Windows Volume Activation

Learn about Windows product activation, and how to effectively manage the activation process in enterprise environments. Currently, these resources support volume licensed editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Key Resources

Top 5 Product Key Activation Challenges IT Pros Encountered and Solved

Top 10 Things You Should Know about Genuine Windows

Customizing Windows Vista Business Edition
Licensing, reimaging, and product activation considerations

Volume Activation 2.0 Reference Guide

Volume Activation 2.0 Planning Guide
Learn how to manage the activation process and choose the optimal activation model for your organization.

Volume Activation 2.0 Deployment Guide
Use these prescriptive deployment steps to delegate the activation process to your IT team or streamline your own implementation.

Volume Activation 2.0 Operations Guide
Troubleshoot common issues, recover from unlicensed states, and manage your selected volume activation model.

Volume Activation 2.0 FAQ

More resources in the TechNet Library…

Latest Content and Expert Advice

Sean_Deuby

Sean Deuby is a Microsoft MVP (Directory Services) and contributing author and editor for Windows IT Pro Magazine. Read his article on Volume Activation.

Featured Webcasts

Understanding Activation and Validation in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
Learn how Volume Activation 2.0 supports new types of license keys and several new modes of activation for customers.

Best Practices in Planning for and Deploying Volume Activation 2.0

Troubleshooting Activation and Validation Issues with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

Community Resources

Windows Vista Activation Forum

Overview

Volume Activation 2.0 Overview Guide
Learn about the fundamentals of product activation, volume licensing, and Volume Activation 2.0.

Volume Activation 2.0 Notable Changes
Understand the changes to Volume Activation 2.0 since the initial release of Windows Vista.

Volume Activation 2.0 Demo
Learn about Volume Activation 2.0 options (KMS and MAK), policies, and the new notification process which replaces RFM.

Volume Activation 2.0 FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions on Volume Activation 2.0 and how it works for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Implementing Volume Activation 2.0: Case Study
Learn how Microsoft IT implemented VA 2.0, from the early editions of Windows Vista to the market release of Windows Server 2008, and the lessons learned.

Product Activation for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

Advanced

Volume Activation 2.0 Technical Guidance
Technical documentation for planning, deployment, and operations of Volume Activation 2.0 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

Using Server Isolation to Help Protect Key Management Service (KMS) Hosts
Learn how to implement a secure KMS on widely shared networks for volume editions of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003.

KMS Setup Video
Learn how to set up the KMS host on a Windows Server 2008 computer, activate KMS clients with the KMS host, and review activation status.

Tools