A number of technologies are available in Windows client and server operating systems to simplify the task of configuring the distribution and management of an organization’s volume software licenses. These technologies include: • The Volume Activation Services server role Volume Activation Services is a server role Windows Server starting with Windows Server 2012 that enables you to automate and simplify the issuance and management of Microsoft software volume licenses for a variety of scenarios and environments. With Volume Activation Services, you can install and configure the Key Management Service (KMS) and enable Active Directory-based Activation. • Key Management Service (KMS) KMS is a role service that allows organizations to activate systems within their network from a server where a KMS host has been installed. With KMS, IT pros can complete activations on their local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to connect to Microsoft for product activation. KMS does not require a dedicated system, and it can be cohosted on a system that provides other services. By default, volume editions of Windows client and server operating systems connect to a system that hosts the KMS service to request activation. No action is required from the user. • Active Directory-based Activation Active Directory-based Activation is a role service that allows you to use Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) to store activation objects, which can further simplify the task of maintaining volume activation services for a network. With Active Directory-based Activation, no additional host server is needed, and activation requests are processed during computer startup. Any computers running a client or server operating system with a Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) that are connected to the domain will activate automatically and transparently. They will stay activated as long as they remain members of the domain and maintain periodic contact with a domain controller. ![]() Activation takes place after the licensing service starts. When this service starts, the computer running a Windows client or server operating system contacts AD DS automatically, receives the activation object, and activates without user intervention. Note AD DS must be at the schema level of Windows Server 2012 or newer to store activation objects. Domain controllers running earlier versions of Windows Server can activate clients after their schemas have been updated using the Windows Server 2012 version of Adprep.exe. For more information, see. • Volume Activation Tools console The Volume Activation Tools snap-in is installed with KMS and Active-Directory–based Activation. You can use the Volume Activation Tools console to install, activate, and manage one or more volume activation license keys in AD DS or on a KMS host. ![]() Other Microsoft volume activation technologies that can be used in conjunction with Windows server operating systems include: • Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) The VAMT is a free downloadable MMC snap-in that is included in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) that enables network administrators and other IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the Windows and Microsoft Office volume and retail activation process. VAMT can manage volume activation by using Multiple Activation Keys (MAKs) or the Windows Key Management Service (KMS). VAMT 3.0 includes all the major functionality of the previously released versions of VAMT, and it includes an improved interface, data storage in a SQL Server database for greater scalability and speed, new reporting options, the ability to use Windows PowerShell cmdlets, and new context-sensitive Help. In addition, VAMT 3.0 supports Active Directory-based Activation in addition to KMS and MAK activation. VAMT version 3.1 is included in the Windows ADK. For more information about VAMT, see, and • Multiple Activation Key (MAK) A MAK is a volume license key that is used for one-time activation with activation services that are hosted by Microsoft. There are two ways to use MAK to activate computers: • MAK independent activation Each computer must independently connect and be activated by Microsoft over the Internet or by telephone. • MAK proxy activation A computer that is acting as a MAK proxy gathers activation information from multiple computers on the network, and then sends a centralized activation request to Microsoft on their behalf. MAK proxy activation is configured by using the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT).
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