Change SQL Server License
How to Change the SQL Server License Key
If you need to add or update your Microsoft SQL Server serial number, and want to know how, this article is for you. This also applies to anyone upgrading from a different edition of Microsoft SQL such as Developer Edition to Standard or Enterprise Editions.
Open the SQL Server Installation Manager
Open the SQL Server installation media and run ‘setup.exe’
OR
If you have SQL already installed, then you can also launch “Installation Center” by going to Start->Programs ->Microsoft SQL Server 2019->Configuration Tools-> SQL Server Installation Center[(64-bit)].
Edition Upgrade
Click on the Maintenance tab from left side pane. You can see multiple options in the right-side pane. Select first option Edition Upgrade as shown in below image and click Next.
Enter New SQL License
Once you click on the Edition upgrade button, the next window will ask you to enter the License Key or product Key of SQL Server Instance. Enter your Product Key and hit next.
Accept and Continue
Accept License Term and Condition and Click on Next button to proceed.
Select the SQL Instance
Select the SQL Server Instance for which you are going to change license key if you have multiple instances and Click on Next button.
Rules Check
The installer will check all rules for edition upgrade. If all the rules show as passed, you are good to go ahead. If you are getting any warning or error, verify and try to fix it before going with the next step. If all rules pass, click Next.
Upgrade
You are all ready to upgrade the edition. Click on the Upgrade button
Confirm Installation
Once License gets updated successfully, you will see all green check in the below image.
Confirm Active License
To Validate what license your SQL Server is using, follow these steps:
Note: Be careful when you browse the Registry Editor with the following steps to locate SQL Server key value. Do not delete or modify any registry keys without first backing up:
Note: Registry paths may differ depending on the SQL Server Version
Right-click the Windows icon and select “search”.
Type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
Navigate to the path and find the ProductCode value:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\Setup
Double-click the ProductCode value, then, you can view the SQL Server key.
Technical Support
If you have any questions or experience unexpected behavior, feel free to reach out to MLC CAD Systems technical support.