Not able to find KMS Host Key within the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Question

We’re in the process of rebuilding our KMS / Volume License Activation server, as our current instance is still running on Windows Server 2012 R2 and really needs to be retired.

However, we’ve hit a bit of a roadblock. All the documentation we can find states that new Customer Specific Volume License Keys (CSVLK) — the KMS Host Keys for both Microsoft Windows OS and Microsoft Office — should be available in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center via:

Billing → Your Products → Products & Services → Volume Licensing.

The issue is that this option simply isn’t available anywhere in our tenant.

We have searched extensively and, unfortunately, none of the official Microsoft documentation provides an alternative method or fallback process for retrieving additional KMS Host Keys if they are not present in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Every article and guide we’ve come across points to the same location, with no mention of scenarios where the keys are missing or how to request them through another channel.

Answer 1

Dear @Matthew McPherson,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A. 

Thank you for describing the situation so clearly, I understand how confusing it is when the documentation points to a specific place in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, but the “Volume Licensing” section simply doesn’t appear in your tenant.

Based on how Microsoft licensing normally works, KMS Host Keys (CSVLK) only show up in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center when the organization actually owns Windows or Office Volume Licensing entitlements.

They are not included with Microsoft 365 subscription‑based licenses (Business/E3/E5/Apps for Enterprise).

So, if the Billing > Products & Services > Volume Licensing option is missing, it usually means: Your tenant does not have active Volume Licensing agreements, KMS Host Keys are only issued for Windows VL editions (Windows 10/11 Enterprise, LTSC, Server), Office VL editions (Office LTSC 2019/2021).

These keys are not delivered through Microsoft 365 subscription plans, because subscription activation works differently and does not use KMS.

If your organization previously activated Windows or Office using KMS, the licenses must have come from a Volume Licensing agreement. In that case, the correct path now is Contact Microsoft Volume Licensing Support. They can verify your agreement and re‑issue your KMS Host Keys (CSVLK) if your organization is entitled to them.

For referent: Contact volume licensing support

I hope this information helps point you in the right direction. If you run into any issues while trying the steps, or if something still doesn’t feel quite right, please don’t hesitate to reach out again. I’ll do my best to support you however I can.  

Looking forward to hearing back from you with any updates or additional details. 

Warm regards, 

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Answer 2

If you are unable to find the KMS Host Key (Customer Specific Volume License Key or CSVLK) in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, there are a couple of steps you can take:

1. Check Permissions: Ensure that your account has the necessary permissions to view volume licensing keys. You may need to have the VL Administrator or Product keys reader role assigned to access these keys.
2. Contact Support: If the keys are still not visible, you should contact Microsoft support for assistance. They can help you retrieve your KMS Host Keys or provide guidance on alternative methods to obtain them.
3. Volume Licensing Service Center: Additionally, you can check the Volume Licensing Service Center for your keys, as they may also be available there depending on your licensing agreement.

If you continue to face issues, documenting your findings and reaching out to Microsoft support will be your best course of action to resolve the situation.