Windows 11 Pro Activation via KMS – Client-Side Requirements

Question

Hi,

Our goal is to activate all Windows 11 Pro devices in our organization using a KMS host server (Volume Activation). However, I’m unsure about the client-side requirements. Are the Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK) sufficient for activation alongside the KMS host server, or do we need to purchase Windows 11 Pro licenses before activating them via KMS?

I would appreciate any guidance on the correct process.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Hello，

Yes, the Generic Volume License Keys provided by Microsoft are what Windows 11 Pro clients use to activate via a KMS host.

Here are some guidance on the process：

1. Confirm Licensing Compliance

 • Verify that your organization has the proper Windows 11 Pro volume licenses.

 • The GVLK is intended for use with volume licensing; without a valid agreement, using these keys is not compliant with Microsoft’s licensing terms.

2. Prepare Your KMS Host

 • Set up a dedicated KMS host server that meets Microsoft’s hardware, operating system, and network requirements.

 • Install and activate the KMS Host Key on your KMS server using the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) or via slmgr commands (e.g., slmgr /ipk Your-KMS-Host-Key).

 • Ensure that your KMS server has proper DNS configuration—typically, it registers an SRV record automatically so clients can discover it without manual configuration.

3. Configure the KMS Host

 • Open the appropriate ports (by default, TCP port 1688) on your network and firewall so clients can communicate with the KMS server.

 • Confirm that the KMS host’s service is running and that it’s accepting activation requests.

 • Check that your KMS host has reached the activation threshold (usually 25 Windows clients for Windows 11 Pro) before it starts activating new client devices.

4. Prepare Your Client Devices

 • Ensure that Windows 11 Pro is installed on client machines using volume-licensed media or that you switch the installed product key to the GVLK provided by Microsoft for Windows 11 Pro.

  – In most volume deploy images the GVLK is already applied; if needed, you can set it manually via Command Prompt with:

   slmgr /ipk [Windows 11 Pro GVLK]

 • Verify that client devices are properly networked so that they can discover the KMS host. If they are not automatically detecting the KMS host via DNS, you can manually point clients to the host with:

   slmgr /skms KMS-host-name:port

5. Activate the Clients

 • Once the GVLK and KMS host details are set on the client, initiate activation by running:

   slmgr /ato

 • After a short wait (KMS clients try to renew activation every 7 days by default), verify that activation has been successful. Use these commands as needed:

   slmgr /dlv or slmgr /dli

 • Ensure that clients come online and can reach the KMS server. Note that if the KMS host has not met the minimum threshold, activation requests may be queued until the threshold is met.

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Answer 2

Hello,

Thank you for your help. Since using these keys does not comply with Microsoft licensing terms, what is the best method to activate all Windows clients using volume activation to ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms?