View kms keys on kms server This process is essential if you want to switch to a retail license or if you face issues related to unauthorized activations. This server advertises itself via DNS using a Service (SRV) record (_VLMCS. From my experience, the clients don't have to be domain joined for KMS activation to work. This updated tutorial teaches how to activate Windows and Office products using KMS. (Running on a DC with Windows 2008 R2) I would like to add Visio Premium 2010 (I obtained a KMS key). Jun 5, 2022 · If you are converting a computer from a KMS host, MAK, or retail edition of Windows to a KMS client, install the applicable product key (GVLK) from the list below. Jul 7, 2025 · Slmgr. To resolve this issue, follow these steps on the computer (s) in question, replace the KMS product key and convert it to a KMS or MAK client: Open an elevated command prompt. Sep 13, 2024 · Hi There, We have our working KMS services currently running in Windows 2012 R2 server and we are looking to plan for migration to 2019 OS. When I configured the KMS Host I used an Office 2010 KMS Host key and activated the server with that key. Starting with Windows Server 2008 & Windows Vista, Microsoft switched to an online activation system where every Windows OS requires activation. How do I get that added to my account? Any KMS server key will activate any number of clients, given the normal minimum requirements are met to trigger KMS to start activating client requests. I installed the key by using following command slmgr. Nov 13, 2024 · Yes my 2022 kms host is 21H2 February 13, 2024 - KB5034765 or later cumulative update is needed on a 2022 kms host server to activate 2025, and you also need to install your 2025 kms key (and activate it) on the 2022 server (that was my issue). Caution When you activate Windows or Windows Server with a KMS host, the keys provided here are intended for volume licensing scenarios and can't be used with retail editions. If you installed a retail copy of Windows, you must use another activation method, like a MAK or by purchasing a genuine retail license. What Are KMS Servers? Nov 18, 2024 · Here, you can find the Product Keys for activating Windows. Key Management Services (KMS) activation planning for Windows Server Learn how to plan for Key Management Services (KMS) activation in Windows Server. vbs script). Feb 21, 2025 · Hi Team, We recently launched 2025 in my environment and would like to configure KMS server, kindly suggest. Feb 1, 2013 · KMS is a service that runs on Windows Server (or windows 7) that activates operating systems and/or Office installaions on your local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to activate directly with Microsoft. You can use AWS Management Console or the AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) API to view AWS KMS keys in each account and Region, including KMS keys that you manage and KMS keys that are managed by AWS. These are MAK keys and we want to activate through a KMS server. Oct 4, 2016 · The KMS server was first introduced with Windows Vista as an easy activation service for IT pros. We have been running KMS for a while now and I am curious what clients are currently using this licensing method. To activate a client, it should have a special public KMS installation key (shown below). With this support, it may become necessary to deprecate or decommission one of the KMS servers. Request: I'm looking for a script that that I can run against my environment that will tell me the following about the servers: Server name OS Windows license activated with KMS or MAK key Bonus points if it can tell me if it is activated currently. The KMS server is Windows Server 2019. log This tells me what keys are installed but it's not telling me how many are used and how many total we have free. com Jun 5, 2024 · Checking Windows License Status and KMS Configuration with PowerShell In this blog post, I will walk you through a PowerShell script that helps you check the current license status of a Windows host, verify if it’s using a Key Management Service (KMS), determine if it’s part of a domain, and check the DNS KMS settings if applicable. Feb 24, 2025 · Install and configure the Volume Activation Services role on Windows as described in the post How to deploy KMS host on Windows Server. Includes KMS key setup, DNS verification, and troubleshooting tips. Yet, when it’s time to retire an old KMS server and spin up a new one, understanding each step clearly can help you avoid downtime and activation issues. GitHub Gist: instantly share code, notes, and snippets. If you installed windows with a MAK key and need to change it to KMS or just installed windows and need to activate it with your KMS server, read our post. Previously, the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) provided KMS host keys. MS articles not helping nor outdated or very updated acfroding to Office 2013 environment. (Enterprise or Professional) ACQUIRING THE KMS KEYS There are two keys you need to obtain in order to activate your Windows 10 clients using KMS. microsoft. May 21, 2024 · Whenever possible, use the most recent Windows Server KMS host key on your KMS server. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Where <KMS Client Key> is the appropriate key for your operating system from the following site: Please view Appendix A: KMS Client Setup Keys for more information. . NetBackup 8. Kindly assist us with the steps to go… May 20, 2019 · The location for the KMS Host Key is the same as Windows Server 2016. Jun 2, 2024 · KMS servers list: Managing software licenses is super important in IT systems. Please first update to Professional edition if you want to activate Windows. However… In this video, we go over how to configure and install a KMS (Key Management Services) server within Windows Server 2022. This guide covers everything from KMS Server Setup to KMS Server Management. Warming: This won't work with Home editions. vbs script to manage and view the license configuration. A KMS server is a network service that activates Microsoft products on a local network. ) How do I add a new key to the pool? My manager is asking me how many unused licenses do we have on our KMS server for Server 2019 and Windows 10 and Office 2019. The KMS host key can activate up to six KMS hosts with 10 activations per host. These keys are public and accessible to everyone on Microsoft TechNet. This article provides a comprehensive guide on locating Mar 10, 2017 · If you’re searching for Windows Server Licensing and Activation Details of your Windows machine you can use following statements May 14, 2025 · The success of the activation process for a computer running Windows can be monitored in several ways. KMS shifts the activation requirement KMS is online activation, the server has a KMS servicing key and once the right amount of clients are in it will fully activate and rarely phone home. Jul 25, 2024 · Learn how to use the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) to activate Key Management Service (KMS) client keys or Generic Volume License Keys (GVLKs). Nov 17, 2025 · To obtain KMS keys for Windows Server 2025, you typically need to access the Product Keys section of the Volume Licensing Service Center. GVLK Keys for Microsoft Office 2021/2019/2016 All corporate Office 2021/2019/2016 versions are installed with Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK). The KMS server centralizes activation, reducing the administrative overhead associated with managing individual product keys. May 15, 2013 · Hi, At the moment I already have a KMS Server which activating Windows 7s and Office 2010s with no problem. Jan 13, 2020 · KMS server Windows. Nov 14, 2025 · Windows Product Keys. Apr 3, 2020 · Windows 8 Windows 8. Key Management Services (KMS) activation planning for Windows Server Learn how to plan for Key Management Services (KMS) activation in Windows KMS Introduction The Microsoft Key Management Server (KMS) is part of the Microsoft Volume Activation 2. May 30, 2025 · A Key Management Service (KMS) host key is used to activate the KMS host computer with a Microsoft activation server. Mar 19, 2019 · Here is a quick few steps to get your KMS server ready to activate Windows Server 2019. CLIENT KEYS The… Oct 5, 2009 · I just found out that I’ve had a KMS host running this whole time and didn’t know it. For more information, see Specifying server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS). See full list on learn. Do you have a newly installed server and are wondering how to validate the Windows license Server? It may seem like a complicated process, especially if you are encountering terms like KMS, volume licenses or activation via command line. You need to find the key on the Microsoft Volume License Service Center. 1 and Windows 8 KMS hosts to activate a later version of Windows 2 days ago · Activate Windows and Office Using KMS Server. It uses a client-server architecture, where the KMS server acts as the activation server, and the client machines connect to it to activate Apr 14, 2025 · See how to create a Key Management Services (KMS) activation host that you can use for volume activation on Windows Server and Windows KMS clients. vbs is a Visual Basic script included in Windows that serves as a command-line tool for managing the operating system's licensing and activation. Traditionally KMS has Jan 23, 2024 · Understanding Microsoft KMS Keys and Volume Activation Microsoft KMS keys play a crucial role in the volume activation of software products. Finding the correct KMS server is essential for deploying and maintaining properly licensed Microsoft software. Using the Slmgr /dlv command on a client computer or on the KMS host. Server is hosted in our vcenter host and need a plan to execute this. The update is not only for KMS Server, it should have any domain controller and the server with installed Server-Manager and Volume Activation Tools. This command allows administrators to replace existing keys, set KMS (Key Management Service) hosts and ports, activate product keys, and more. Aug 29, 2022 · What is a KMS Server A KMS server is used to manage Microsoft product activation, which includes both Windows Servers and clients operating systems and Microsoft Office products, within an organization’s domain. Now I would like to add the ability to activate Windows 7 client computers using the existing KMS Host server. Oct 6, 2021 · I would assume the same for win server 2022 standard key form VLSC? When Guides/blogs refer to KMS host key, they are talking about the Host key one gets from the VLSC? So, if I want servers and desktops to be activated I just get the key for Windows Server 2022 standard and import that. If you already have a KMS host on Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019, you can use this existing server (in this case, this section can be skipped). Note that a Windows KMS key will also continue to Activate old servers such as Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 R2. The KMS clients that a KMS host can activate are dependent on the host key used to activate the KMS host. Nov 29, 2021 · The KMS server was OK, I only needed to install a new Windows 2022 KMS key in the KMS server. Aug 31, 2016 · Note Installations of KMS on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8. A KMS Key is used to activate the KMS host computer with a Microsoft activation server and can activate up to six KMS hosts with 10 activations per host. KMS server successfully activating server 2016 and older devices. Amazon S3 uses server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS) to encrypt your S3 object data. Jan 6, 2018 · A lot of people build their images with MAK keys, and as they grow, they want to switch over to using KMS keys aka Volume License Keys. KMS clients connect to a KMS server, called the KMS host, for activation. Equally if you have a machine that doesn’t seem to read the KMS server _vlmcs srv records from DNS then check this. fenton. The KMS host must reside on your local network. Has been working well but i hate to admit, that i am not entirely sure what the desktop support team has been doing with Jan 10, 2019 · I have an existing Windows Server 2012 R2 configured as a KMS Host server currently activating Office 2010 installations. They activate just fine on a per-server basis, but when I tried installing AD Based Activation in this new domain, it said the key is a non-KMS host key. In the past we'd pull out a KMS host key from VLSC (which they stopped using near the end and you had to have support enable for you to even get one) and setup a KMS host or now i believe it's putting the KMS Host key into AD based activation. Since then, each new release of Windows and Office provided a necessary update to KMS server, in order to keep offering activation keys to Windows and Office clients. GVLKs are the default product keys used by the volume-license editions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server Sep 11, 2025 · An overview of the Key Management Service (KMS) tool. vbs options for obtaining volume activation information. Feb 23, 2016 · Updated: February 23, 2016 Applies To: Windows 10, Windows 8. I used Volume Activation Tools on Windows Server 2012 R2 and KB3058168. For a full list of options, see Slmgr. Feb 17, 2025 · Conclusion Setting up a KMS server provides a centralized and efficient way to manage product activation within your organization. Jan 9, 2013 · Hi, Is there a way to get the KMS key for office from the KMS server. Nov 29, 2024 · Configure a KMS host computer to activate volume licensed versions of Office - Office Provides Office admins with steps to configure the Key Management Service (KMS) host computer to activate volume licensed versions of Office, Project, and Visio. We have misplaced our keys. Us… If the KMS host activation has been successful, you will see the values VOLUME_KMS_WS16 channel and License Status: Licensed. If you browse the registry with regedit and go to the following key: Aug 7, 2015 · Wait, I was able to use the SLMGR command to change the server 2012 KMS host key to the Windows Srv 2012R2 DataCtr/Std KMS for Windows 10…But I am still not able to add the client keys to the KMS host under the activation tools. After the page loads, click Product Keys. If the computers the organisation wants to activate using KMS are using any of these operating systems and the network allows DNS auto-discovery, no further configuration is needed. To install a client product key, open an administrative command prompt on the client, and run the following command and then press Enter: Jul 9, 2025 · I have an active volume license for Windows Server 2022/2025. vbs /ipk AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE Q1 May 15, 2019 · All fixes for Windows Server 2016 are cumulative. The consensus is that a K May 26, 2016 · Active Directory Activation makes it possible to store activation object within the Active Directory schema, therefore simplifying the management of licenses within a Windows-based infrastructure. KMS Server Logs The KMS server logs its activities in a dedicated event log called Key Management Service, located under Application and Services Logs in the Event Viewer. Instead of individually activating each machine, KMS enables a central activation server to distribute licenses across the network. Open ”Volume Activation Tools” on the server where you installed the role. Each KMS host can activate an unlimited number of computers. Learn how to set up a KMS server to activate Microsoft Office LTSC editions. It allows you to install and change product keys, activate Windows, and check its current activation or licensing status. Click License. Dec 20, 2022 · We have ordered 90 Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 Upgrade licenses to upgrade our Windows 10 Pro clients. Is this something I go back to the VAR about? May 14, 2025 · Volume activation can be performed via Key Management Service (KMS). Jan 14, 2022 · We want to install a KMS server and implement these 2 KMS keys to activate our workstations. The release of Windows 10 KMS activation and Office 2016 activation […] Mar 15, 2024 · Install KMS Host Role on Windows Server To deploy your own KMS server, you must install the Volume Activation Services role on any of the hosts running Windows Server 2022, 2019, or 2016. Is this possible? because we are dealing with the same product in the same domain and with only one KMS server. Oct 8, 2019 · One colleague was wondering about the licenses on our KMS server. _TCP). WARNING Apr 10, 2025 · Understanding KMS Servers Before we dive into the process of manually connecting to a KMS server, it’s essential to understand what a KMS server is and how it works. Mar 4, 2025 · What is KMS? Key Management Service (KMS) is a Microsoft service that allows organizations to activate Windows and Microsoft Office products in bulk using a centralized activation server. GVLK Keys for Windows Server 2022, 2019 and Windows 10 LTSC Jun 1, 2023 · This article describes how KMS technology works and how you can use it to activate Microsoft volume licensing products. 0 solution managing Windows OS activation keys and performs activation for supported clients automatically. Since installing the additional key activations work for Windows 2022 using the Windows 2019 KMS host. Jan 7, 2020 · KMS stands for the abbreviation (Key Management Service) in which enterprises and big companies manage their Software, End user and Servers licenses keys through a single server (Called KMS) which automates the whole process of activation and eliminates the need for an individual or admin interfering to activate them. Cause: The two leading causes of this issue are: Windows cannot locate the KMS. All you should need to do is switch your clients from MAK keys to the default KMS key, make sure KMS is working (correct DNS record, etc), and you should be golden. KMS client keys won't activate or serve as a retail license key. The Microsoft Volume Licensing program allows enterprise customers to deploy an… Dec 19, 2024 · To determine what server is hosting the Key Management Service (KMS) in your network, the nslookup -type=srv _vlmcs. Apr 9, 2009 · Both the KMS server and its clients log events related to activation requests and responses, making the Event Viewer an essential tool for diagnosing issues. AWS KMS is a service that combines secure, highly available hardware and software to provide a key management system scaled for the cloud. com) go to Download and keys >search Server 2022 datacenter > click KEY > copy the KMS key Log in to your KMS Jan 24, 2012 · While home users and businesses using retail or MAK keys activate their copies of Office and Windows directly with Microsoft (either online or by phone), businesses have the option to install the Volume Activation Management Console (VAMT) to activate from a remote system or set up a KMS host (essentially an activation server). Thanks in advance Aug 25, 2023 · Provides Office admins with steps to configure the Key Management Service (KMS) host computer to activate volume licensed versions of Office, Project, and Visio. The detailed information can be found in the KMS section of the event log (look for the Event ID 12290). Enjoy :)Chapters0:00 Introduction0: May 14, 2025 · The Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) can be used to run volume activation using the Key Management Service (KMS). vbs which we used before to activate the license can be used to list the licenses on KMS server. I look in my M365 tenant and I can find MAC keys, but not a KMS Host key. You can use VAMT to activate Generic Volume Licensing Keys, or KMS client keys, on products accessible to VAMT. How KMS Activation Works KMS (Key Management Service) operates on a client-server principle within your network: KMS Host: A designated server is configured with a KMS key. Jun 5, 2022 · Disable publishing of DNS records KMS uses a client-server model to active Windows clients and is used for volume activation on your local network. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully deploy a KMS server and streamline the activation process for your Windows and Office clients. This server needs to remain on and active for check ins. This article walks you through the steps you need to create a KMS host. Nov 13, 2025 · This page shows you how to view your Cloud KMS keys by project. 3 release introduces support for External KMS servers. We dont use a KMS. To learn more, see Jun 25, 2025 · In many cases, Windows KMS hosts may be unintentionally set up by users who mistakenly entered a KMS host product key, instead of a Windows client product key. Jun 10, 2025 · Previously these computers needed to either use a retail key or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK), or physically connect to the network in order to activate their products by using Key Management Services (KMS). But don't worry, because here you'll discover Everything you need to correctly and error-free activate your Windows Server system. May 11, 2025 · KMS Activation Errors: 4 Ways to Fix Them KMS (Key Management Service) is a crucial component for businesses and organizations using Windows and Microsoft Office products. For more information about KMS and initial planning considerations, see Key Management Services (KMS) activation planning. It enables the volume activation of these products, allowing users to legally activate software using a multi-user license rather than individual serial keys. Retrieve KMS License Key from the VLSC for Windows Server 2019 To resolve this problem, follow these steps: Log on to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Later, I found that the same script slmgr. It also supports tasks such as extending the activation grace period (rearming) and troubleshooting activation-related Mar 4, 2007 · slmgr /ato (activate Windows Vista license and product key against Microsoft’s server) slmgr /upk (uninstall current installed product key and return license status back to trial state) slgmr /cpky (clear the product key from the registry to prevent disclosure attacks) slmgr /ilc <license file> (install license) Jul 2, 2025 · In enterprise environments leveraging volume licensing, the Key Management Service (KMS) plays a pivotal role in the activation of Microsoft products, notably Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office suites. I have cleaned up quite a bit but now not sure what to do about this KMS server. This article shows the installation for installing KMS through server roles on a Windows Server 2012 or Windows 2012R2 Server. Instead of entering individual product keys for each machine, KMS allows the products to communicate with a server to validate their authenticity. I have configured license activation to be done with Active Directory now as recommended. For more information, see Update that enables Windows 8. Feb 15, 2024 · Provides Office admins with steps to configure the Key Management Service (KMS) host computer to activate volume licensed versions of Office, Project, and Visio. The kms host Jan 16, 2024 · Key Management Services (KMS) client activation and product keys Find the Generic Volume License Keys (GVLKs) required to activate Windows and Windows Server editions using a Key Management Services (KMS) host. Jun 25, 2025 · To use Key Management Services (KMS), you need to have a KMS host available on your local network. Mar 1, 2024 · Afternoon all. Screenshot: Jan 9, 2013 · If you ever find yourself in the position whereby you need to enforce a machine to use a particular KMS server or port then read on. Aug 12, 2015 · Ok, I found my mistake. 77) January 18, 2018, 1:27pm 11 Apr 10, 2025 · This article delves into the essentials of setting up and activating a Windows KMS Server (Key Management Service), a crucial component for managing the To fix this error, you need to install the latest cumulative security updates on your Windows Server KMS host with the Volume Activation Services role. However, both of those require a KMS Host key, which, again, you don't get in the M365 portal. This article provides a Mar 27, 2013 · The process of installing the KMS host server I get, what I don’t get is can I install multiple KMS keys for different products on the same server? Logic is telling me no, and documentation is telling me that based upon the class of key I use (we’d need a B class, maybe upgrade to C class later) I can activate all the products below that class. Click Relationship Summary. The most popular methods include: Using the Volume Licensing Service Center website to track use of MAK keys. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll be able to effectively remove KMS activation and ensure your Windows May 20, 2021 · Summary The May 20, 2021 Windows updates extend the Key Management Service (KMS) for Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 to enable the activation of Windows Server 2022 long-term servicing channel (LTSC) when it becomes available. 3 also supports the use of multiple KMS servers, so it is possible that for one storage, the key is fetched from one KMS server and another storage can fetch a key from a different KMS server. It is used to activate the products which have been obtained through Volume Licensing. When I use the command below on the server, I get the following output: cscript slmgr. Online is defined as on network. Aug 22, 2022 · Try our Virtual Agent - It can help you quickly identify and fix common issues related to KMS and MAK activation This article describes common questions and issues that can arisse during Key Management Service (KMS) activations, and provides guidance for addressing the issues. I helped him look for a list of licenses on the KMS server. May 14, 2025 · Install the Volume Activation Services server role on a domain controller, then add a KMS host key by using the Volume Activation Tools Wizard. Is there a way to convert these keys? How can I use these upgrade licenses on… Problem: The Key Management Server (KMS) rejects periodic activation requests, and the Microsoft® Windows® operating system shows as unlicensed. I can easily pull the event logs from the server and comma delimited parse them in Jun 19, 2022 · KMS – Key Management Server (s) A Key management server is a service which provides activation on behalf of clients. How do I get a list of all thecomputers that this host has licensed? Apr 3, 2025 · The KMS clients that a KMS host can activate are dependent on the host key used to activate the KMS host. This article describes how users can become Windows Server Insiders members and test Windows Server Insiders Preview release builds. May 14, 2025 · Learn to use the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) to install Generic Volume License Key (GVLK), or KMS client, product keys. The server's clock differs from the KMS clock by more than four hours. Up until now, we have always downloaded the product key from the portal and typed it into out Windows server installations. A Key Management Service (KMS) activation tool emulates a KMS server to activate Microsoft Windows and Office products with volume licenses. Key Management Service (KMS) plays a vital role in activating Windows and Office products across an organization. Using google, I found this command: cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr. 1 Windows 10 Windows Server 2012 Windows Server 2012 R2 Windows Server 2016 Windows Server 2019 How to add your KMS key to Active Directory Add “Volume Activation Services” as a role on any server in your environment. Nov 1, 2022 · Own KMS server allows you to significantly simplify the process of activating Microsoft products on the corporate network and in contrast to a usual the activation process doesn’t require granting each computer an access to the Internet to Microsoft activation servers. These are You add a Key Management Server (KMS) to your vCenter Server system from the vSphere Web Client . The role of a KMS server needs to be installed on a Windows Server OS, which can then be Learn how to plan for Key Management Services (KMS) activation in Windows Server. 1, Windows Server 2012 R2 The following sections describe key scenarios for KMS and MAK activation. the Activations or Seats column then shows you your total activations available, and how many have been used, for each key. KMS Activation for Windows Server 2019 can be run from the following Operating Systems with the appropriate prerequisites: ** Note** – Updated on Dec 4, 2018 with latest KB’s resolving some known issues. I was able to activate my KMS key without problems. Jun 9, 2011 · Configuring KMS Clients By default, Volume Licensing edition of Windows Vista, Windows 7 , Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 are KMS clients. KMS can be hosted either on a client version of Windows or on Windows Server. Volume activation is a method that allows organizations to activate many copies of Windows and Office without entering a unique product key for each device. This key is sometimes referred to as the KMS client key, but it's formally known as a Microsoft Generic Volume License Key (GVLK). Key Management Service Servers (KMS) help simultaneously activate software like Windows and Office on many computers. You can find all posts within this series on our Volume Activation Dec 17, 2024 · It is essential for installing, activating, and managing Office product keys on a large scale, often used in corporate environments where Microsoft Office is rolled out across many devices. Sep 20, 2018 · Therefore, if you use the latest and greatest KMS host key (which is the Windows Srv 2012R2 DataCtr/Std KMS for Windows 10 key at the time of this post), it will activate all volume license versions of Windows that is Windows Vista and later up through Windows 10 and Windows Server 2008 and later up through Windows Server 2012 R2). Extend the domain schema level to Windows Server 2012 R2 or later, then add a KMS host key by using the VAMT. (more about the details a bit later) KMS Key – Key Management Server Key Aug 31, 2016 · Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 display the warning shown in [Figure 1] any time administrators install a KMS host key by using the UI (Users will not see this warning if they install a KMS host key by using the Slmgr. vbs /dlv Most recent activation information: Key… May 16, 2023 · Hello all, when i started working at my current employer 3 years ago it was a mess in the server world. This lets you activate all supported client and server OS in your network. To activate the KMS server, you must obtain your personal KMS host key (CSVLK) for your versions of Office from Microsoft. click on Key to expand your keys, and it will show you all your MAK and KMS keys. Learn how to find and use product keys for volume licensing products in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Dec 31, 2024 · The thread discusses whether a Windows Server KMS license server needs to run the latest OS version to activate newer servers. You can add a Key Management Server (KMS) to your vCenter Server system from the vSphere Client (HTML5-based client) or by using the public API. Although in some environment Key Management Service (KMS) will probably still be required, as AD Activation is only supported on Windows 8/Server 2012 and above at this time. May 18, 2016 · Just go into the Products and Keys section, and locate the specific product you want. Activation lasts for 180 days and attempts to renew with the KMS host every 7 days by default. Apr 13, 2015 · This is the second post in an ongoing series that discusses volume activation and management. Troubleshooting KMS Activation on Windows Server When managing a Windows Server environment, particularly for enterprises that deploy Microsoft products in bulk, understanding the Key Management Service (KMS) activation process is paramount. KMS hosts don't need to be dedicated servers, and KMS Jul 2, 2025 · Key Management Service (KMS) is a crucial component for volume license activation of Microsoft products within an organization. Windows 10 KMS Client Setup Keys… Feb 5, 2025 · Backing up existing keys – Before upgrading my KMS host to Windows Server 2022, how can I back up the existing KMS keys? Installing the new KMS Host key – After the upgrade, how do I install the new KMS Host key? Will the new KMS Host key be available in my Volume Licensing Portal, or is it a generic key found on the Microsoft portal? Sep 15, 2025 · This guide provides information about the KMS service, and suggests tools and approaches for troubleshooting activation issues in Windows Server. here is what i did, after verifying the KB update was installed, on the 2022 kms host server Jan 2, 2020 · So What is KMS ? KMS stands for the abbreviation (Key Management Service) in which enterprises and big companies manage their Software, End user and Servers licenses keys through a single server (Called KMS) which automates the whole process of activation and eliminates the need for an individual or admin interfering to activate them. Since you mentioned that you only see the MAK keys for 2025 in the Entra Admin console, it may be necessary to check the following: Jul 30, 2025 · Learn how to replace your Key Management Services (KMS) host in Windows Server. From the client perspective, you can use the slmgr. Click License ID of your current Active License. Windows Server 2016 Activation Using KMS Server After the activation, KMS server can activate computers running Windows Server 2016. Computers that are running volume licensing editions of Windows Server and Windows client Mar 7, 2025 · Removing KMS activation from Windows 10 involves disabling the Key Management Service (KMS) that is used to activate Windows on enterprise networks. I'm just getting to grips with a KMS server and was wondering if there's any way to see the keys that have already been added to the Host? Jan 18, 2018 · mikechoices1397 (Mike_Choices) January 18, 2018, 1:26pm 10 To view all KMS Keys Installed on a server run the following: cscript slmgr. I found a ton of documentation on how to use KMS specifically for Windows 10. What Does the Script Do? This PowerShell script performs Nov 21, 2022 · Discovers and Monitors: KMS Servers Key Monitoring Scenarios: KMS Service Idle Minutes Count Low Activation Count Initialization Failures DNS Failures Changes from the original Microsoft KMS MP: Added discovery support out of the box for KMS on WS2016 and 2019 servers Removed all manual reset monitors and switched to rules Useful commands on Windows 10 to manage enterprise activations with a KMS server, and using auto-discovery over DNS. Oct 14, 2025 · Provides Office admins with steps to configure the Key Management Service (KMS) host computer to activate volume licensed versions of Office, Project, and Visio. KMS uses a client-server model to active clients and is used for volume activation. Jan 13, 2019 · These KMS clients keys, also known as Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK), are public and can be found in the KMS Client Setup Keys page. May 12, 2022 · The Volume Activation Services role needs to be installed on the Windows KMS Server host. Install-WindowsFeature -Name VolumeActivation -IncludeAllSubFeature –IncludeManagementTools Sign in to Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) Volume Licensing Service Center (microsoft. Jul 25, 2024 · Activate Windows Server 2019 with KMS or the command line Running the Software License Manager from the command line or using Key Management Services for automatic activation can sidestep one hurdle to get going with Windows Server 2019. vbs /dli all >> c:\temp\KMS. ADBA provides a way to activate these products if the computers can join the company's domain. Mar 20, 2015 · How do I view all of the licenses our KMS server is using to activate our products? (Windows Server, Windows 7, Office, etc. Mar 17, 2025 · The following information outlines initial planning considerations that you need to review for Key Management Services (KMS) activation. Offline is done with MAK keys, they do not require a KMS server and phone back to MS for activation once. We started building 2019 Sep 19, 2018 · By count, we mean that this number of unique KMS clients had to have contacted the KMS host prior to the KMS host activating all KMS clients. Computers that activate with a KMS host need to have a specific product key. Microsoft verifies the KMS host key, and an activation object is created. Also, if there are clients activated with OEM/MAK keys do these count towards the KMS activation count or do I need to change all these keys to the Generic Volume Licensing Keys? Archived post. The KMS server is activated once, and in turn, clients will auto-locate and activate against the KMS service. This process uses a special setup involving a kms server and kms client computers. There are other scenarios that I have come across when you h… Oct 18, 2025 · Troubleshoot errors like KMS client computer will not activate, KMS hosts are unable to create SRV records on Host and client and more using these suggestions. You do have to go in and set the server location before you try to activate though. Back story: We have an environment with ~3,000 servers. Jan 3, 2025 · I downloaded the Windows Server 2025 ISO from my volume Licensing portal and am trying to activate it. KMS infrastructure is rather simple, reliable and easily scalable (a single KMS server can serve thousands of clients). It simplifies large-scale activations in enterprises but must comply with Microsoft’s licensing terms to avoid legal risks. Nov 2, 2019 · Add the highest level KMS host key as that will activate any version below that (eg Windows 2016 will activate Windows 2012, 10 etc) Once setup on new server, you can remove Vol Activation services from old server and delete the DNS record for the old _VLMCS under the TCP section for your domain. May 2, 2025 · How can I confirm whether my Windows Server 2022 is activated by my KMS server? my KMS server hostname is kms-srv01. 1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows Server 2012 must be updated in order to support activation of clients running Windows 10 or newer client or server operating systems. _tcp command should typically return the SRV record responsible for KMS. vbs /dli all fredfenton8653 (fred. Using Windows Apr 28, 2020 · Description The NetBackup 8. KMS hosts don't need to be dedicated servers, and KMS Aug 14, 2015 · Many enterprises use Key Management Service (KMS) to activate their Windows clients. anwt tgrx cfvb giij vhgi ynbokrnwh hzxmzu apou mowsz mrb qdcm dymisc irfvazxo ilk mzz