Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Key

What you get

After payment you receive a 25-character Windows Server 2016 Datacenter product key by email, instantly in most cases (a system delay can occasionally add 5–10 minutes). The email includes the download link and the installation and activation steps below, and the key is also saved under My Account → Keys.

Support status: until 12 January 2027

Microsoft provides security updates for Windows Server 2016 until 12 January 2027. For a new virtualization host, Server 2022 Datacenter or Server 2025 Datacenter are supported for years longer.

License: cores, virtual machines and CALs

• One key licenses one physical server with up to 16 cores. A server with more cores needs additional licenses.
• Datacenter lets you run unlimited virtual machines with Hyper-V on that server.
• Retail license, activated online.
• Client access licenses (CALs) are sold separately. Remote Desktop users need RDS CALs.

What Datacenter adds over Standard

• Unlimited virtual machines instead of two
• Storage Spaces Direct and Storage Replica
• Software-defined networking with Network Controller
• Shielded virtual machines with the Host Guardian Service

For one or two virtual machines, Windows Server 2016 Standard costs less.

Is it genuine? Why is it cheaper than Microsoft’s price?

Yes. It’s a genuine Microsoft key that activates on Microsoft’s own servers. We buy unused licenses from companies that purchase Microsoft products in large batches and pass the lower price on to you.

How to install and activate Windows Server 2016 Datacenter

1. Download the Windows Server 2016 ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center and install Windows Server 2016 Datacenter.
2. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator and run:
   DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
3. Restart when asked. The server converts to the full Datacenter edition and activates online.
4. Check the result with slmgr /dlv.

The full guide: converting an evaluation version to the full version.

If activation fails

• Key not accepted: check that the server runs Windows Server 2016 Datacenter and, for an evaluation copy, use the DISM command above.
• Anything else: contact us within 15 days of your order, on live chat or at support@cheapkeys.io. We’ll fix it or replace the key, and if no working solution is possible, you get a refund under our refund policy.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

How many virtual machines can I run?

As many as your hardware can handle, on the licensed server.

What happens after 12 January 2027?

Windows Server 2016 keeps running, but Microsoft stops releasing security updates for it.

What if my key doesn’t work?

Contact us within 15 days of your order. We fix it or replace the key, or refund you if no working solution is possible.