Volume Activation (KMS, MAK, ADBA, AVMA)
Lots of questions and calls for help in the TechNet forums, on the topic of Volume Activation, are related to "which OS can act as KMShost for product/version XYZ?", and, "what patches do I need to setup a KMShost?"
These notes will hopefully help answer a lot of those questions, in one place, since the VA documentation is very comprehensive and there are nuggets of gold scattered in different places throughout TechNet Library, various blogs, KB articles and the MS Download Centre!
Volume Activation
AVMA (Automatic Virtual Machine Activation)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn303421.aspx
VAMT (Volume Activation Management Tool)
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-au/library/hh824953.aspx
Can't add CSVLKs for Windows 10 activation to VAMT 3.1 https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3094354
ADBA (Active-Directory-based Activation)
- Windows8/2012: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn502534.aspx
- Office2013: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn385361.aspx
KMS (Key Management Service)
KMShost OS-to-product key table (What product keys can I use on my KMShost if my KMShost OS is....?)
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn502537(v=ws.11).aspx
KMS Host keys to Products
| KMShost OS is \/ | KMShost key type: WinVista | KMShost key type: Win7 | KMShost key type: Win8.0 | KMShost key type: Win8.1 | KMShost key type: Win10 | KMShost key type: WS2008 | KMShost key type: WS2008R2 | KMShost key type: WS2012 | KMShost key type: WS2012R2 | KMShost key type: WS2012R2 + Win10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinVista | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | |
| Win7 | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| Win8.0 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| Win8.1 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| Win10 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | |
| WS2003 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | |
| WS2008 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | |
| WS2008R2 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| WS2012 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| WS2012R2 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) |
(#) symbol in above table denotes that an update package must be installed to the KMShost machine, see below KB articles
| KMShost OS is \/ | KMShost key type: Office2010 | KMShost key type: Office2013 | KMShost key type: Office2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinVista | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | |
| Win7 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| Win8.0 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| Win8.1 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| Win10 | Cannot be KMShost | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| WS2003 | Can be KMShost(#) | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | |
| WS2008 | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | Cannot be KMShost | |
| WS2008R2 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| WS2012 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | |
| WS2012R2 | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) | Can be KMShost(#) |
(#) symbol in above table denotes that an update package must be installed to the KMShost machine, see below KB articles
Update packages needed to implement KMShost services
An update is available that installs Key Management Service 1.1 for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and later versions
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948003
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- KMS clients that are running Windows Server 2008
- KMS clients that are running Windows Vista
An update is available that installs Key Management Service (KMS) 1.2 for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) and for later versions of Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968915
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)
An update is available for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 to extend KMS activation support for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968912
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)
An update is available for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS hosts to support Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2691586
[superseded by http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2757817]
Update adds support for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS hosts
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2757817
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows 8
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista
Update adds support for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 clients to Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 KMS hosts
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2885698
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows 8
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows 8.1
- Windows Server 2012 R2
Update that enables Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 KMS hosts to activate a later version of Windows
This update extends the KMS for Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 to enable the activation of a later version of Windows-based clients. (Windows 10)
http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3058168
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows 8
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows 8.1
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows 10
July 2016 update rollup is required for WS2012R2 KMS Hosts to activate WS2016 KMS Clients:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3172614
Update that enables Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS hosts to activate Windows 10
This update extends KMS for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 to enable the activation of Windows 10-based clients.
Note This hotfix is the prerequisite to enable Windows 10 client KMS activations on a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS host. After you install this hotfix, the Windows 10 host key (CSVLK) can be installed and activated on the Windows 7 KMS host, and the "Windows Srv 2012R2 Data Ctr/Std KMS for Windows 10" host key (CSVLK) can be installed and activated on the Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS host.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3079821
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2008
Windows 7
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows 8
Windows Server 2012
Windows 8.1
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows 10
[to find your WS2012R2 KMS Host product key suitable for issuing activations to Windows 10
Logon to the MSFT VLSC Website www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter
Relationship Summary
pick your Active Licensing ID
Product Keys
Windows Srv 2012R2 DataCtr/Std KMS for Windows 10
For Microsoft Office KMS Hosts
Microsoft Office 2010 KMS Host License Pack
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=25095
WS2003 requires KMS v1.1 or KMS v1.2 prior to installing the Office2010 KMShost pack.
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- - Office 2010 suites and applications
- - Visio 2010
- - Project 2010
Office2010 KMShost Supported Operating Systems:
- - Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 Windows Server 2003, Windows 7 (volume editions), or Windows Server 2008 R2.
- - NB: Windows Small Business Server 2003 is not supported.
Microsoft Office 2013 Volume License Pack
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35584
If your KMShost OS is Win7 or WS2008R2, requires KB2757817 prior to installing the Office2013 KMShost pack.
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- - Office 2013 suites and applications
- - Visio 2013
- - Project 2013
Office2013 KMShost Supported Operating Systems:
- - KMS Host: Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 (volume editions), Windows Server 2012, or Windows 8.
Active Directory-Based Activation:
- Set-up and Configuration: Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or newer.
- Domain controller: Active Directory Domain Services with the Windows Server 2012 schema installed.
WS2012R2 or Win8.1 can perform KMShost functions for Windows KMSclients of equal or lesser version without any updates/packs.
WS2012R2 or Win8.1 can perform KMShost functions for Office KMSclients only when the relevant Office KMShost pack is installed on the KMShost computer.
Microsoft Office 2016 Volume License Pack
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49164
If your KMShost OS is Win7 or WS2008R2, requires KB2757817 prior to installing the Office2016 KMShost pack.
Provides KMShost function for these KMSclients:
- - Office 2016 suites and applications
- - Visio 2016
- - Project 2016
Office2016 KMShost Supported Operating Systems:
- KMS Host: Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 (volume editions), Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012R2, Windows 8.1, Windows 10.
Active Directory-Based Activation:
- - Set-up and Configuration: Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or newer.
- - Domain controller: Active Directory Domain Services with the Windows Server 2012 schema installed.
WS2012R2 or Win8.1 or Win10 can perform KMShost functions for Windows KMSclients of equal or lesser version without any updates/packs.
WS2012R2 or Win8.1 or Win10 can perform KMShost functions for Office KMSclients only when the relevant Office KMShost pack is installed on the KMShost computer.
KMSclient product keys (Generic Volume License Keys):
- Windows GVLK: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867
- OFF2010 GVLK: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee624355(v=office.14)#section2_3
- OFF2013 GVLK: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn385360(v=office.15).aspx
** **
MAK
MAK activation scenarios do not include customer-hosted activation services (KMS, AVMA, ADBA), and must be activated via Microsoft online web services.
VAMT can be used in "MAK Proxy" situations, where the MAK-configured computer communicates indirectly with Microsoft online web services (via the VAMT computer).
Technet Library links:
- Volume Activation 2.0 (WinVista & WS2008): http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc303276.aspx#_Key_Management_Service
- Volume Activation 2.1 (Win7 & WS2008R2): http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff719787.aspx
- Volume Activation 3.0 (Win8 & WS2012): http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831612.aspx
- Volume Activation Office2010: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee624357(v=office.14).aspx#section2
- Volume Activation Office2013: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn385356.aspx
Blogs:
- Office Deployment Support: http://blogs.technet.com/b/odsupport/
- Ask PFE Platforms: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2013/02/04/active-directory-based-activation-vs-key-management-services.aspx
- Supporting Windows: http://blogs.technet.com/b/supportingwindows/archive/2013/03/14/installing-volume-activation-services-role-in-windows-server-2012-to-configure-adba.aspx
- AskCore: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2013/03/14/installing-volume-activation-services-role-in-windows-server-2012-to-setup-a-kms-host.aspx
- AskCore: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2013/03/14/windows-8-and-windows-server-2012-recommendations-for-activation.aspx
- AskCore: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askcore/archive/2015/02/23/kms-activation-high-level-overview.aspx
- Ask PFE Platforms: http://blogs.technet.com/b/askpfeplat/archive/2015/11/09/kms-migration-from-2008-r2-to-windows-server-2012-r2-and-kms-activation-known-issues.aspx
Useful Forum threads:
(telephone activation example, for non-internet-connected KMShost setup)