For details on HOW to deploy this key to your Windows Server 2008/R2 systems - check out this detailed blog by Poornima Priyadarshini.
The ISO image will install the Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 with an embedded product key which expires after 180 days.
Windows server 2008 product key official for free#
I asked Ned Pyle - Principal Program Manager on the Windows Server Team to talk about your options and show us how to generate MAK keys.įor more details and documentation about this process - check out this article which has all the info on how to request and provision an Extended Security Update MAK key from the Azure portal, once you have purchased Extended Security Updates. The trial or evaluation version of Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 comes with 180 days of free usage period, which means it can be used for free without purchasing or paying for half a year. Want to learn more? I've got you covered. If you NEED to stay on-premises with these systems, and you have all the prerequisites in place, you can generate a special "Multiple Activation Key" from the Azure portal and deploy it to your on-prem update service: Windows Update, Configuration Manager (current branch) and even 3rd party solutions. See the FAQ for more details and eligibility. Provided you have an Enterprise Agreement / Volume License Agreement or you have purchased Software Assurance - you can purchase Extended Security Updates from Microsoft for up to 3 years on a per server basis where you will be able to register / enroll a fixed number of systems into this program.
You can migrate your Server and workload up to Azure and receive up to 3 free years of Security Updates from Microsoft.If you need to keep these systems running and patched after January 14th - you have a few limited options: With the End of Support for Windows Server 2008 on January 14th, 2020 - you no longer have the ability to receive Security Updates or Support for any servers running Windows Server 2008.