Volume Activation Overview

  • Article

Applies To: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2

This technical overview for the IT professional lists the various volume activation technologies in the Windows client and Windows Server operating systems and directs you to detailed information about how and when to use them.

Volume activation overview

The following technologies are available to simplify the task of configuring the distribution and management of an organization’s volume software licenses for both Windows client and Windows Server operating systems:

  • The Volume Activation Services server role

  • Key Management Service (KMS)

  • Active Directory-based Activation

  • Volume Activation Tools console

  • Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT)

  • Multiple Activation Key (MAK)

  • Automatic Virtual Machine Activation

For detailed information about these technologies and how to use them, see the following topics in the Windows Server TechNet Library:

See also