OEM Activation 3.0 system
The OEM Activation 3.0 (OA 3.0) system enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop an internal inventory management system to manage the ordering and receiving of Windows product keys and the creation and reporting process for the Computer Build Report through Microsoft-hosted web services or Microsoft Digital Operations Services (MDOS).
This content explains implementing and using the OA 3.0 tool on a manufacturing line to create a hardware association that joins a single Microsoft-issued Windows product key to a single computer.
OA 3.0 uses the following terms:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Computer Build Report | A report that the OEM generates for each manufactured computer at the OEM site, and then sends to Microsoft for processing. This report includes the header data, the hardware hash value, the product key ID, and any included optional information. |
| Hardware Association | A unique association that joins a single Microsoft-issued Windows product key to a single computer. The OA 3.0 Tool generates this value by using the hardware hash and the product key value. |
| Hardware Hash | A unique, hash value that represents the hardware component information for a specific computer. The OEM uses the OA 3.0 Tool to calculate and send this value, in addition to the product key ID, to Microsoft in the Computer Build Report. |
| OEM Activation 3.0 (OA 3.0) | The methodology by which an OEM can prepare a computer for the Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 end-user activation and validation process. |
| Product Key | The 25-character product key, formatted as XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX, which Microsoft provides to activate a single copy of Windows on a computer. |
| Product Key ID | A unique serial number that Microsoft provides. This number is associated with the product key. |
| Windows Activation and Validation Services (Windows AVS) | A Microsoft web service that validates the Windows operating system and finishes the activation process after an end user completes the out-of-box experience (OOBE) process. |
Applies to
This information applies to Windows 10, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, and later versions.