I have some Questions about KMS…

[AlteredAdmin]

I just took over KMS from another admin that is leaving, I got the basics from him, but wanted to ask some questions to make sure I understand what’s going on here, as I have never managed a KMS server before.

 

 

We needed to add the key for server 2022, from my understanding this will also activate win11 win10 and previous versions of server and desktop. For example, “the KMS host key Windows Srv 2019 allows you to activate all previous versions of Windows, starting from Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2.” I would assume the same for win server 2022 standard key form VLSC?

 

 

When Guides/blogs refer to KMS host key, they are talking about the Host key one gets from the VLSC? So, if I want servers and desktops to be activated I just get the key for Windows Server 2022 standard and import that?

 

 

The commands I used was the below, is this standard procedure on how to do this? And I fell like those command is for KMS/DNS not KMS/AD.

 

 

.\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /ipk 12345-33333-55555-ZZZZZ-XXXXX
.\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /ato
.\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /dlv

Mostly Followed this guide: https://theitbros.com/activate-windows-with-kms-server/

 

 

If the above is for KMS/DNS what are the commands for KMS/AD (Yes, I know I need enterprise admin). I know one can use “Volume Activation Tools” to add the Key for AD, but how does one do it from the command line? I know we use both KMS/DNS and KMS/AD, as we can find records for both.

 

 

After running the above commands my test windows server 2022 did activate after a reboot. However why do I hear some people say you need to run 5-25 clients before the KMS will activate them. For example, I would need to spin up 25 windows 2022 server before KMS would kick in?

 

 

A question about he VLSC, we are EDU So how long before Windows 11 ISO is released on there? I already see it in SCCM an servicing update…

 

 

Thanks in advance, just need some these cleared up to have a better understanding.

 

 

-AA

Edited October 6, 2021 by AlteredAdmin

[computer_expert]

At this point I would look at ADBA rather than KMS.

 

The host key from VLSC is the one that goes into your KMS or ADBA server. Use these keys to activate clients that connect to your KMS/ADBA servers.

 

There are thresholds before your KMS/ADBA server will activate clients (5 instances for server stuff and 25 for Win7-10. Office has a separate count which I think is something like 25 too).

[AlteredAdmin]

At this point I would look at ADBA rather than KMS.

 

The host key from VLSC is the one that goes into your KMS or ADBA server. Use these keys to activate clients that connect to your KMS/ADBA servers.

 

There are thresholds before your KMS/ADBA server will activate clients (5 instances for server stuff and 25 for Win7-10. Office has a separate count which I think is something like 25 too).

 

But when you say "host key from VLSC" this is the windows server key correct? there is not a Single KMS key you get form VLSC?

[computer_expert]

But when you say "host key from VLSC" this is the windows server key correct? there is not a Single KMS key you get form VLSC?

 

It's been a few years since I've done it, but I think you now have to email MS to get the KMS host key added to your VLSC account otherwise you only get MAK keys listed.

 

Edit - it used to be the case where you could email but you now have to fill in a form

Edited October 6, 2021 by computer_expert

[AlteredAdmin]

It's been a few years since I've done it, but I think you now have to email MS to get the KMS host key added to your VLSC account otherwise you only get MAK keys listed.

 

Edit - it used to be the case where you could email but you now have to fill in a form

 

I see KMS keys under the products, for example i click windows server 2022 standard i see KMS keys, i just want to make sure those are the ones I'm supposed to use. And there is not a product called "KMS host key" if that makes sense.

[computer_expert]

I no longer have access to VLSC but as long as the keys don't say MAK next to them you should be fine. KMS host key is just a term to differentiate from the client keys I posted above.