Windows 2019 Server with KMS role for new Office 2024 activation

Question

Windows 2019 Server with KMS role for new Office 2024 activation

JOE TAM 0

Dear Sir,

Customer have a question about Microsoft KMS Server activation. Please assist.

Question:

The customer has Windows Server 2019 installed with the KMS role, and it is currently activating Office 2019 clients.

Requirement:

The customer has purchased new licenses for Office 2024 and wants to use the existing KMS server to activate Office 2024 clients.

Is there a procedure or documentation on how they can achieve this?

Regards,

remove PII

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3 個回答

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Answer 1

Dear @JOE TAM,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft 365 Q&A forum community regarding your Key Management Service (KMS) setup.

Yes, this is achievable. The existing KMS server for Office 2019 can also activate Office 2024 clients, provided it is updated with the new Office 2024 Volume License Key (often called the KMS host key).

Here is the concise procedure to enable this:

Obtain the Office 2024 KMS Host Key: You must have a Volume License agreement for Office 2024. The specific KMS host key for Office 2024 is available in your Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) account under the specified license relationship.
Install the Key on Your KMS Server:
- Log in to your Windows Server 2019 KMS host.
- Open an elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator).
- Use the slmgr.vbs script to install the new Office 2024 key. The generic KMS host key for a product is used for installation, which then activates against your specific license.
- Run the following command, replacing <Office2024KMSHostKey> with the key from your VLSC: cscript slmgr.vbs /ipk <Office2024KMSHostKey>
- You should see a confirmation message that the key was successfully installed.
Activate the Key: After installation, you need to activate this key against Microsoft's activation servers. Run: cscript slmgr.vbs /ato

This will activate the Office 2024 key on your KMS host.

Once these steps are complete, your KMS server is ready. The existing Office 2019 activations will be unaffected, and the server will now also respond to activation requests from Office 2024 clients on your network.

For your reference, the official Microsoft documentation that outlines this process in detail can be found here: Activate volume licensed versions of Office by using KMS - Office | Microsoft Learn

Key point to verify: Ensure your Office 2024 clients are volume-licensed versions (obtained through your Volume License agreement) and are correctly pointed to your KMS server. Retail or MSI-based installations cannot be activated with KMS.

Please let me know if you have any further questions or if the problem persists after trying these solutions. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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JOE TAM 0 信譽點數

2025-11-21T06:01:56.85+00:00

Dear sir,

Currently, does all VLSC portal moved to admin.microsoft.com ? Where it is ? ```**Moderator note: personal info removed**

Answer 2

JOE TAM 0

Currently, does all VLSC portal moved to admin.microsoft.com ? Where it is ?

Sophie N 18,180 信譽點數 Microsoft 外部員工仲裁者

2025-11-24T04:20:25.68+00:00

Dear @JOE TAM,

Thank you for your question. The Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) has not been completely retired, but certain functions have been moved to the Microsoft Admin Center (MAC).

Please note that if you are a user you will need to ask your global administrator to perform these steps.

For managing volume licensing in the new experience, you can go to: admin.microsoft.com > Billing > Your Products > Volume Licensing.

This is where you can view and manage contracts, assign administrators, and handle related tasks. Some legacy features may still require VLSC access, but most new workflows are now integrated into the Admin Center.

Please let us know if you need step-by-step instructions or assistance with specific actions.
Sophie N 18,180 信譽點數 Microsoft 外部員工仲裁者

2025-11-27T00:35:03.46+00:00

Dear @JOE TAM,

I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to check in and see how things are going with the steps I shared earlier. If you ran into any difficulties at any point or if something is unclear, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I completely understand that these processes can sometimes be tricky, and I’m here to make it as easy as possible for you.

Feel free to share any details or questions you might have, I’m ready to listen and assist you further.

JOE TAM 0

Dear Sophie,

  Customer said that he finds the office 2024 KMS key from the admin.microsoft.com portal , but it cannot input to the Win2019 KMS Server using slmgr /ips office_key command. It displays message with key invalid. Any possible reasons?

Answer 3

JOE TAM 0

Customer said that he finds the office 2024 KMS key from the admin.microsoft.com portal , but it cannot input to the Win2019 KMS Server using slmgr /ips office_key command. It displays message with key invalid. Any possible reasons?

Sophie N 18,180 信譽點數 Microsoft 外部員工仲裁者

2025-11-28T03:06:49.0566667+00:00
Dear @JOE TAM,

Thanks for the follow‑up. The “invalid key” message typically occurs when an Office KMS host key (CSVLK) is entered with the wrong tool, or when the KMS host isn’t prepared for Office activation. Below is a quick, actionable checklist:

Use the Office Volume Activation Tools (not only slmgr): slmgr /ipk is for Windows KMS keys. To install an Office KMS host key, first install the Office Volume License Pack on the Server 2019 KMS host, then run the Volume Activation Tools wizard and enter the Office LTSC 2024 KMS host key there. Windows Server 2019 is supported for Office LTSC 2024 KMS hosting. Configure a KMS host computer to activate volume licensed versions of Office

Confirm you’re using the correct key type: From the Microsoft 365 admin center (Billing > Your products > Volume licensing > Downloads & Keys), retrieve the Office LTSC 2024 KMS host key (CSVLK). Attempting to use a client GVLK or a MAK in the KMS host will fail. Guidance on finding/using VL product keys is here. Find and use product keys for volume licensing

Verify the KMS host is ready for Office:

Server role: Volume Activation Services installed.

Office Volume License Pack for the matching version is installed (2024).

Network: TCP 1688 open to clients; DNS SRV _vlmcs._tcp published (or set KMS host/port on clients via ospp.vbs). Activate volume licensed versions of Office by using KMS

Client activation thresholds: Office KMS starts activating after the host has received 5 client requests (Office needs 5; Windows Server needs 5 as well). If you’re testing with fewer clients, you may see grace notifications until the threshold is met. Find and use volume licensing product keys (admin center).

If you’d like, I can share screenshots of the Volume Activation Tools steps and double‑check your specific key string off‑thread.