You create this activation object by submitting a KMS host key to Microsoft, as shown in Figure 10. To allow computers with GVLKs to activate themselves, use the Volume Activation Tools console, or the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) in earlier versions of Windows Server to create an object in the AD DS forest. When this service starts, the computer contacts AD DS automatically, receives the activation object, and is activated without user intervention. Activation takes place after the Licensing service starts.
They'll stay activated as long as they remain members of the domain and maintain periodic contact with a domain controller.
After the schema is updated, older domain controllers can still activate clients.Īny domain-joined computers running a supported OS with a Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) will be activated automatically and transparently. Active Directory-based activation requires that you update the forest schema using adprep.exe on a supported server OS. Are you looking for information on retail activation?Īctive Directory-based activation is implemented as a role service that relies on AD DS to store activation objects.
