Microsoft Product Activation
Microsoft includes product activation technology in some products that are sold through original equipment manufacturer (OEM), retail, and Volume Licensing channels.
For the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 operating systems, Volume Licensing customers must use a new type of activation, called Volume Activation 2.0. In the future, Volume Activation 2.0 technology will also be included in other Microsoft products.
Volume Activation 1.0 (VA 1.0) is the first generation of Volume License Keys (VLKs). These keys bypass product activation.
Volume Activation 2.0
Microsoft is introducing new product activation technology in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. The new technology, Volume Activation 2.0, is designed to automate and manage the activation process while addressing the piracy and product key management problems associated with keys issued for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.
Volume Activation 2.0 provides two types of keys:
| • | Multiple Activation Key (MAK) |
| • | Key Management Service (KMS) key |
You can use either or both types of key to activate your computers.
Multiple Activation Key
There are two activation methods for the Multiple Activation Key:
| • | Proxy Activation. By using the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), you can activate multiple computers at the same time by using a single connection to Microsoft servers over the Internet or phone. |
| • | Independent Activation. Each computer is activated individually by connecting to Microsoft servers over the Internet or phone. |
The MAK is installed on all client and server computers that need to be activated by using a MAK. Each MAK has a specified number of activations associated with it, based on your Volume Licensing agreement type. You can increase the number of activations by contacting your Microsoft Activation Center. For more information about the VAMT, click Windows Vista in the Technical Deployment section on this page.
Key Management Service
The KMS key is used to activate computers against a service that you can host in your environment, so you don't have to connect to Microsoft servers. To activate computers by using KMS, you must have a minimum number of physical computers. The KMS key is installed on the host computer only.
Before you activate the KMS host, consider the following:
| • | To activate Windows Vista, you must have at least 25 computers running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 that are connected together; for Windows Server 2008, the minimum is 5 computers. |
| • | Computers that are activated through KMS must be reactivated every six months by connecting to your organization's network. |
Important: How your organization plans to use and manage the keys is a critical part of the deployment process. It is important that you read the Volume Activation 2.0 documentation, which provides information you will need during the planning process.
Download the Volume Activation documentation (Overview, Deployment, and Planning guides)
Get answers to questions about Volume License Keys for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
Volume License Keys
Volume License Keys enable your organization to use the software and products that you have licensed.
Learn more about Volume License Keys and view a list of products that have keys
Technical Deployment
For technical deployment details, review the deployment guides for the following products:
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Learn More
MAK and KMS Volume License Keys and Their Activation Limits – Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft Word file, 57.5 KB)
Review general information about Volume License Keys for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, and find out how to obtain more activations on each key.
If you have questions about Volume Licensing key activation, contact your Microsoft Activation Center. (The Activation Centers cannot answer technical support questions.)
Get answers to your technical support questions.
Get Information About Genuine Microsoft Software
Learn more about how Microsoft is working to protect consumers against counterfeit and pirated software.