How to update an existing KMS Host (based on Windows Server 2008)

Last week it was needed to update an existing KMS host. This because new Operating Systems based on Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 (both Windows 6.3) must be activated. Because an error message is displayed on Windows Server 2008, an hotfix must be installed first before importing the key. Let's have a look.

KMS (Key Management Service) activates computers on a local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to connect to Microsoft. To do this, KMS uses a client–server topology. Commands for setting up a KMS host can be found here: Key Management Services (KMS) explained. When using Windows Server 2008, an update is needed to activate Windows 6.3 systems.

This update extends KMS for Windows Vista, for Windows Server 2008, for Windows 7, and for Windows Server 2008 R2 to enable the enterprise licensing of Windows 8 / 8.1 and of Windows Server 2012 / R2. The update can be found here: Microsoft Support. After installing the update it's possible to update the KMS host finally.

Other blogposts about KMS available:
Using KMS Client Setup Keys during deployment  
Usage of Microsoft Office 2010 KMS Host License Pack
Usage of Microsoft Office 2013 KMS Host License Pack