How to Ensure ePKEA Activation Allocation is Not Exhausted?

Question

We use ePKEA product keys to activate Windows for our customers. Currently, we use SLMGR.vbs /cpky to remove the product key from the registry to prevent ePKEA from being exposed to attacks and to ensure that our ePKEA activation allocation is not exhausted.

However, the following registry entries still store the ePKEA product key:

• Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DefaultProductKey2

• Registry Values: DigitalProductId, DigitalProductId4

1. Will deleting the entire registry key(HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DefaultProductKey2)affect Windows activation?
2. Will deleting only the two registry values (DigitalProductId and DigitalProductId4) affect Windows activation?

Answer 1

Hello,

It is recommended that you do not manually delete registry keys or values ​​related to product activation.

Deleting the entire registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DefaultProductKey2 will delete all information related to the product key. This usually causes Windows to think that there is no valid activation key, resulting in Windows not being activated.

Deleting only the two registry values ​​DigitalProductId and DigitalProductId4 will also affect the activation status. These two values ​​are used to store some important information during the activation process, including but not limited to the activation status and partially encrypted key information. Deleting these values ​​may cause Windows to request activation again.

Recommended:

Use slmgr.vps /cpky: This command is used to remove the product key from the system, but it will not affect the existing activation status. Therefore, this is a relatively safe way to protect the product key from being abused while retaining the current activation status.

Use KMS activation: If there are multiple machines that need to be activated, you can consider using a KMS (Key Management Service) server for centralized management. This method does not require permanent product keys to be stored on each machine but activates multiple machines through a KMS server on the network.

Enhanced security: Ensure only authorized users can access systems containing product keys and take necessary security measures to prevent key disclosure.

Best Regards,

Yanhong Liu

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