How can I check if SQL Server 2019 Standard is activated on Server Core? [duplicate]
I installed SQL Server 2019 Standard on Windows Server 2019 Core from an ISO that I downloaded from our MSDN. It specifically stated that there is "No product key required" when I downloaded it.
Since I installed it on Server Core, I followed these instructions.
If you look at the instructions, there is an /PID argument that is needed to tell the setup, what Version of SQL Server to install (e.g Express, Developer, Standard etc.)
However, I did not find a Product ID for the Standard Version of SQL Server 2019. Not in MSDN, not in VLSC and nowhere else on the internet.
The instructions state that:
SQL Server Setup Control /PID
Specifies the product key for the edition of SQL Server. If this parameter is not specified, Evaluation is used.
Which makes me believe that my SQL Server is now in Evaluation mode. I would like to check now, If my SQL Server is licensed, and also how it is licensed (I should have a license for 4 Cores).
The thing is a bit complicated, since another VM that has an SQL Server with 4 Cores, licensed in another license agreement, is running on the same physical machine, I read that physical cores must be licensed, not Virtual Machine Cores. is my new SQL Server on my new VM now also using the same License as the other VM?
However, my thing is I don’t know if my SQL Server is now licensed. I ran the following queries:
However, I am very confused now. It says it’s the Standard Edition of SQL Server which seems to be correct, but where did it get the license for it? Is it even licensed? It doesn’t say it specifically. How does it know, how many cores it can use?
How to Find Microsoft SQL Server Product Key

Microsoft SQL Server also requires an activation key to function fully. Now, you might be thinking why Microsoft SQL server requires a product key? Well, like other platforms, it also requires a product key for verification purposes.
Usually, the Microsoft SQL product key is embedded within the setup wizard. Therefore, it can be a tough ask to extract this key. Here are some reasons why you might need the Microsoft SQL product key:
- Lost The Service Key
- Relocating The Server
- Want To Install Microsoft SQL on Another System
So, these are scenarios where you need the Microsoft SQL service key. Now, how to find it? Well, no worries. In this article, we will share some of the best ways to find the Microsoft SQL Server product key smoothly.
Top 3 Tools to Find SQL Server Product Key

In this section, we will be taking help from some popular tools such as EaseUS Key finder. It is undoubtedly one of the best tools for finding lost or forgotten product keys. Further, we will also be sharing some not-so-common tools and methods for finding the Microsoft SQL Server product key. So, let us start the discussion.
1: EaseUS Key Finder [The Easiest Tool]
We cannot forget EaseUS whenever we talk about recovering the Microsoft SQL product key. This is because this specific tool is an excellent way to find out lost or forgotten product keys. It lets you do much more than a typical tool.
Price: It starts $19.95/Monthly.
Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Server
100% Secure
30-day money back guarantee
How to use:
Step 1: Download EaseUS (If you haven’t already) and launch it.
Step 2: Click on the «Application» tab that lies under the «Registry Key.»

Step 3: On the right panel of Applications Registry Keys, EaseUS Key Finder will list the product keys of all the installed software on your system. You just have to select the serial numbers that you want to recover. Also, you can simply copy the product key or save and print it as per your needs.

2. Windows Registry [Free]
When Windows registry works with Microsoft SQL, you know you can easily recover its product key. This method is free and involves some simple steps.
- No third-party software required
- Helps find product keys with ease
- The process can be a bit technical for some
How to use:
Step 1: Go to the windows search bar located at the right section of the taskbar.
Step 2: To open the registry, type «regedit» in the search bar.

Step 3: Navigate to the path and locate the product code value:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\Setup
Step 4: Now, double-click the product code value to view the SQL product key.
Verdict : So, finding the Microsoft SQL product key using the Windows registry is not just free. It also has detailed steps to follow. However, if you are not a tech guy, you may opt for EaseUS Key Finder.
3. PowerShell [Free and for Advanced Users]
With the help of PowerShell, you can also find the Microsoft SQL key. This method is also free and works pretty well. The only downside here is that it is recommended for advanced users. However, we have explained the whole method with easy-to-follow steps. So, you can get an idea about the whole process.
- Free
- Gets the job done
- Beginners may have a hard time using this method
How to use:
Step 1: Launch a PowerShell prompt by going to Start > Run. After that, type powershell and hit ENTER.
Step 2: Simply paste the command below inside the prompt area and press ENTER.
function GetSqlServerProductKey <
## function to retrieve the license key of a SQL 2008 Server.
param ($targets = «.»)
$hklm = 2147483650
$regPath = «SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Setup»
$regValue1 = «DigitalProductId»
$regValue2 = «PatchLevel»
$regValue3 = «Edition»
Foreach ($target in $targets) <
$productKey = $null
$win32os = $null
$wmi = [WMIClass]»\\$target\root\default:stdRegProv»
$data = $wmi.GetBinaryValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue1)
[string]$SQLver = $wmi.GetstringValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue2).svalue
[string]$SQLedition = $wmi.GetstringValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue3).svalue
$binArray = ($data.uValue)[52..66]
$charsArray = «B»,»C»,»D»,»F»,»G»,»H»,»J»,»K»,»M»,»P»,»Q»,»R»,»T»,»V»,»W»,»X»,»Y»,»2″,»3″,»4″,»6″,»7″,»8″,»9″
## decrypt base24 encoded binary data
For ($i = 24; $i -ge 0; $i—) <
$k = 0
For ($j = 14; $j -ge 0; $j—) <
$k = $k * 256 -bxor $binArray[$j]
$binArray[$j] = [math]::truncate($k / 24)
$k = $k % 24
>
$productKey = $charsArray[$k] + $productKey
If (($i % 5 -eq 0) -and ($i -ne 0)) <
$productKey = «-» + $productKey
>
>
$win32os = Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem -computer $target
$obj = New-Object Object
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty Computer -value $target
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty OSCaption -value $win32os.Caption
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty OSArch -value $win32os.OSArchitecture
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty SQLver -value $SQLver
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty SQLedition -value $SQLedition
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty ProductKey -value $productkey
$obj
>
>
- For Sql Server 2012, you’ll have to replace two lines of code:
1. Replace line 5 with $regPath = «SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\110\Tools\Setup»
2. Replace line 16 with $binArray = ($data.uValue)[0..16]
- For Sql Server 2014, you’ll have to replace line 5 with the code of $regPath = «SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.[YOUR SQL INSTANCE NAME]\Setup»(You’ll need to change some codes based on your installation.)
Step 3: Now, type «GetSqlServerProductKey» and tap ENTER. With that, the system will display the product key smoothly.

Conclusion
So, now you should know how to find your Microsoft sql server product key. Among the three methods we mentioned above, EaseUS Key Finder is definitely the most straightforward one. It can assist you in recovering your Microsoft sql server product key in a few clicks without any confusing steps.
You can also try Windows Registry and PowerShell to get back your product key, yet these two ways come with more complex steps and are more suitable for tech guys.
Again, it all depends on you. However, we do recommend EaseUS Key Finder if you want to avoid any hustle.
3 Ways to Find Microsoft SQL Server Product Key [2023 Complete Guide]
This page focus on providing professional & effective solutions to help you find missing or retrieve product key for Microsoft SQL Server. Follow to find your Microsoft SQL Server product now.
Does SQL Server Have a License Key?
Yes, Microsoft SQL Server has a product key. However, it’s not like the Windows operating system or Office applications, an SQL license key is embedded in the activation wizard of the software.
As a result, you actually can’t directly find the license code in the admin center. So where do you find the SQL product key after installation?
Continue reading and we’ll discuss this, making it easy for you to locate the license of SQL Server 2019/2017/2016 and even older versions.
How Do I Find My SQL Server Product Key? You Have 3 Ways Here for Help
Before starting the guide, we searched online and found that most solutions provided for finding Microsoft SQL Server product keys are described in an obscure manner.
Here, we collected 3 practical ways and make it clear for you to follow for retrieving SQL Server license:
Applies to: SQL Server 2019/2017/2016/2014/2012/2008 R2/2008/2003/2000, etc.
Your Quick Guide:
- For the easiest and most efficient way to find your Microsoft SQL Server product key, third-party product key finder — EaseUS Key Finder is here to help.
- To find the SQL Server product key for free, try the tips in Method 2 and Method 3.
Now, let’s get started finding SQL Server product keys in Windows Server computers.
#1. Use 1-click Microsoft SQL Server Product Key Finder — EaseUS Key Finder
Find Microsoft SQL Server Product Key in 1-Click
EaseUS Key Finder enables all levels of Microsoft SQL Server users, Windows Server, and Windows users to simply find product keys of installed operating system, software, and programs in simple clicks.
Support Windows 11/10/8/7
Find Your Product Keys Now
Besides finding SQL Server key, this software also works to:
- Find product key for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and all Windows Server systems. /2019/2017, etc., product key.
- Find Adobe serial key for Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, etc.
- Find browser Chrome, Edge, Firefox account and password.
- Find WiFi codes, etc.
How to Find Microsoft SQL Server Product Key:
Step 1. Click «Application» tab under «Registry Key».

Step 2. View Applications Registry Keys on the right panel. EaseUS Key Finder will show all keys of installed software. Copy the targeted serial numbers. Also, you can click «Print» or «Save».

You may be interested in Windows Server Backup:
![]()
Does your company need to backup all files, settings, applications, profiles for Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 (R2)? Read on to backup to AWS or local server.

#2. Use Registry to Find SQL Server Product Code
Free Solution to Find SQL Server Product Code
The Registry Editor on Windows Server computer also works to find the SQL Server product key for you. Be careful when you browse the Registry Editor with the following steps to locate SQL Server key value:
Note that the registry path may differ depends on different SQL Server versions.
Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select «search».
Step 2. Type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
Step 3. Navigate to the path and find the ProductCode value:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\Setup
Step 4. Double-click the ProductCode value, then, you can view the SQL Server key.

#3. Use Powershell to Get Back the SQL Server Product Key Information
Command Line Solution for Finding SQL Server Key
This method works to retrieve the SQL Server product key from an existing installation on your client or Server machine. Mostly, this takes place when you have an old Server to move or relocate and no one remembers where your license is.
Here are the steps to find your SQL Server product key using PowerShell:
Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon and select «PowerShell».
Step 2. Type the following command in PowerShell and hit Enter:
function GetSqlServerProductKey <
## function to retrieve the license key of a SQL 2008 Server.
param ($targets = «.»)
$hklm = 2147483650
$regPath = «SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Setup»
$regValue1 = «DigitalProductId»
$regValue2 = «PatchLevel»
$regValue3 = «Edition»
Foreach ($target in $targets) <
$productKey = $null
$win32os = $null
$wmi = [WMIClass]»\\$target\root\default:stdRegProv»
$data = $wmi.GetBinaryValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue1)
[string]$SQLver = $wmi.GetstringValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue2).svalue
[string]$SQLedition = $wmi.GetstringValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue3).svalue
$binArray = ($data.uValue)[52..66]
$charsArray = «B»,»C»,»D»,»F»,»G»,»H»,»J»,»K»,»M»,»P»,»Q»,»R»,»T»,»V»,»W»,»X»,»Y»,»2″,»3″,»4″,»6″,»7″,»8″,»9″
## decrypt base24 encoded binary data
For ($i = 24; $i -ge 0; $i—) <
$k = 0
For ($j = 14; $j -ge 0; $j—) <
$k = $k * 256 -bxor $binArray[$j]
$binArray[$j] = [math]::truncate($k / 24)
$k = $k % 24
>
$productKey = $charsArray[$k] + $productKey
If (($i % 5 -eq 0) -and ($i -ne 0)) <
$productKey = «-» + $productKey
>
>
$win32os = Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem -computer $target
$obj = New-Object Object
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty Computer -value $target
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty OSCaption -value $win32os.Caption
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty OSArch -value $win32os.OSArchitecture
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty SQLver -value $SQLver
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty SQLedition -value $SQLedition
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty ProductKey -value $productkey
$obj
>
>
#1. For SQL Server 2012, replace line 5 and 16 with the following line:
- $regPath = «SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\110\Tools\Setup»
- $binArray = ($data.uValue)[0..16]
#2. For SQL Server 2014, replace DigitalProductID with the real instance name in Registry and replace line 5 with the following line:
- $regPath = «SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.[YOUR SQL INSTANCE NAME]\Setup»
Step 3. Type GetSqlServerProductKey and hit Enter.

After this, you’ll see the product key of your SQL Server on the PowerShell window.
Finding SQL Server Product Key Is Possible, Pick the Easiest Way for Help Now
In many cases, finding the SQL Server product key is essential. On this page, we collected 3 reliable methods for you to follow and recover the missing product code for SQL Server.
Как проверить лицензию sql server 2019
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Asked by:
Question
serverproperty ( ‘LicenseType’ ), serverproperty ( ‘NumLicenses’ ) giving result
What does it mean?
I want to check either I can use this sql server in production or how to check the sql server licenses.
All replies
I am sure that if its not a ‘developer’ edition or a beta version of SQL Server, you can use it in a commerical environment.
- Proposed as answer by Gary Cowan — MCITP Friday, April 8, 2011 5:07 PM
SERVERPROPERTY(‘LicenseType’) returns the Mode of this instance of SQL Server.
PER_SEAT = Per Seat mode
PER_PROCESSOR = Per-processor mode
DISABLED = Licensing is disabled (This will be returned for MSDN or TechNet License or SQL Express or Evaluation or Developer Edition)
SERVERPROPERTY(‘NumLicenses’) —
Number of client licenses registered for this instance of SQL Server if in Per Seat mode.
Number of processors licensed for this instance of SQL Server if in per-processor mode.
Returns NULL when the server is none of these.
MSDN Licenses should be used for Development and Testing and cannot be used for Production, similarly TechNet License should be used for Evaluation purposes