explain about the removal of Virtual Machine and you are reinstalling a new one → get confirmation code to activate system manually

If nothing works contact Microsoft Support:

Go to: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus → choose Windows → then Windows Server → select Activation and Licensing.→ choose chat or schedule a callback with licensing specialist → explain about the removal of Virtual Machine and you are reinstalling a new one

Supports can help you reactivate manually or reset the activation.

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  1. Miroslav Pragl 78,946 Reputační body Dobrovolný moderátor
    2025-07-02T17:26:49+00:00

    Ahoj Danieli,

    Tel. aktivace zni jako nejjistejsi cesta

    MP

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